Can Reptiles Eat Dried Mealworms?

Yes — dried mealworms are a popular and convenient food source for many insectivorous and omnivorous reptiles. They're a great way to provide protein and fat as part of a varied diet, and they're much easier to store and handle than live insects. However, they should be offered as a supplement to a varied diet, not as the sole food source.

Which Reptiles Can Eat Dried Mealworms?

Dried mealworms are suitable for a range of reptile species, including:

• Bearded dragons – Can eat mealworms as an occasional treat; juveniles should have them less often due to the hard chitin shell.
• Leopard geckos – Mealworms can form a regular part of the diet, though variety is important.
• Blue-tongued skinks – Enjoy mealworms as part of an omnivorous diet.
• Tortoises – Tortoises are primarily herbivores and should only very rarely, if ever, be given mealworms. Check species-specific advice first.
• Turtles and terrapins – Many species readily accept dried mealworms as a protein supplement.

Always research the specific dietary requirements for your reptile's species, as nutritional needs vary widely.

Dried vs Live Mealworms for Reptiles

Both live and dried mealworms have their place in a reptile's diet:

• Live mealworms are more nutritious and stimulate natural hunting behaviour, which provides important mental enrichment.
• Dried mealworms are convenient, have a long shelf life, are easier to store, and are less likely to escape or cause substrate issues in the enclosure.

For the best results, use a combination of both where possible, and always gut-load live insects before feeding.

How to Feed Dried Mealworms to Reptiles

Rehydrate Before Feeding

One of the most important steps when feeding dried mealworms to reptiles is to rehydrate them first. Place the dried mealworms in a small dish of warm water for 10–15 minutes before offering them. This makes them softer, easier to digest, and also increases their moisture content — helping with your reptile's hydration.

Dust with Calcium and Vitamins

Dried mealworms on their own have an unfavourable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. To correct this, dust them lightly with a calcium powder (with or without D3 depending on your UVB lighting setup) and a reptile multivitamin supplement before feeding. This is especially important for growing juveniles and breeding females.

Offer in a Feeding Dish

Use a smooth-sided dish to prevent escape and to make it easy for your reptile to find and consume all the mealworms. This also makes it easier to remove uneaten food promptly.

How Often to Feed

Frequency depends on the species, age, and individual metabolism of your reptile:

• Juvenile reptiles typically need feeding daily or every other day.
• Adult reptiles can usually be fed every 2–3 days, or as appropriate for their species.
• Mealworms specifically should be offered 2–3 times per week as part of a rotating diet rather than as the exclusive protein source.

Choosing Quality Dried Mealworms

Quality matters. Look for dried mealworms that are:

• Whole and intact, not crushed to dust
• Free from additives, preservatives, or artificial colours
• Stored in a sealed, airtight bag or container
• From a reputable supplier with clear sourcing information

We stock premium Dried Mealworms and Supa Dried Mealworms — both great choices for reptile feeding. You can also explore our full Reptile Food collection for a wider range of feeding options.

Foods to Combine with Mealworms

For a balanced reptile diet, rotate mealworms with other protein sources and fresh foods appropriate to your species, such as:

• Crickets and locusts (live or dried)
• Dubia roaches
• Waxworms (high fat – use sparingly as treats)
• Dark leafy greens and vegetables (for omnivores)
• Commercial reptile pellets or prepared diets

Browse our Reptile Food range to find a variety of complementary feeding options, including specialist Tortoise Food, Turtle Food, and Terrapin Food.

Shop Reptile Food at PawMits

We're passionate about providing quality food for all pets, including reptiles. Explore our Reptile Food collection for dried mealworms, specialist reptile diets, and more. Not sure what's right for your species? Feel free to get in touch — we're happy to help.