Mealworms

Why Choose Premium Feeders?

Premium Feeders dried mealworms for chickens, wild birds and small animals
dried mealworms

Naturally Wholesome

Our mealworms are fed a natural, organic-based diet, resulting in a cleaner and more wholesome insect protein source.

Premium Quality Mealworms

Produced to meet strict Canadian standards, ensuring a clean, safe, and consistent nutritional supplement.

High-Protein

Supports egg production, feather health, growth, and overall vitality for a wide range of animals.

Superior Nutrition & Value

Higher-quality feeding leads to better nutrition, offering a superior alternative to lower-grade, mass-produced mealworms.

dried mealworms

Naturally Wholesome

Our mealworms are fed a natural, organic-based diet, resulting in a cleaner and more wholesome insect protein source.

Premium Quality Mealworms

Produced to meet strict Canadian standards, ensuring a clean, safe, and consistent nutritional supplement.

Premium Feeders dried mealworms for chickens, wild birds and small animals

High-Protein

Supports egg production, feather health, growth, and overall vitality for a wide range of animals.

Superior Nutrition & Value

Higher-quality feeding leads to better nutrition, offering a superior alternative to lower-grade, mass-produced mealworms.

Animals That Commonly Enjoy Mealworms

Dried mealworms are a natural insect-based protein source enjoyed by many animals beyond chickens. In the wild, insects play an important role in the diets of birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Mealworms are naturally accepted by many species and can be offered as an occasional treat or supplemental food source.
  • Poultry & Farm Birds

    Poultry & Farm Birds

    Chickens, ducks, turkeys, quail, and geese
  • Wild & Pet Birds

    Wild & Pet Birds

    Bluebirds, robins, chickadees, cardinals, parrots, and finches
  • Reptiles

    Reptiles

    Bearded dragons, geckos, lizards, and turtles
  • Amphibians

    Amphibians

    Frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts
  • Small Animals

    Small Animals

    Hedgehogs, hamsters, mice, rats, and sugar gliders
  • Aquatic Animals

    Aquatic Animals

    Pond fish, koi, goldfish, betta fish, cichlids, tetras, and angelfish
wild bird, meal worm, mealworms, birds

A Natural Part of a Bird’s Diet

Insects have always played a key role in the diet of chickens and wild birds. Long before domestication, chickens relied on foraging to obtain protein from bugs, larvae, and small invertebrates. This natural instinct remains unchanged today.

Dried mealworms provide a clean and convenient way to reintroduce this ancestral protein source without the unpredictability of live insects. By supplementing a bird’s regular feed with mealworms, owners can support natural feeding patterns while helping birds meet their nutritional needs in a balanced way.

Supporting egg production and feather health, chicken, mealworm, hens, mealworms

Supporting Egg Production and Feather Health

Protein plays a crucial role in egg development and feather growth. Laying hens require consistent nutrient intake to maintain strong production cycles, while moulting birds need additional support to regenerate feathers efficiently.

Mealworms are commonly introduced during these periods because they supply concentrated protein and energy. During colder months, when natural insect populations decline, this becomes especially valuable. Many backyard flock owners use mealworms seasonally to help maintain vitality and resilience when environmental conditions are more demanding.

Mealworm great for protein

Energy Support During Colder Months

Winter presents unique challenges for poultry and wild birds alike. With fewer insects available in nature, birds must rely more heavily on stored energy and supplemental nutrition.

The natural fat content found in dried mealworms can help provide a source of sustained energy. This makes them a popular addition to feeding routines during colder weather, when birds require additional caloric intake to maintain body heat and activity levels.

wild birds, blue bird, eating mealworms

A Powerful Attraction for Wild Birds

For those looking to attract insect-eating species to their yard, mealworms are one of the most effective feeding options available. Many popular backyard birds naturally seek out insects as part of their diet.

Offering dried mealworms can help encourage visits from species that may not typically be drawn to seed-based feeders alone. This is particularly useful during nesting season and migration periods, when birds are actively seeking higher protein food sources.

Chicken eating mealworms outdoor, foraging

A Versatile Feeding Supplement

Mealworms are typically used as a supplemental treat rather than a primary feed source. They can be offered in feeders, scattered to encourage natural foraging behaviour, or mixed into regular feed.

Because of their concentrated nutritional profile, they are best introduced in moderation alongside a balanced diet. This approach allows birds to benefit from the added protein without disrupting their overall nutritional intake.

How to Feed Dried Mealworms

Mealworms are best used as a supplemental treat alongside regular feed. They can be:

  • Mixed into daily feed
  • Offered in a feeder
  • Scattered for natural foraging
  • Used as a training reward

For most backyard flocks, dried mealworms should be offered in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Practical Choice for Backyard Flocks

For small backyard flocks as well as larger setups, dried mealworms offer a practical feeding solution that does not require refrigeration or special handling.

They are easy to store, simple to serve, and suitable for a wide range of poultry including laying hens, ducks, and other domestic birds. Many flock owners incorporate them into seasonal feeding routines or use them during times when birds may benefit from additional support.

As with any natural supplement, consistency and quality play an important role. Clean, properly dried mealworms provide a reliable way to supplement a bird’s diet without unnecessary additives.

For poultry keepers focused on supporting flock health and maintaining natural feeding habits, mealworms remain one of the most widely used insect-based supplements available.

Why Mealworms Are Beneficial for Chickens

In nature, chickens instinctively forage for insects. Dried mealworms allow backyard flock owners to safely reintroduce this natural protein source in a convenient and shelf-stable form.

When used as a poultry feed supplement, mealworms may help support:

  • Consistent egg production in laying hens
  • Feather regrowth during moulting
  • Natural foraging behaviour
  • Muscle development
  • Energy levels in colder weather

Because they are rich in protein and natural fats, dried mealworms are widely considered one of the best natural treats for backyard chickens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dried mealworms?

Dried mealworms are the larvae of mealworm beetles, carefully harvested and dehydrated to provide a high-protein, natural treat for chickens, wild birds, and other insect-eating animals. They are safe, shelf-stable, and nutritionally dense.

Why should I feed mealworms to my chickens?

Mealworms are a natural protein source that supports egg production, feather health, and energy levels. They replicate the insects chickens would naturally forage for in the wild, making them a nutritious and enriching treat.

Can mealworms be fed to other animals besides chickens?

Yes! Dried mealworms are suitable for ducks, turkeys, quail, geese, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, wild birds, and even some fish. They provide protein and healthy fats that benefit a wide variety of species.

How often can I feed mealworms to my flock?

Mealworms should be offered as a treat or supplement in moderation, making up no more than 10% of the total diet. This ensures your birds receive balanced nutrition while enjoying a high-protein boost.

Are Premium Feeders mealworms better than other brands?

Yes. Our mealworms are premium quality, naturally raised on an organic-based diet, and produced to meet strict Canadian standards. This results in higher protein, cleaner nutrition, and a safer, more wholesome supplement than mass-produced alternatives.

Can mealworms help with egg production?

Absolutely. The high protein content of mealworms supports hens during peak laying cycles, helping maintain consistent egg production and overall flock health.

Are mealworms safe for winter feeding?

Yes. Mealworms provide an excellent source of energy during colder months when natural insect populations decline, helping chickens, wild birds, and other animals maintain body heat and activity.

How do I feed mealworms to my birds or animals?

You can feed mealworms directly as a treat, scatter them to encourage natural foraging, mix them into daily feed, or place them in a feeder. They are versatile and easy to incorporate into any feeding routine.

Can baby chicks eat mealworms?

Yes, but in moderation. Small chicks can enjoy finely chopped or broken mealworms as a protein supplement to support growth and feather development, alongside their regular starter feed.

Are mealworms organic or naturally raised?

Yes. Premium Feeders mealworms are naturally raised on a clean, organic-based diet. This ensures they are free from harmful additives and provide a wholesome, high-protein supplement for chickens, birds, reptiles, and other animals. Feeding naturally raised mealworms helps replicate a bird’s or animal’s natural diet in a safe and nutritious way.

Are mealworms suitable for year-round feeding?

Yes. Dried mealworms can be safely fed year-round as a supplemental treat. They are especially useful during periods when natural insect availability is low, such as winter or moulting season. Offering mealworms throughout the year supports consistent nutrition, energy levels, and overall health for chickens, wild birds, and other insect-eating animals.

How should I store dried mealworms?

Keep dried mealworms in a cool, dry place in a sealed container. This preserves freshness and nutritional value. Properly stored, they can last for several months and remain ready to feed whenever needed.

Can I buy mealworms in bulk for larger flocks?

Yes! Premium Feeders offers dried mealworms in bulk sizes, making it easier and more affordable to feed larger backyard flocks, farms, or wildlife programs. Buying in bulk not only ensures a consistent supply of high-quality, natural protein but also provides better value and savings compared to smaller packages. Bulk mealworms are easy to store and maintain their nutritional quality for months when kept in a cool, dry place.