Can Bearded Dragons Eat Silkworms?

Silkworms are quietly one of the best feeder insects available for bearded dragons. They are soft, slow-moving, packed with protein and moisture, low in fat, and gentler on mineral balance than most common feeders. Many experienced keepers and reptile vets rank silkworms among the top choices, especially for growing dragons, fussy eaters, and dragons that need a nutrient boost.

Silkworm nutrition for bearded dragons

Silkworms, the larvae of the moth Bombyx mori, are a standout feeder. They are high in protein yet very low in fat, and they carry a high water content that helps with hydration. Their soft bodies mean very little chitin, so they are easy to digest and a smart choice for young dragons whose digestive systems are still developing. They also contain serrapeptase, an enzyme some keepers value, though the main appeal is simply their clean, lean profile.

Where silkworms really shine is mineral balance. Their calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is more favorable than crickets, mealworms, or superworms, sitting closer to neutral rather than heavily phosphorus-loaded. They still lean slightly toward phosphorus, so a light calcium dusting for growing dragons keeps things in the safe zone.

How to feed silkworms

• Size each silkworm no longer than the space between your dragon's eyes.
• Offer them in a shallow dish or by hand, since they move slowly and will not run off like crickets.
• Lightly dust with calcium for growing dragons, following your usual supplement schedule.
• Feed them straight from the container, as their mulberry diet already makes them nutritious.
• Remove any uneaten worms so they do not dry out or spoil in the enclosure.

How often to feed silkworms by life stage

Because silkworms are lean, they can play a large role in the insect portion of the diet without the fat worries of treat feeders.

• Hatchlings and babies (0 to 5 months): a main insect offered several times a day, eaten freely in short sessions.
• Juveniles (5 to 18 months): a frequent insect once or twice a day as greens grow in the diet.
• Adults (18 months and up): a small handful a few times a week within an insect rotation, alongside a diet that is roughly 80 percent greens.

Risks to watch for

• Sizing: even soft worms can cause impaction if far too large, so respect the eye-gap rule.
• Spoilage: silkworms are delicate and can die or mold in poor conditions, so buy amounts you will use within a week or two.
• Cost and availability: they are pricier and less shelf-stable than crickets, which is why many keepers use them alongside other feeders rather than alone.

A balanced bearded dragon diet is roughly 80 percent insects for babies and 80 percent leafy greens for adults. Silkworms are one of the finest insects you can build that protein portion around, though variety still beats relying on any single feeder. Pair them with other gut-loaded insects from our feeder insects guide, and see the full feeding picture on our diet hub.