Can bearded dragons eat hornworms daily?
Feeding & Nutrition
··2 min read

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hornworms Daily? (Feeding Guide for 2026)

Hornworms are one of the most nutritious and hydrating feeders you can offer a bearded dragon—but can they eat hornworms every day?
Short answer: No. Bearded dragons should NOT eat hornworms daily. While safe and healthy in moderation, hornworms are too high in moisture and low in protein to be a balanced daily staple.

This guide explains why, how often to feed them, the nutritional breakdown, and what to offer instead.

Are Hornworms Safe for Bearded Dragons?

Yes—hornworms (also called Goliath worms) are safe, soft-bodied, and excellent for hydration. They make a great treat for bearded dragons of all ages.

Hornworm Nutritional Profile

  • Moisture: ~85%
  • Protein: ~9%
  • Fat: ~3%
  • Calcium (approx.): Moderate
  • Fiber: Low

Because of the very high moisture and low protein, they are not a balanced daily feeder.

Why Bearded Dragons Should NOT Eat Hornworms Daily

Here are the main reasons:

1. Too Much Moisture → Digestive Problems

Hornworms contain over 80% water, which can lead to:

  • Runny stools
  • Diarrhea
  • Dehydration from electrolyte imbalance

Daily feeding amplifies this effect.

2. Low Protein Content

Adult bearded dragons need moderate protein, especially younger dragons who are still growing.
Hornworms simply don’t provide enough protein to be used as a staple insect.

Health risks of low protein include:

  • Slowed growth (juveniles)
  • Muscle loss (adults)
  • Lethargy

3. They Can Cause Food Expectation or Pickiness

Bearded dragons love hornworms and may begin refusing other essential feeders such as:

  • Dubia roaches
  • Crickets
  • Black soldier fly larvae
  • Mealworms or superworms

A varied diet = a healthy dragon.

4. They Are Expensive as a Daily Food

Hornworms grow extremely fast and are costly to maintain as a daily feeder. They are better suited as:

  • Occasional treats
  • Appetite boosters
  • Hydration support

So… How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hornworms?

Here are safe feeding frequencies:

For Adults (12+ months)

1–2 times per week
(2–4 hornworms per feeding)

For Juveniles (4–12 months)

2–3 times per week
(2–3 hornworms per feeding, mixed with other insects)

For Babies (0–4 months)

Avoid frequent hornworm feeding because babies require high protein feeders (e.g., dubia roaches).

When Hornworms Are Actually Helpful

Hornworms are great for:

✔ Hydration support

Especially if your dragon is dehydrated or recovering from illness.

✔ Appetite boosting

Many sick or picky dragons will eat hornworms when they refuse everything else.

✔ Treats during shedding

The water content helps keep hydration levels stable.

Best Staple Insects Instead of Hornworms

Use these as daily feeders instead:

✔ Dubia roaches

High protein, easy to digest.
External reference:
https://reptifiles.com/dubia-roaches-care-guide/

✔ Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL)

Great calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
External reference:
https://www.exoticdirect.co.uk/news/bsfl-for-reptiles

✔ Crickets (less ideal but acceptable)

Widely available and affordable.

How to Serve Hornworms Safely

  • Feed them with tongs or in a separate feeding dish.
  • Offer small hornworms for juveniles.
  • Do NOT dust hornworms—they already have high moisture and enough gut content.
  • Store hornworms in a cool environment to slow growth.

Hornworms vs Other Worms (Quick Comparison)

Worm Type Can Be Daily Staple? Notes
Hornworms ❌ No High moisture, low protein
Superworms ❌ No High fat, good as treats
Mealworms ❌ No Hard shell; occasional only
BSFL ✔ Yes High calcium, good daily
Waxworms ❌ No Very high fat

Signs You Are Feeding Too Many Hornworms

Watch for:

  • Soft/runny stools
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite for other foods
  • Bloating
  • Lethargy

If symptoms persist, consult a reptile vet.
External reference:
https://arav.org/find-a-veterinarian/

Conclusion

Bearded dragons should NOT eat hornworms daily.
They are safe, hydrating, and an excellent treat—but not a nutritionally complete feeder.

Correct feeding frequency:
👉 Adults: 1–2 times weekly
👉 Juveniles: 2–3 times weekly
👉 Babies: Rarely or not at all

Use hornworms as a treat or appetite booster, while maintaining a diet focused on:

  • Dubia roaches
  • BSFL
  • Crickets
  • Balanced greens and vegetables