Dried mealworms have a long history as a go-to protein source for insect-eating animals. Originally used by bird enthusiasts and reptile keepers, these highly nutritious insects have gained popularity across a wide range of animal groups—from wild birds to chickens, sugar gliders, chameleons, and beyond.
A Growing Trend in Pet Nutrition
Mealworms have been used in animal diets for decades, especially in the aviculture and herpetology communities. Thanks to their high protein content (over 50%!), ease of storage, and palatability, they’ve become a staple treat for insectivores. Over time, backyard bird watchers and chicken keepers discovered that mealworms were not only beneficial—but downright irresistible—to their animals.
At Exotic Nutrition, we recognized the growing demand and began offering dried mealworms in 2023 as a supplemental food for small mammals such as sugar gliders, hedgehogs, and squirrels. What started as a niche product quickly expanded in popularity. Before long, we began hearing from customers who were using them to attract bluebirds, cardinals, robins, and other insectivorous wild birds. Soon after, chicken owners were reaching out in droves.
Some customers were so impressed with their flock’s reaction that they started calling the treat “chicken crack”—a playful nod to just how enthusiastic their birds became. To meet demand, we expanded our dried mealworm line into bulk offerings and developed blended specialty products for specific species.
Why Dried Mealworms Are So Beneficial
For Chickens:
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Supports feather growth, especially during molting
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Encourages egg production with essential amino acids
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Acts as a high-protein supplement to balance grain-based diets
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Great for taming and bonding with your flock
Products like Chicken Ecstasy, Bee-Tastic, and our latest release, Flock-Yeah, include dried mealworms blended with wholesome grains and seeds, tailored to meet the needs of fancy or backyard chickens.
For Sugar Gliders and Small Mammals:
In the wild, sugar gliders rely on insects as a natural part of their diet. Dried mealworms are a great source of:
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Animal-based protein for muscle development
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Fatty acids for energy and coat health
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Mental enrichment through foraging behaviors
Other small pets like hedgehogs, hamsters, and insect-eating marsupials benefit from the same nutritional profile. That’s why we offer products like EZ-Worms or Berries & Bugs Omnivore Food—blended with fruits and veggies for a complete snack experience.
For Attracting Wild Birds
Dried mealworms are a magnet for wild birds, especially insect-eating species that may not be as interested in traditional seeds. Offering them in your bird feeder can help you attract:
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Eastern Bluebirds
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American Robins
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Wrens
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Chickadees
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Nuthatches
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Woodpeckers
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Orioles
These birds are especially drawn to mealworms during nesting season, when they're looking for nutrient-rich food for their young. Simply add dried mealworms to a platform feeder, a mealworm feed ball, or use a Mealworm & Sunflower Pie in a feed basket to create an irresistible bird buffet. Offering mealworms can increase bird activity in your yard, enhance birdwatching opportunities, and help support local wildlife.
Convenient and Long-Lasting
Dried mealworms are:
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Shelf-stable with no refrigeration required
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Mess-free and easy to handle
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Suitable for daily feeding or occasional enrichment
You can serve them straight from the bag, mix them with other foods, or even use them for training and hand-feeding. Whether for pets or wildlife, they’re a smart and simple way to boost any animal’s diet.
Explore Our Mealworm Collection
Since launching this product line in 2023, we’ve received incredible feedback from customers across the country. Whether you're a bird lover, chicken enthusiast, or exotic pet owner, give your pets—and backyard birds—the protein-packed treat they crave!
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Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder.
Exotic Nutrition is proud to serve hundreds of universities, zoological parks, veterinarians, research centers and other institutions seeking to advance the health and well-being of exotics worldwide. See a full list of institutions using our products here.
Exotic Nutrition has a heart for animals in need. Through regular donations to rescues, rehabilitators, and special fundraiser events, Exotic Nutrition is making a significant impact in the lives of animals. See a full list of our charitable donations here.
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