Mealworms are a popular pet food for reptile and amphibian owners. Still, it would help if you did not feed your axolotls this low-nutrient option.
The exoskeleton of mealworms makes them hard to digest. This may cause gill or throat impaction in your axolotl.
Yes, axolotls can eat dried mealworms! I’ve been keeping axolotls as pets for over a decade, and they love dried mealworms. I usually feed them to my axolotls as treats, but you can also include them in their diet.
I like to give my axolotls various food items to stay healthy and get all the nutrients they need. Dried mealworms are an easy way to add extra nutrition to their diet. They’re small enough that the axolotls can easily eat them, and they provide a good source of protein.
My axolotls always seem to enjoy eating dried mealworms, and it’s become one of their favorite snacks! If you haven’t already, I recommend adding them to your pet axolotl’s diet.
Can Axolotls Eat Dried Mealworms?
Axolotls cannot digest mealworms’ chitin exoskeletons, so salamanders do not eat them in the wild.
Axolotls are omnivores, eating insects, crustaceans, worms, small fish, and insect eggs. To keep their digestive tracts healthy, they eat gravel.
Axolotls are young and cannot digest mealworms.
That is why you should only feed your axolotl live worms when they are old enough. Your axolotl should not eat dry mealworms either. These may also cause an impaction that could endanger its life.
Nutritional Content of Dried Mealworms
Mealworms are high in protein like other insects. They also provide minerals and vitamins to keep your axolotl healthy.
Mealworms should not be axolotls’ sole diet. These reptiles may not be able to digest their chitin exoskeleton.
Mealworms may block an axolotl’s digestive tract if they accumulate.
Axolotls should be fed pellets or other soft foods. Axolotl pellets come in various sizes and are nutritionally tailored.
Health Benefits and Risks of Dried Mealworms
Worms, insects, crustaceans, and small fish are axolotls’ diets. The vacuum food into their mouths because they do not have teeth like most pets.
High-protein, vitamin-rich foods are needed for a healthy axolotl. This builds bone and muscle strength.
They should also eat calcium-rich foods. They could get bone fractures and heart disease otherwise.
Mealworms may impair an axolotl due to their low calcium and chitin content. Mealworms have strong jaws that could harm an axolotl if swallowed.
Other Alternatives to Dried Mealworms
Dried mealworms are messy and inconvenient but provide bearded dragons with more protein and other nutrients.
They are easier to store than live worms because they can be kept in cupboards or pantries. Reusable bags with seals, boxes, or glass/plastic jars keep them fresh and dry.
Dried mealworms are more nutritious than live ones because they have more protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Dried mealworms can be stored for two years in airtight containers.
Conclusion about Eating Dried Mealworms
Dried mealworms are nutritionally comparable to live ones. 62{b89787ab2070628c1fb6af64139b22a6ed4c9f6773c14e706ac2c97727c90ce2} moisture, 13{b89787ab2070628c1fb6af64139b22a6ed4c9f6773c14e706ac2c97727c90ce2} lipid (fat), 20{b89787ab2070628c1fb6af64139b22a6ed4c9f6773c14e706ac2c97727c90ce2} protein, 1.5{b89787ab2070628c1fb6af64139b22a6ed4c9f6773c14e706ac2c97727c90ce2} ash, and 3.1{b89787ab2070628c1fb6af64139b22a6ed4c9f6773c14e706ac2c97727c90ce2} carbohydrates comprise their composition.
However, rehydrating a dried mealworm changes its fat content. They may appear and taste fatty to birds and other pets unfamiliar with them.
Protein and omega-6 fatty acid-rich mealworms are great sources. These nutrients support muscle growth, energy, and a healthy immune system.
