Feeder insects play an important role in the health and wellbeing of many exotic pets, especially reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small animals that rely on protein-rich, species-appropriate diets. At your local Petland Canada, we offer a variety of live feeder insects to help support these unique dietary needs, along with the knowledge and care guidance needed to use them effectively.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of feeder insects commonly available in store—from crickets and mealworms to waxworms, superworms, hornworms, and more. You’ll also learn important information about how to properly store and care for live feeders, including gut-loading and supplementation tips to ensure your pet is getting the most nutritional benefit possible.
We’ll also explore which pets eat these insects and why they’re such a vital part of their diet. From reptiles that depend on insects for daily nutrition to other exotic animals that enjoy them as part of a varied feeding routine, understanding feeder insects helps you better support your pet’s natural behaviours and long-term health.
Whether you’re new to exotic pet care or looking to refine your feeding routine, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about feeder insects and how they fit into a balanced, healthy diet.
Who Is Eating Insects?
Reptiles
Reptiles are insectivores, which means their diet primarily consists of insects! Many reptiles are especially fond of crickets and worms. While they will readily eat live prey, some also accept freeze-dried or powdered insect options. However, most reptiles strongly prefer live crickets because they provide a more natural feeding experience and allow them to engage in instinctive hunting behavior. Crickets are a staple in many reptile diets because they are an excellent source of protein and are readily available at your local Petland Canada.
Bearded dragons, for example, require a varied diet that includes crickets for protein, fruits and vegetables for overall health, and mealworms as an occasional treat. This combination helps support proper growth, energy, and long-term wellbeing.
Amphibians
Amphibians rely heavily on feeder insects as a key part of their diet, and many species are enthusiastic insect-eaters. Amphibians are cold-blooded vertebrates that lack scales and typically have moist, permeable skin. This group includes frogs, toads, newts, axolotls, salamanders, and more.
Many amphibians naturally feed on live insects in the wild, making feeder insects an important part of their captive care. Frogs, for example, readily consume crickets, worms, flies, locusts, and other appropriately sized invertebrates as a primary food source. These prey items help provide essential protein and nutrients needed for growth, energy, and overall health.
Because amphibians often rely on movement to trigger feeding responses, live insects are especially important in their diet. The natural motion of feeder insects helps stimulate their hunting instincts, encouraging healthy feeding behaviour. Offering a variety of insects also helps replicate the diversity of their natural diet and supports better nutrition.
Birds Like Insects Too!
While many pet birds are primarily fed a diet of high-quality pellets, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, certain species can also benefit from the occasional addition of feeder insects as a nutritious and enriching treat. In the wild, many birds naturally consume insects as part of their varied diet, especially during breeding seasons when they need extra protein and energy.
Insect-eating and omnivorous birds such as budgies, cockatiels, conures, macaws, finches, canaries, and softbills may all show interest in small feeder insects depending on their dietary habits. Insects like mealworms, waxworms, and small crickets can provide an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients when offered appropriately.
Feeder insects are not typically a dietary staple for most companion birds, but they can serve as a valuable treat or training reward. The movement and texture of live insects can also provide enrichment, encouraging natural foraging behaviours and mental stimulation. This helps keep birds active, engaged, and closer to their natural instincts.
And So Do Small Animals!
Many small animals can benefit from the occasional addition of feeder insects as part of a varied and enrichment-focused diet. While most small pets rely primarily on formulated diets, hay, pellets, vegetables, or fruits depending on the species, some also enjoy insects as a high-protein treat.
Small omnivorous or insect-eating animals such as hedgehogs, sugar gliders, certain rodents (like hamsters, rats and mice), and some exotic small mammals may be offered feeder insects like mealworms, waxworms, superworms, or small crickets in moderation. These insects provide a natural source of protein and fats that can help support energy, growth, and overall condition when used appropriately.
Feeder insects also add important enrichment to a small animal’s routine. The movement and texture of live insects encourage natural foraging and hunting behaviours, helping to keep pets mentally stimulated and engaged. This can be especially beneficial for intelligent or active species that thrive on interaction and variety in their environment.
What Live Insects Will My Local Petland Have?
Crickets... Crickets... CRICKETS!
Crickets are a staple food source for many reptiles and play an important role in maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. Packed with protein, they help support muscle development, growth, and overall energy levels, making them especially beneficial for growing juveniles and active reptiles. Crickets also contain essential nutrients that contribute to healthy skin, proper shedding, and strong immune function when offered as part of a varied feeding routine.
Offering appropriately sized crickets based on your reptile’s age and species is key to safe feeding. As part of a balanced diet that may include vegetables, worms, or other insects, crickets are an easy and effective way to help reptiles thrive.
Before feeding crickets to your reptile, it’s important to gut-load them. Gut-loading means feeding the insects a highly nutritious diet before offering them to your pet, so they pass those nutrients along. You can gut-load crickets by feeding them a mix of fresh fruits and vegetables, or by using specially formulated diets such as Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet. This helps ensure the crickets are well-hydrated and nutrient-rich. You can also use products like Fluker’s Calcium Fortified Cricket Quencher to further enhance their calcium content, supporting strong bones and healthy development in your reptile.
Beyond nutrition, feeding crickets provides valuable mental and physical enrichment. Hunting live insects encourages reptiles to use their natural instincts, keeping them active and engaged during feeding time. This stimulation can help reduce boredom and promote natural behaviors that reptiles would display in the wild.
Crickets are also highly versatile because they can be gut-loaded with nutrient-rich foods before feeding. This means the crickets themselves carry additional vitamins and minerals, helping reptiles receive even more nutritional value with every meal. When dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements, crickets become an excellent way to support bone health and prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Want To Keep Live Crickets For Your Pet?
Try using a cricket pen, such as the Exo Terra Cricket Pen. It makes keeping and gut-loading live crickets much easier—simply place the gut-loading food at the bottom of the pen, and the crickets will readily feed on it.
For best results, it’s important to keep crickets well-fed, hydrated, and at an appropriate temperature before offering them to your reptile. Providing a consistent source of gut-loaded food and moisture ensures they stay in good condition and pass along better nutrition when eaten. Healthy, properly cared-for crickets make a big difference in supporting your reptile’s energy, growth, and overall wellbeing.
Speaking of calcium, it’s good practice to dust your crickets (and other feeder insects) with a calcium powder before feeding them to your reptile. Many reptiles are naturally prone to calcium deficiency, and without proper supplementation, they can develop metabolic bone disease, a serious condition that affects bone strength and overall health.
At our store, we use Flukers Calcium with D3 supplement for our reptiles. This product helps provide essential calcium, along with added vitamins and trace minerals, to help support complete nutritional balance.
To apply, simply place your crickets in a small bag or container with a light amount of calcium powder and gently shake them until they are evenly coated—similar to tossing popcorn in seasoning or a “powdered donut” effect. Once coated, they’re ready to be offered to your reptile as a nutritious, well-balanced feeding option.
It’s important to monitor insect feeding—especially crickets—as overfeeding or leaving excess crickets in a terrarium can lead to issues. Loose crickets may become stressed and, in some cases, can nip at your pet, potentially causing small wounds that could become infected if not properly cared for.
It’s also essential to feed your pet appropriately sized crickets. A good rule of thumb is to choose crickets that are no larger than the space between your pet’s eyes or that fit comfortably in their mouth. This helps reduce the risk of choking and ensures safe, easy feeding.
We Have More Than Just Crickets...
Since insect selection can vary by location, it’s always a good idea to check with your nearest Petland store for current availability. If you’re looking for a specific feeder insect that isn’t regularly stocked, many locations may be able to place a special order for you. Speak with your local fish and reptile manager to learn more about special ordering options, availability, and recommendations based on your pet’s dietary needs.
See below for the other insects that our stores typically carry:
Mealworms
Mealworms are a popular and nutritious feeder insect for many reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small animals. They provide a good source of protein and healthy fats, helping support growth, energy, and overall body condition. For insect-eating reptiles such as geckos, bearded dragons, and some turtles, mealworms can be a valuable addition to a varied diet when offered in moderation.
In addition to their nutritional value, mealworms are easy to store and convenient to feed, making them a favourite option for many pet owners. Their movement encourages natural hunting instincts, giving reptiles mental stimulation and enrichment during feeding time. Offering live insects like mealworms helps replicate natural feeding behaviours that reptiles would experience in the wild.
Mealworms can also be gut-loaded with nutrient-rich foods before feeding, allowing them to pass along additional vitamins and minerals to your pet. Dusting mealworms with calcium and vitamin supplements can further support bone strength, healthy growth, and proper shedding. Since mealworms have a firmer outer shell, they are often best offered as part of a balanced feeding routine alongside softer insects and fresh foods depending on the species.
Providing appropriately sized mealworms and rotating them with other feeder insects helps ensure your reptile receives a varied and nutritious diet. When used as part of a well-rounded feeding plan, mealworms can be a convenient and beneficial option for maintaining your pet’s health and activity levels.
Superworms
Superworms are a nutritious and highly active feeder insect that can be a great addition to many reptiles’ diets. Rich in protein and healthy fats, they help support energy, growth, and overall body condition, making them especially popular for larger insect-eating reptiles such as bearded dragons, monitors, geckos, and some amphibians. Their larger size also makes them a satisfying feeding option for pets that require bigger prey items.
One of the biggest benefits of superworms is the enrichment they provide during feeding time. Their lively movement encourages natural hunting instincts, helping reptiles stay mentally stimulated and physically active. This interactive feeding experience can mimic behaviors reptiles would naturally display in the wild, making mealtime more engaging and beneficial.
Superworms are also easy to keep and can be gut-loaded with nutrient-rich foods before feeding. By feeding the worms fresh vegetables, grains, or specialized diets, pet owners can increase the nutritional value passed on to their reptiles. Dusting superworms with calcium and vitamin supplements can further support bone health, proper growth, and healthy shedding.
Because superworms contain more fat than some other feeder insects, they are often best used as part of a varied diet rather than as the sole food source. Offering appropriately sized superworms alongside other insects, vegetables, and supplements helps create a balanced feeding routine that supports long-term reptile health and wellbeing.
Waxworms
Waxworms are a soft-bodied, high-fat feeder insect that can be a useful and highly palatable addition to many reptiles’ diets. They are especially popular with insect-eating reptiles, amphibians, and some birds because of their rich taste and easy-to-digest texture, making them an excellent option for encouraging picky eaters or reptiles that are temporarily off food.
Because waxworms are higher in fat and lower in overall protein compared to other feeder insects, they are best used as an occasional treat rather than a staple food source. When offered in moderation, they can help provide quick energy and added variety in a balanced feeding routine for species such as geckos, bearded dragons, and other insectivores.
Waxworms also serve an important role in feeding enrichment. Their soft movement and strong scent often trigger a strong feeding response, helping stimulate natural hunting instincts and encouraging reptiles to stay active and engaged during mealtime. This can be particularly helpful during times of stress, shedding, or dietary transition.
Like other feeder insects, waxworms can be part of a more nutritious feeding plan when combined with gut-loading and supplementation. While they don’t hold gut-load as effectively as some other insects, they can still be dusted with calcium and vitamin powders to help support bone health and overall wellness when used appropriately.
When included thoughtfully alongside a variety of other insects such as crickets, mealworms, and superworms, waxworms can be a valuable occasional feeder that adds both enrichment and dietary variety to a reptile’s routine.
Hornworms
Hornworms are a soft-bodied, fast-growing feeder insect that provide an excellent source of hydration and nutrition for many reptiles. Known for their high moisture content and bright green colour, they are especially beneficial for helping support hydration in species such as bearded dragons, geckos, chameleons, and other insect-eating reptiles.
Unlike some harder-bodied insects, hornworms are easy to digest and have a soft texture, making them a great option for reptiles of all ages—especially juveniles, picky eaters, or animals recovering from stress or shedding. They are naturally low in fat compared to some other feeder insects, but still provide a good source of protein to support healthy growth and energy levels.
Hornworms are also excellent for enrichment and stimulation during feeding time. Their quick movement encourages natural hunting instincts, keeping reptiles active and engaged while they eat. Because of their size and activity level, they can be especially exciting for reptiles that need a bit of extra motivation at mealtime.
One of the biggest advantages of hornworms is their ability to contribute to hydration. Their high water content makes them a helpful feeder insect for reptiles that may not be drinking enough on their own or during warmer conditions. This makes them a great occasional addition to a varied diet, especially when fresh greens and other moisture-rich foods are also part of the routine.
As with all feeder insects, hornworms are best used as part of a balanced diet alongside other insects such as crickets, mealworms, and superworms. When offered appropriately, they provide a nutritious, hydrating, and enriching feeding option that supports overall reptile health and wellbeing.
Silkworms
Silkworms are a highly nutritious, soft-bodied feeder insect that make an excellent addition to the diet of many insect-eating reptiles. Naturally high in protein and low in fat, they are often considered one of the most balanced feeder options available, supporting healthy growth, muscle development, and overall vitality in species such as bearded dragons, geckos, chameleons, and other insectivores.
Because of their soft texture, silkworms are easy to digest and are well-suited for reptiles of all ages, including juveniles and animals with more sensitive digestive systems. Their gentle composition also makes them a great option for picky eaters or reptiles that may be transitioning back onto food after stress or illness.
Silkworms are also valued for their nutritional profile. They contain a naturally high level of calcium compared to many other feeder insects, which helps support strong bones, proper growth, and healthy shedding when included as part of a varied diet. This makes them a great complement to other feeders like crickets, mealworms, and superworms.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, silkworms provide enrichment during feeding time. Their slow, smooth movement encourages natural hunting behavior without being too aggressive or overwhelming, making them an engaging yet manageable prey item for reptiles of different temperaments.
Another benefit of silkworms is that they are typically fed a specialized diet (mulberry-based chow), which helps maintain their consistent nutritional quality. When used as part of a well-rounded feeding routine, silkworms offer a highly beneficial, easy-to-digest, and enriching option that supports long-term reptile health and wellbeing.
Red Wigglers
Red wigglers are a small, soft-bodied feeder worm that can be a nutritious and beneficial addition to the diet of many reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic pets. They are naturally high in protein and contain beneficial nutrients that support overall health, making them a great option for adding variety to a balanced feeding routine.
Because of their small size and soft texture, red wigglers are especially well-suited for smaller reptiles, juvenile animals, or species that prefer easy-to-digest prey. They can also be a good choice for picky eaters, as their movement and scent often help stimulate a strong feeding response and encourage natural hunting behavior.
Red wigglers are also known for being relatively high in calcium compared to some other feeder insects, which can help support strong bone development, healthy growth, and proper muscle function when included as part of a varied diet. This makes them a useful supplemental feeder alongside other staples like crickets, mealworms, or superworms.
In addition to their nutritional value, red wigglers provide enrichment during feeding time. Their natural wriggling motion encourages reptiles to engage their instincts, keeping them active and mentally stimulated while they feed.
As with all feeder insects, red wigglers are best used as part of a varied diet rather than the sole food source. When offered alongside other appropriately sized insects and properly supplemented, they contribute to a healthy, balanced, and enriching feeding routine that supports long-term reptile wellbeing.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are a tiny but essential feeder insect commonly used for very small reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. They are especially important for hatchlings and micro-insectivores such as dart frogs, small geckos, and other species that require appropriately sized prey to feed safely and effectively.
Despite their size, fruit flies provide valuable nutrition, including protein and essential nutrients that support healthy growth, development, and energy. Because they are so small and easy to consume, they allow young or delicate animals to feed without difficulty, making them a reliable staple during early life stages.
Fruit flies are also highly effective at encouraging natural hunting behavior. Their constant movement and quick response to their environment stimulate instinctive feeding reactions, helping young reptiles and amphibians develop strong prey recognition and hunting skills from an early age.
In addition to standard fruit flies, flightless fruit flies are a popular option in reptile care. These are selectively bred varieties that cannot fly, making them easier to manage, culture, and feed out. Flightless fruit flies are especially convenient for controlled feeding environments, as they stay contained more easily and are less likely to escape during feeding time, while still providing the same nutritional benefits and enrichment.
Because of their size and ease of use, both flying and flightless fruit flies play an important role in feeding very small animals. When used appropriately, they provide essential nutrition, stimulation, and accessibility for some of the smallest insect-eating pets in captivity.
Are There Any Other Options?
Freeze-dried insects can be a convenient feeding option for pets and are often used as a supplement to a balanced diet. They provide many of the same nutritional benefits as live feeder insects, including protein and essential nutrients, while offering the advantage of easy storage and longer shelf life. Freeze-dried insects are available in a variety of options, such as crickets, mealworms, grasshoppers, and other popular feeders.
For some reptiles, freeze-dried insects can be a useful alternative when live feeders are not available or when pet owners prefer a lower-maintenance option. They are easy to portion, create less mess, and eliminate the need to care for live insects at home. Many reptile owners also use them as an occasional treat or to add variety to their pet’s feeding routine.
Because freeze-dried insects lack the natural movement of live prey, some reptiles may be less interested in them at first. Rehydrating the insects slightly before feeding can help improve texture and palatability, making them more appealing to picky eaters. They can also be dusted with calcium or vitamin supplements to further support balanced nutrition.
While freeze-dried insects offer convenience, they are often best used alongside live feeder insects and fresh foods to ensure reptiles receive enrichment, hydration, and a varied diet. When incorporated appropriately, freeze-dried insects can be a simple and practical addition to your reptile’s feeding routine.
Powdered reptile foods are especially popular for crested geckos, as they provide a simple and nutritionally balanced feeding option designed specifically for their dietary needs. Products such as Repashy are commonly used by crested gecko owners because they offer a complete diet that includes fruits, proteins, vitamins, and minerals in one easy-to-prepare formula.
Crested geckos are omnivores that naturally consume fruit, nectar, and insects in the wild. Powdered diets are formulated to mimic this balance, making them an excellent staple food for these popular reptiles. Many crested gecko keepers rely on powdered foods as the foundation of their pet’s diet, often supplementing with occasional feeder insects for enrichment and variety.
Preparing powdered food is simple. The powder is mixed with water to create a soft paste or smoothie-like consistency that crested geckos can easily lick and consume. The mixture is then placed in a small feeding dish inside the enclosure. Depending on the brand and preference, the consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less water to create a thicker or thinner texture.
One of the biggest advantages of powdered diets for crested geckos is convenience. They are easy to store, quick to prepare, and provide consistent nutrition without the need to prepare multiple food items. Because the food is soft and easy to digest, it is suitable for geckos of all ages, from juveniles to adults.
When used as part of a balanced feeding routine, powdered diets help support healthy growth, strong bones, proper shedding, and overall wellbeing. Combined with occasional insects and proper supplementation, they offer a reliable and effective way to meet a crested gecko’s nutritional needs.
Freeze-dried small animal treats can be a fun and protein-rich snack for certain small animals, offering a convenient way to add variety and enrichment to their diet. While most small pets rely on a base diet of pellets, hay, fresh vegetables, or formulated foods depending on the species, freeze-dried insects can serve as an occasional high-value treat.
Small omnivorous or insect-eating animals such as hamsters, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, rats, mice, and some exotic small mammals may enjoy freeze-dried insects like mealworms, crickets, or grasshoppers. These treats provide a concentrated source of protein and fats, helping support energy and overall condition when offered in moderation.
Don’t See Something You’re Looking For?
Call or visit your local Petland and speak with their Fish and Reptile manager about special ordering insects!
