If you’ve ever looked at a wriggly earthworm and thought, “hmm… would my bearded dragon like that?” — you’re not alone. It’s a common question, especially for new reptile keepers or even the seasoned ones who are just looking to mix things up in their dragon’s menu. So let’s talk about it — can a bearded dragon eat earthworms? Spoiler alert: yes, they can… but there’s a bit more to it.
Why Can a Bearded Dragon Eat Earthworms in the First Place?
Bearded dragons are curious little creatures. They’re omnivores, which means they munch on a combo of veggies, fruits, and live insects. Now earthworms? They’re everywhere — in your garden, bait shop, and even online reptile stores. Cheap. Easy. Wriggly. Packed with protein. So yeah, it makes sense why they’re on the radar.
But are they actually a good choice? Well, let’s dig a bit deeper. Pun totally intended.
Can a Bearded Dragon Eat Earthworms Safely?
Short answer? Yep. Bearded dragons can eat earthworms.
Longer answer? It depends on the type of worm, where it came from, and how often you’re feeding it. Because not all earthworms are created equal, and some can come with little risks you might not have thought about.
If you want to learn more about feeding live foods to bearded dragons, including insects and worms, check out this helpful guide
Benefits: Why Can a Bearded Dragon Eat Earthworms?
Let’s start on a high note. Here’s why earthworms might be a cool snack for your beardie:
- High in protein – which growing or active bearded dragons totally need
- Moisture-rich – great if your dragon doesn’t drink water often
- Soft-bodied – easy to chew and digest
- Natural food source – in the wild, some reptiles do snack on worms
So yeah, in the right conditions, they’re not just safe — they’re kind of a bonus item.
Can a Bearded Dragon Eat Earthworms From Anywhere?
Alright, now here comes the part where we gotta be real. Just cuz your dragon can eat something doesn’t mean it should be on the regular menu. Here’s what you wanna look out for:
- Worms from the backyard – nope. Don’t even. They could have pesticides, fertilizers, or parasites. All bad news.
- Bait shop worms – same deal. Those worms aren’t raised with reptile safety in mind.
- Overfeeding – worms are kinda fatty and can mess with your dragon’s calcium levels if you go overboard
- Smell & slime – some beardies straight-up won’t touch ’em. Earthworms got a weird scent, and that gooey texture? Not for every dragon.
Best Types of Earthworms for Bearded Dragons
Okay so you’re sold on the idea… but which worms make the cut?
Red Wigglers – these are the little reddish ones often found in compost bins. But be careful — they can release a yucky bitter fluid that some dragons hate. Only try ‘em if they’re from a trusted, clean source.
Nightcrawlers – a bit bigger and meatier. Beardies usually love ‘em. Just chop them up for smaller dragons. Again — always make sure they’re farmed specifically for reptiles.
European Nightcrawlers – same as above, just a bit smaller. Another safe and solid option.
What to avoid? Any worm you don’t know the origin of. Seriously. Wild-caught anything is just a no-go.
How Often Can a Bearded Dragon Eat Earthworms?
Think of earthworms like a treat or side dish — not the main course. They shouldn’t replace staple insects like crickets, dubia roaches, or BSFL.
You could try:
- Once a week as a protein change-up
- Every now and then just to test your dragon’s taste
The key is balance. Too many worms and you’ll throw off their calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. That can lead to metabolic bone disease, and trust me — you don’t wanna go there.
How to Feed Earthworms to Bearded Dragons
Yep, there’s a right way to serve worms. Don’t just grab one and toss it in.
- Rinse it well – you never know what it’s been crawling through
- Cut to size – if it’s longer than the space between your dragon’s eyes, cut it down
- Dust with calcium – if you’re using worms regularly, this step helps balance nutrition
And if your dragon turns up their nose? No worries. Some beardies just aren’t into the worm life. Try again later or stick with what they love.
What Other Owners Say About Earthworms for Bearded Dragons
A quick scroll through forums like Reddit or reptile FB groups, and you’ll find a mix of opinions. Some owners swear their beardies go wild for nightcrawlers. Others say theirs won’t touch them.
But almost everyone agrees on this:
If you’re gonna feed earthworms, get them from a clean, trusted source. Period.
And don’t panic if your dragon doesn’t gobble it up. Every beardie’s got their own taste buds.
Alternatives If a Bearded Dragon Won’t Eat Earthworms
If earthworms aren’t working out, or you just wanna switch things up:
- Hornworms – juicy, hydrating, and beardie-approved
- Silkworms – soft, packed with protein, and super nutritious
- Mealworms – okay in small amounts, but they’re a bit hard-bodied
- Waxworms – high fat, better as a rare treat
Mixing it up helps your dragon stay excited about food. Plus, different worms offer different nutrition profiles.
If earthworms aren’t working out, or you want to try other protein options, consider foods like hornworms, silkworms, mealworms, or even can bearded dragons eat eggs? — a safe, simple, and satisfying choice.
Final Thoughts: Can a Bearded Dragon Eat Earthworms?
Yes, they can — and for many, it’s a tasty, nutritious bonus!
Just keep in mind:
- Always source them safely
- Don’t overdo it
- Make sure they’re clean and appropriately sized
If you check those boxes, your beardie might just fall in love with wriggly snacks. And hey, watching them snap one up is pretty entertaining too.
So next time you spot those squishy little critters, you’ll know what to do. Maybe don’t grab the ones from your garden… but pick up a batch from a reptile-safe breeder and give it a go.
Your beardie just might thank you with a little happy head bob. Or at least a satisfied belly flop afterward.
For more detailed information on the overall bearded dragon diet, including vegetables, insects, and treats, check out our comprehensive guide.
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