Are Silkworms Good for Bearded Dragons?
Silkworms come up often in bearded dragon feeding advice, usually for their great calcium content and high moisture levels. But are they actually a good feeder?
This guide weighs up the benefits of silkworms against the practical side of keeping them for feeding bearded dragons. For general care, see our silkworm care guide.
Quick answer: Yes, nutritionally silkworms suit bearded dragons well. Practically, their short shelf life and cost mean most keepers use them as an occasional extra rather than a daily feeder.
Silkworm Nutrition
Bearded dragons need more calcium than phosphorus in their diet, and silkworms deliver that balance naturally — no dusting required to correct it, unlike crickets, woodies, mealworms and superworms. This is a huge pro. Their Protein is also solid, fat is low, and the soft body is gentle on digestion for bearded dragons of any age.
Digestibility and Safety
Low chitin content means silkworms are easier for bearded dragons to break down, than tougher-bodied feeders like mealworms or superworms. That makes them a great pick for younger dragons who may not yet be able to tackle harder prey items as easily.
The Practical Downsides
Silkworms need mulberry leaves or a mulberry-based chow as their only feed source, they don't tolerate the fridge, and their shelf life is only a week or two before they're past their usable life stage. Add a slightly higher price tag and infrequent availability, and it's clear why most beardie owners don't use them as their staple feeder.
A More Practical Everyday Alternative
For bearded dragons owners that are looking for a reliable staple, Woodies and Crickets are much more cost effective, and readily available — a better foundation for daily feeding, with silkworms used as a more occasional treat.
Getting Started
We at Reptifauna don't currently stock silkworms, but we do offer a range of other feeders, including Crickets and Woodies which make a reliable everyday staple for bearded dragons:
Browse the wider range in our Live Feeder Insects Collection.
Final Thoughts
Silkworms are nutritionally a great choice for bearded dragons — the only issue is how impractical they are to keep on hand. Best to treat them as a supplement to a more reliable staple if you don't want to deal with their seasonality and short shelf life.
For full day-to-day care, see our silkworm care guide, or browse the complete guide to feeder insects in Australia.