Feeder Insect Nutrition Chart for Bearded Dragons
A feeder insect nutrition chart comparing dubia roaches, crickets, BSFL, hornworms, superworms, mealworms, and waxworms by protein, fat, and staple-vs-treat use.
Quick answer: The best staple feeders are dubia roaches, crickets, and black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), which are high in protein and lower in fat. Superworms, mealworms, and waxworms are fatty treats only. Hornworms are mostly water and great for hydration. Dust all feeders except BSFL with calcium, gut load them first, and never feed an insect larger than the space between the dragon's eyes.
Not all feeder insects are created equal. Some are lean, protein-rich staples; others are fatty treats that cause obesity if overfed. The nutrition chart below compares the most common feeders so you can build a safe rotation. Values are approximate and vary by source and how the insects are raised.
Staple Feeder Insects and Supplements
Fluker's Reptile Calcium Without D3
$4.79 on Amazon
Dust feeders to fix their calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
Zoo Med Reptile Food Dish (Medium)
$5.68 on Amazon
Contain feeders and reduce loose-substrate impaction risk.
Feeder insect nutrition comparison
| Insect | Protein | Fat | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubia roach | High (about 22%) | Moderate (about 7%) | Staple |
| Cricket | High (about 20%) | Low to moderate (about 6%) | Staple |
| Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) | Moderate (about 17%) | Moderate | Staple (great calcium ratio) |
| Hornworm | Low (about 85% water) | Very low | Occasional, hydration |
| Superworm | Moderate (about 19%) | High (about 17%) | Treat |
| Mealworm | Moderate (about 20%) | High (about 13%), hard shell | Treat (adults only) |
| Waxworm | Low (about 15%) | Very high (about 22%) | Rare treat |
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How to use the chart
Build the insect part of the diet on staples, mainly dubia roaches and crickets, with black soldier fly larvae for their excellent calcium ratio. Use hornworms for hydration and superworms, mealworms, and waxworms only as occasional treats to avoid obesity and fatty liver disease. Because most feeders are far higher in phosphorus than calcium, dusting with calcium at most feedings is essential, and gut loading the insects beforehand makes each one a complete meal. Always size prey no larger than the space between the eyes to avoid impaction. Pair this with the feeding schedule by age and the full food chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best staple feeder insect for bearded dragons?
Dubia roaches are widely considered the best staple feeder for bearded dragons because they are high in protein, relatively low in fat, easy to digest, and simple to keep. Crickets are another solid staple, and black soldier fly larvae stand out for their naturally good calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Rotating these staples gives variety while keeping the diet lean and nutritious.
Which feeder insects are treats only?
Superworms, mealworms, and waxworms should be treats, not staples. Superworms and mealworms are high in fat with hard chitin shells that are harder to digest, and waxworms are extremely fatty, almost like candy for dragons. Reserve these for occasional rewards or, in the case of superworms, an appetite booster. Feeding them too often leads to obesity and can crowd out better foods.
Why are hornworms good for bearded dragons?
Hornworms are very high in moisture, around 85 percent water, which makes them useful for hydration and for tempting a dragon that is mildly dehydrated or recovering. They are low in fat and contain some calcium. Because they are mostly water, they are not a protein staple, but they make an excellent occasional addition, especially in warmer weather or for a finicky eater.
Do all feeder insects need to be dusted with calcium?
Almost all of them, yes. Most feeder insects have far more phosphorus than calcium, which works against bone health, so dusting with calcium powder corrects the balance. Black soldier fly larvae are the exception, with a naturally favorable calcium ratio, but dusting other staples like dubia roaches and crickets at most feedings is essential to prevent metabolic bone disease.
What does gut loading a feeder insect mean?
Gut loading means feeding the insects a nutritious diet for 24 to 48 hours before offering them to your dragon, so their digestive tracts are full of vitamins and minerals that pass on to your pet. Good gut-load foods include leafy greens, squash, carrot, and commercial gut-load formulas. A gut-loaded and calcium-dusted insect is a far more complete meal than an unprepared one.
How do I size feeder insects correctly?
Never feed an insect larger than the space between your bearded dragon's eyes. Oversized prey is a leading cause of impaction, where undigested material blocks the gut, and it can also cause choking or hind-leg issues. Match insect size to your dragon's age, using small feeders for babies and larger ones for adults, and always err on the smaller side.
Can I feed wild-caught insects to my bearded dragon?
No. Wild insects may carry pesticides, parasites, or toxins, and some, like fireflies, are deadly to bearded dragons. Always use feeder insects bred for reptiles from a reliable source. This guarantees they are safe, clean, and free of harmful chemicals, and lets you gut load them properly before feeding. The small cost of farmed feeders is worth avoiding a serious health risk.
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