Can Bearded Dragons Eat Wax Worms?

Yes, wax worms can be eaten by bearded dragons, but they should be fed in moderation as they are high in fat and shouldn’t be a staple food.

Wax worms can be beneficial for malnourished bearded dragons or those that have gone off their staple food.

The wax worms are soft and small, so they’re easy to eat. You shouldn’t feed too many wax worms to an adult bearded dragon because feeding too many can make him obese later on.

A bearded dragon usually loves wax worms, and they can be good for a bearded dragon that’s malnourished, undereating, or has run off its staple food.

Nutritional Benefits Of Wax Worms For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragon
Credit: Michael Coghlan

Wax worms have been a staple in the bearded dragon diet for some time.

Although their protein content is not as high as other insects, they are still a valuable addition to the diet, providing essential fatty acids and vitamins, and a variety of micro-nutrients.

Wax worms also offer excellent gut health benefits due to their high calcium content.

This makes them an ideal supplement for bearded dragons who may not be able to fulfill their calcium requirement through other feeder insects or greens.

In terms of vitamin balance, wax worms offer important vitamins A and B12; however, they should only be used as part of an overall balanced diet that includes other feeder insects, fresh vegetables and fruit, and calcium supplements when needed.

While wax worms can provide nutritional benefits to bearded dragons in small quantities, it is important to remember that too much can lead to health complications such as obesity and malnutrition.

Therefore, wax worms should only be fed in moderation.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Feeding Wax Worms To Bearded Dragons?

Pogona vitticeps --  Bearded Dragon Lizard 0995
Credit: Tangled Bank

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means their diet consists of both animal protein and plant matter.

They should not be solely fed wax worms on a regular basis due to the limited nutritional content they provide.

Wax worms are high in fat, low in fiber, and lack some essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for optimal gut health.

It is important to maintain a balanced diet for bearded dragons by including a variety of food items such as insects, leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, and even commercial diets.

Portion size is also an important factor when feeding wax worms to bearded dragons; as with all food items, moderation is key.

While wax worms can be a beneficial snack for bearded dragons in small quantities, it is important to remember that they should not make up the majority of their diet.

A varied diet helps keep them healthy and will promote better feeding habits over time.

It is therefore recommended to incorporate other food items into the bearded dragon’s diet in order to achieve dietary diversity.

How Often Should Wax Worms Be Offered To Bearded Dragons?

Agame barbu (pagona vitticeps, dragon barbudo, bearded dragon)
Credit: gillyan9

Bearded dragons should be offered wax worms in safe quantities and as part of a balanced diet.

Wax worms are high in fat and should not be used to meet their daily nutritional needs.

They should be fed no more than once or twice a week, and in limited amounts.

The meal size should always depend on the size of the dragon, with larger dragons needing more food than smaller ones.

For example, a young dragon may need only five to six wax worms per feeding session, while an adult may require up to 10-15 per session.

A variety of other foods are also essential for bearded dragons’ health and hibernation needs.

These include dark leafy greens such as kale, dandelion greens, collard greens, and turnip greens; insects such as feeder crickets, superworms and mealworms; vegetables like squash, bell peppers, carrots and sweet potatoes; fruits like strawberries and blueberries; as well as commercial diets specifically designed for reptiles.

How To Feed Them Wax Worms?

Wax worms are an important part of a bearded dragon’s diet, and they should be fed with care.

It is important to ensure safe handling when feeding wax worms to a bearded dragon.

Before introducing wax worms into the terrarium, it is essential to make sure that the portion size is appropriate for the animal.

Wax worms should be live or frozen and not dried.

To maximize nutritional value, gut loading with high-quality fruits and vegetables before feeding them to the bearded dragon is recommended.

As with any food item, quantity limits should be observed in order to avoid overfeeding wax worms.

Properly feeding wax worms can provide beneficial nutrition as well as enrichment for bearded dragons.

How To Store Wax Worms Properly For Your Beardie?

Wax worms are a popular treat for bearded dragons, and the best way to keep them in the optimal condition for your beardie is to store them properly.

Temperature plays an important role when storing wax worms as they thrive best in temperatures between 55°F and 65°F.

Keeping wax worms at these temperatures ensures that they remain healthy and active.

When storing live wax worms, it is important to use a container with ventilation holes.

This helps prevent mold from forming inside the container due to moisture from the worms themselves.

It is also important to portion out the wax worms prior to feeding them to your beardie.

The recommended portion size of wax worms is approximately one teaspoon per day.

Freeze-dried waxworms can be stored in any airtight container without worry of spoilage or molding; however, it is important that you only provide freeze-dried food occasionally as it lacks in nutrition compared to live waxworms.

To ensure optimal health for your beardie, make sure you are providing a balanced diet by mixing up their treats with fresh vegetables and other insects like crickets or dubia roaches.