Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hornworms?
Yes, hornworms are a great hydrating treat for bearded dragons. They are high in moisture and low in fat. Learn how to feed them and why they are not a sole staple.
Hornworms are a fantastic feeder insect for bearded dragons and a favorite among keepers. These bright green, soft-bodied larvae are high in moisture, low in fat, and contain a decent amount of calcium, making them a healthy treat. They are especially useful for hydrating a dragon, tempting a picky eater, or supporting one that is shedding. Because they are so watery, though, they complement rather than replace staple feeders.
The verdict: Good occasional feeder. Yes, hornworms make an excellent occasional feeder. They are high in moisture, low in fat, and soft-bodied, which makes them great for hydration and picky eaters, though their high water content means they are not a sole staple.
Feeders and Supplements for a Balanced Diet
Pioneer Feeders Live Hornworms (25-35 ct)
$14.99 on Amazon
Hydrating, soft-bodied treat insects that dragons love.
Fluker's Reptile Calcium Without D3
Phosphorus-free calcium for dusting feeders, the key to a healthy Ca:P ratio.
Rep-Cal Herptivite Multivitamin Powder
A twice-weekly multivitamin to fill micronutrient gaps in the diet.
Hornworm nutrition for bearded dragons
Hornworms are prized for their high moisture content, which helps with hydration, and their low fat, which makes them a healthier treat than mealworms or waxworms. They contain a reasonable amount of calcium for a feeder insect and are soft-bodied, so there is no hard shell to worry about. The trade-off is that their high water content dilutes their protein, so they are not a complete staple on their own.
| Factor | Hornworms |
|---|---|
| Moisture | Very high |
| Fat | Low |
| Calcium | Moderate (good for a feeder) |
| Protein | Moderate (diluted by water) |
| Best role | Hydrating occasional feeder |
How to feed hornworms
- Offer hornworms sized appropriately, no longer than the space between your dragon's eyes.
- Note that hornworms grow very fast, so use them before they get too large.
- Dust them with calcium powder before feeding.
- Use them to encourage a picky eater or to support hydration during shedding.
- Feed a few at a time as part of a varied insect rotation.
How often can they eat hornworms?
Hornworms can be fed a few times a week as part of a varied insect diet, and they are great to rotate in for hydration and variety. Because they are watery and not as protein-dense as dubia roaches, they should not be the only feeder. Pair them with a staple like dubia roaches to keep protein up while enjoying the hydration benefits.
Risks to watch for
- Loose stools if too many are fed at once, due to the high water content.
- Rapid growth, since hornworms can quickly become too large to feed safely.
- Relying on them as the sole feeder, which shortchanges protein.
- Only feed commercially raised hornworms, never wild ones, which can be toxic.
A healthy bearded dragon diet is roughly 80 percent leafy greens and vegetables and 20 percent insects for adults, and the reverse for babies and juveniles. The best staple greens are calcium-rich, low-oxalate options like collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, and escarole. Build the daily salad around those, then use the foods on this page to add variety and color.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are hornworms good for bearded dragons?
Yes, hornworms are an excellent occasional feeder. They are high in moisture, low in fat, soft-bodied, and contain a decent amount of calcium, making them a healthy treat that also supports hydration. Their main limitation is that their high water content dilutes their protein, so they work best alongside a staple feeder rather than as the only insect.
How often can bearded dragons eat hornworms?
Hornworms can be fed a few times a week as part of a varied insect rotation. They are great for hydration and tempting picky eaters, but because they are watery and not as protein-dense as dubia roaches, they should not be the sole feeder. Pair them with a protein-rich staple for balance.
Do hornworms hydrate bearded dragons?
Yes. Hornworms have a very high moisture content, so they are a useful way to add hydration, especially for a dragon that is shedding or not drinking much. They are not a replacement for proper hydration through greens and water access, but they are a healthy, hydrating feeder that most dragons love.
Can baby bearded dragons eat hornworms?
Yes, babies can eat hornworms as long as they are appropriately sized, no longer than the space between the eyes. Hornworms are soft and easy to digest, with no hard shell, which makes them safer than mealworms for young dragons. Just remember babies need plenty of protein, so pair hornworms with staple feeders.
Why do hornworms grow so fast?
Hornworms are the larval stage of a moth and grow extremely quickly when fed. A small hornworm can become large within days, which is why keepers often buy them small and feed them before they outgrow safe feeding size. Always match the worm size to your dragon, no longer than the space between its eyes.
Can I feed wild hornworms to my bearded dragon?
No, never feed wild hornworms. Wild tomato or tobacco hornworms feed on nightshade plants and can accumulate toxins that are dangerous to your dragon. Only feed commercially raised hornworms, which are bred on a safe diet specifically for use as feeders. This is an important safety distinction.
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