Mealworms are a fairly common food source for pets like fish and reptiles if you ask someone who keeps them as pets.
Can Dogs Have Mealworms?
Mealworms may not be the most appetizing food for humans, but some pets can benefit from their high nutritional value.
But are there any issues if our dogs consume mealworms?
Mealworms can be consumed by most dogs, whether they are fresh or dried. Mealworms have a lot of protein and good fats, which can be beneficial for your dog’s diet. Dogs cannot be harmed or poisoned by these words.
Let’s examine what mealworms actually are and how many should be included in your dog’s food.
What Are Mealworms?
First of all, mealworms are not generally regarded as worms. They are the mealworm beetle’s larval stage.
Mealworms are about an inch long and can develop into adult beetles in up to 30 days.
Because they consume grains like oats, wheat, and rice, these worms are frequently regarded as pests. Commercial growers produce and market fresh and dried mealworms for use as fish food and as food for some kinds of pets.
Nutritional Value Of Mealworms
Mealworms contain 20–25g of protein per 100g serving. Minerals like iron, zinc, copper, and potassium are abundant in mealworms.
Given that mealworms are a good source of nutrition, should humans eat them too?
Mealworms are marketed as a snack or ingredient in dishes in some nations. Mealworms are typically served fried, grilled, or boiled and have a mild flavor.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Mealworms?
Can dogs have mealworms? yes, mealworms are safe for your dog to eat. The pet store sells commercially dried mealworms that you can buy and add to your dog’s food. However. Dogs cannot consume spoiled meat, even if it has been cooked, despite the fact that they can consume mealworms.
Mealworms are high in protein and fats, as was previously stated. It’s important to remember that dried mealworms and fresh mealworms have different macronutrient compositions.
Fresh or live mealworms have 20% protein and 13% fat, while dried mealworms have 53% protein and 28% fat.
Due to their higher protein content, mealworms that have been dried or frozen may be preferable to feed to your dog. However, if your dog is overweight or obese, you should be aware of the higher fat content.
An excessive amount of fat in your dog’s diet can lead to pancreatitis and obesity. Feeding pumpkin to your dog can help with pancreatitis if your dog already has a pancreatic condition.
In addition to being simpler to store and having a longer shelf life than fresh mealworms. Additionally, they don’t move around, making it more difficult to eat.
How Many Mealworms Can I Feed My Dog Daily?
Your dog shouldn’t get a lot of calories from eating mealworms. Dogs are not insectivores, despite the fact that they need a diet high in protein.
Dogs, which are carnivores, require the protein found in animal meat, such as chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb.
The amount of dried mealworms you give doesn’t need to be estimated by eye. A few teaspoons as occasional food toppings would be sufficient.
I wouldn’t advise giving your dog any wild mealworms you find if you intend to add them to the dog food.
You run the risk of making your dog ill because you can’t tell if those worms are contaminated or not.
To be safe, stick to mealworms that are sold commercially.
Can I Grow Mealworms At Home To Feed My Dog?
You can purchase a packet of live mealworms and breed them at home if you like to do things yourself.
Starting with 150–500 worms in a sizable plastic container is advised. For the worms to eat, fill the plastic container with grains.
Because they don’t do well in direct heat, keep the worms in a cool, dark place.
Before the mealworms are big enough to feed to your dog, it takes about three months.
Are Mealworms Harmful?
Mealworms use their mandibles, which resemble those of centipedes and caterpillars, to eat.
Can a dog be bitten by a mealworm?
It might, but they are too small and frail to harm either people or animals.
In addition, they don’t contain any poison or toxic substances that could hurt your dog if they ate them.
Mealworms that are sold commercially and fed to dogs are safe because they are grown and harvested under controlled conditions.
Feeding your dog wild mealworms could expose them to contamination. Wild mealworms have the potential to transmit bacteria and parasites to your dog.
Additionally, many bird diseases that can infect your dog are transmitted by these mealworms.
Is It Safe For Dogs To Eat Bugs?
In contrast to cats, dogs don’t really have the same natural instinct to eat insects. Occasionally, they might nibble out of curiosity.
Not all bugs are suitable for dogs to consume, even though mealworms are. There are many insects that can bite your dog painfully or result in a toxic reaction.
You should keep your dog away from the following pests:
- mosquitoes
- centipedes
- fireflies
- spiders
- caterpillars
- cockroaches
Bugs with venomous bites, such as deadly spiders and centipedes, can harm your dog’s body and inflict severe pain. Some caterpillars have venomous, prickly spikes on their bodies.
Your dog may contract West Nile virus and heartworms from mosquito bites.
In order to prevent any unfortunate incidents, it is best to prevent your dog from eating or playing with any bugs.
Difference Between Mealworms And Maggots
Due to the fact that these two worms often resemble one another despite being very different in reality, this is something that many people find confusing.
A maggot is a fly larva, and unlike a mealworm, it is more white in color. They have no legs and eat decaying animal and plant matter.
If your dog consumes some maggots, don’t panic. They are generally safe and high in protein.
However, I would take your dog to the vet for a thorough examination if it had consumed maggots from a dead animal carcass, just to be safe. The maggots may have been contaminated.
Conclusion
I recognize that not every pet owner enjoys giving their dog mealworms. Some dog owners find the sight of these worms to be so unsettling that they won’t even approach them.
Before feeding your dog, it might be a good idea to discuss any existing medical conditions with your veterinarian in order to avoid any potential food allergies.
FAQs
Can mealworms replace regular dog food?
Mealworms shouldn’t be used in place of your dog’s regular diet. They should be provided as a treat every now and then to round out your dog’s diet.
Are there any other insects dogs can eat?
Yes, other insects like crickets and the larvae of the black soldier fly can make healthy treats for dogs.
How do I store mealworms for my dog?
To keep dried mealworms fresh and nutritious, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry location..
Can puppies eat mealworms?
Mealworms can be given to puppies in moderation, but it’s important to check with your veterinarian to make sure it’s safe for their age and breed.
Can mealworms cause allergies in dogs?
When introducing mealworms, it’s crucial to watch your dog carefully for any negative reactions because some dogs may be allergic to them.
What should I do if my dog has an adverse reaction to mealworms?
Consult your veterinarian right away if your dog vomits, has diarrhea, or exhibits any other negative symptoms as a result of ingesting mealworms.
