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My bearded dragon's stomach is big. Are mealworms causing impaction?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Bearded Dragon | Male | 1lb

So I just learned from a friend of mine that mealworms are bad for baby bearded dragon because they cause impactions. Hes been eating a mix of mealworms and crickets eating more mealworms than crickets since he likes them and maybe like 3 or 4 wax-worms in total. He’s been very active and just went to the bathroom earlier today but his stomach has gotten quit a bit bigger over the last couple of days do you think he might be impacted? Thanks again for all your help.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on February 7th, 2019

Mealworms are fine as long as they are freshly molted mealworms. These do not have as much chitin, which is what can pose a risk of impaction or obstruction. Waxworms are very fatty and should be fed only occasionally to juvenile dragons. Stick with appropriately sized crickets, dubia roaches and phoenix worms. Keep him hydrated and warm to keep his GI tract moving. Soak in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20-30 minutes every few days. Yiu can massage the abdomen, front to back, during the soak to stimulate defecation. As long as he is behaving normally and defecating regularly, he is likely not impacted or obstructed.

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