Adult bearded dragons need 5-10 large mealworms 2-3 times weekly as part of a varied diet
Bearded dragons require 5-10 large mealworms 2-3 times per week as part of a balanced diet. Mealworms should be gut-loaded and dusted with calcium before feeding. For juvenile dragons, reduce quantity to 3-5 small mealworms once weekly. Mealworms provide protein but are high in fat, so they should complement rather than dominate the diet. Always supervise feeding and remove uneaten worms after 15 minutes.
Mealworm feeding guidelines by age
- Juveniles (0-6 months): 3-5 small mealworms weekly
- Subadults (6-12 months): 5-7 medium mealworms twice weekly
- Adults (12+ months): 5-10 large mealworms 2-3 times weekly
Mealworm nutritional comparison table
| Mealworm size | Quantity per feeding | Protein content | Fat content | Calcium ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (1/2") | 3-5 | 20% | 13% | 1:1 | |
| Medium (3/4") | 5-7 | 19% | 14% | 1:2 | |
| Large (1") | 5-10 | 18% | 15% | 1:3 |
Best practices for mealworm feeding
- Gut-load mealworms 24-48 hours before feeding with nutritious vegetables
- Dust with calcium powder 2-3 times weekly (skip if already dusted)
- Feed in a separate container to prevent substrate ingestion
- Remove any uneaten worms within 15 minutes
- Monitor your dragon's weight and adjust portions accordingly
Signs of overfeeding mealworms
- Weight gain or obesity
- Reduced appetite for vegetables
- Soft or malformed bones (calcium deficiency)
- Lethargy or reduced activity
- Digestive issues like impaction