What insect to feed?

[dakski]

My family's beardie usually eats freeze-dried mealworms. However I've heard that mealworms aren't the best staple insect and that they could possibly cause impaction. Dubias sound the best, but I don't think that's do-able for us. Crickets, I've also heard can cause impaction. Right now I'm thinking Crickets, Mealworms, or Phoenix worms (black solider fly larvae). Note that these will probably be freeze-dried. Which is best to go for if I can choose?

Mealworms are not ideal for Bearded Dragons because of the amount of "chitin" they have, especially relative to nutritional value.

Chitin is the shell/armor mealworms have on their body.

Superworms, a different species, not LARGE mealworms, have less chitin and definitely relative to the size and nutrition the worm provides.

Phoenix worms are good, but you need to feed a lot to make a difference. They are high in calcium.

Dubai are probably the best thing you can feed. My leopard geckos eat mealworms and dubai roaches as their staple. Of note, Leopard Geckos are carnivores, not omnivores like Beardies, and they have little trouble digesting mealworms. Still, dubai offer a higher protein content and are easier to digest for them.

Crickets are okay, and if freeze dried, you are limiting the annoyance factor with them (smell and noise).

Variety is the key, and also seeing what he/she likes. They always seem to have preferences. I would avoid the mealworms and go with superworms, dubai roaches, phoenix worms, and occasionally, crickets. An occasional butter worm or wax worm will make for a happy bearded dragon (or leopard gecko), but they are Lizard Crack and really junk food for them. Only occasionally with those.

I believe you can get Superworms freeze dried, but I am not sure about phoenix worms.

Remember, once an adult, beardies should have protein about 2X a week and be fed veggies (proper veggies for them - rich in nutrients and not just water like most lettuce) daily.

If you can get your beardie to eat freeze dried protein, that's awesome. My Blue Tongue could care less. In fact he chased a dubai roach once, ate it, and then decided he was never chasing another one ever again. He just eats freeze dried worms and roaches now mixed in with his veggies.

However, some Beardies like the movement of the bugs.