Xeno Tabs

Everywhere curious pet owners are wondering about the advantages of Mealworms and how to introduce them without upsetting any feathers. Full of minerals, vitamins, and proteins, this vet-recommended pet food are starting to appeal especially to birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even certain mammals. Including them on your pet’s menu could change everything—but only if you avoid the hazards.

Mealworms are not made equal anywhere. Live ones delight your pets and induce natural hunting behavior. For squeamish hands, dried mealworms are easier, longer-stored, and less likely to move away. Which one to decide on? That depends on your nerves and the tastes of your pet. While my neighbour’s bluebird eats dried versions straight from the dish, my cousin’s leopard gecko only hunts live mealworms. Nothing here fits everyone.

First, cleanliness is paramount. Always get mealworms from reliable vendors; never from the compost bin. Mealworms from backyard piles could have pesticides or parasites. Use items marked for animal consumption only for the sake of the health of your pet. Before serving, quickly rinse new mealworms under lukewarm water. If you use dried forms, look for additions on the label; many brands slip in extra preservatives.

Slink slowly. Though pets require time to adjust, the thrill of placing a handful of crunchy mealworms in the bowl could be irresistible. Start with a couple as treats. For example, once a week one to two mealworms would help a bearded dragon progressively. Overfeeding causes stomach problems; mealworms have lots of fat. Your friend most likely is moderation.

Spread the diet in several directions. Never rely just on mealworms as your source of sustenance. Particularly calcium and phosphorous, a diet heavy in mealworms can cause minerals to be thrown out of equilibrium. Especially in reptiles, that path leads to metabolic bone disease. Stir everything up—greens, pellets, fruits (where suitable), and insects will all fit on the platter.