Nutrition
Feeder Insect Care Guide
Updated August 1, 2026
🥗 What is gut-loading?
Gut-loading means feeding insects a nutritious diet 24-48 hours before feeding them to your dragon. This "packs" the insects with extra nutrition.
- Fresh vegetables: carrots, squash, sweet potato, leafy greens
- Grains: oats, whole wheat bread
- Fruits: apple, banana (sparingly)
- Commercial gut-load: Bug Burger, Rapashy SuperLoad
Never feed insects to your dragon if they're starving — there's no point!
🪳 Dubia roach care
Dubia roaches are one of the best feeders: high protein, good calcium, easy to digest, and they don't smell or jump.
- Keep in a dark, warm container (75-90°F)
- Provide egg crates for hiding
- Feed fresh vegetables and grain daily
- Provide water gel (not a water dish — they drown)
- Can be kept for months with proper care
🦗 Cricket care
Crickets are nutritious but high-stress for dragons andsmelly. Use as part of a varied diet.
- Keep in a well-ventilated container
- Provide egg crates for hiding
- Feed vegetables and cricket food
- Use within 2-3 weeks — they die fast
- Dust right before feeding
🐛 Worms & other insects
Staple feeders
- • Dubia roaches (best)
- • BSFL (black soldier fly larvae)
- • Crickets (in moderation)
Occasional treats
- • Hornworms (high water, can cause diarrhea)
- • Superworms (high fat)
- • Mealworms (high fat, babies avoid)
- • Waxworms (treat only!)
🦴 Dusting insects
After gut-loading, dust insects with calcium (and sometimes vitamins) right before feeding:
- Put insects in a bag or container
- Add a pinch of calcium powder
- Shake gently to coat
- Feed immediately — don't let them groom off the powder
📏 The insect size rule
No bigger than the space between eyes!
This prevents choking and impaction. Baby dragons need tiny insects (pinhead crickets, small BSFL). Adults can handle 1/2" insects.
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