You’ve heard the saying “You are what you eat.” Well, the same goes for your pet—especially if they eat live insects! If your feeder mealworms are packed with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, your pet will be too.
Why Gutloading Matters
Over time, feeder insects lose nutritional value, especially if they’ve been mostly dormant for weeks. Gutloading is the process of feeding your insects a nutrient-rich diet before offering them to your pet. This ensures your pet gets maximum nutrition instead of eating an “empty vessel.”
How to Gutload Mealworms
For mealworms, simply mix Mealworm Chow with Mealworm Keeper at a 1:9 ratio (about 1/3 cup Chow per 3 cups Keeper).
-
Mealworm Chow is 16% protein, with added calcium and vitamins that pass on to your pet.
-
Mealworm Keeper provides a clean, nutritious bedding that doubles as a food source.
Because most feeder insects are low in calcium and high in phosphorus, it’s important to correct that imbalance. Thirsty Cricket is a calcium-fortified, drown-free gel water source that hydrates insects while boosting their mineral content.
Feeding Tips for Maximum Benefit
-
Gutload mealworms the day before you plan to feed them to your pet.
-
Dust insects with a reptile-safe multivitamin or calcium supplement before feeding.
-
Remove mealworms from cold storage and let them “wake up” at room temperature for about an hour.
-
Use a dish designed to prevent escapes—our No-Escape Mealworm Feeding Dish keeps worms contained while allowing your pet to hunt easily.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ready to Shop? Shop By Pet or Shop By Category
Want Discounts? Click here to subscribe to email and SMS marketing
Got Questions? Browse more free Blogs or Contact Us with any inquiries regarding our products.
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.
Leave a Comment