Can Parakeets Eat Mealworms?
- Manoj Fegade
- Mar 22, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 25, 2025
Small-sized species of parrots, parakeets, are great companions and hence, everyone’s favourite pets. They are quite entertaining, but like other pets, they do demand time and care. A pet’s health is always the topmost priority for every owner, and when it comes to feeding them, every owner tries to be as careful as possible.
We understand finding a proper diet full of nutrition for your parakeet can be exhausting sometimes. A good parakeet diet consists of 50% pellets, 15–20% seeds, and 30% fruits and vegetables, but what if your pet has dissimilar eating habits, such as eating mealworms?
It can be a little confusing, though, so here we bring a complete guide for your parakeet eating mealworms.
The Diet Of Parakeets In The Wild
Most parakeet owners believe that these birds are pure vegetarians and should be kept away from any food that is not plant-based. This, however, is not entirely true.
Parakeets are tropical birds with an exceptionally diverse diet. They mainly feed on a variety of seeds, nuts, berries, fruits, and vegetables.
In addition to it, they also snack on protein-rich foods such as bugs and worms occasionally. It means that these birds are not the herbivores you consider them to be.
Can Parakeets Eat Mealworms?
The first question that appears in your mind after seeing a parakeet feeding mealworms is, Can parakeets eat mealworms? Is it safe for them, or are there any side effects of parakeets eating mealworms?
The answer is yes, parakeets can safely eat mealworms. Budgies do eat mealworms, and surprisingly, they are a great source of protein. Even though nuts, fruits, and vegetables are parakeets’ favourite meals, giving them mealworms on rare occasions is not harmful. However, before adding anything new to your pet’s diet, we strongly encourage you to discuss it with a veterinarian.
Many wild birds feed on mealworms in the wild. Parakeets, too, have a diverse diet and enjoy feeding mainly on grains. Mealworms are not toxic or harmful, but it is better to keep them as a rare treat for your feathered pet friend.
Making it a regular meal can result in the following:
Mealworms, if taken from your garden and not from a proper feed store, may contain bacteria and parasites that can cause severe illness and even lead to death upon transfer to your bird.
Too many mealworms can cause a moisture imbalance that results in diarrhea.
Mealworms are high in fat content, which can cause obesity in parakeets.
How Should You Give Mealworms to Your Parakeet?
Many owners claim that they have not observed any harmful side effects in their pet birds after feeding them mealworms. Still, many try to keep their pet away from mealworms as much as possible and believe that they should not be consumed by parakeets. Much depends on the breeding, environment, feeding pattern, and taste of your budgies.
If you are feeding mealworms to your budgie, try to keep the quantity to a minimum. They do not cause any specific harm if taken in small portions. Also, make sure that you’re buying it from a reliable store and in a balanced quantity.
Are Dried Mealworms Safe for Parakeets?
Mealworms are a great supplementary diet for parakeets but should not be considered the best one. Dried mealworms are simple mealworms that have been dried out due to heating or freezing. They are not as beneficial as live ones, but many prefer dried mealworms, as they are easy to store and easy to feed.
Dried mealworms can be served to parakeets by mixing them up in a birdseed mix or nuts, or they can be served alone in a bird feeder. It is safe and healthy for your budgies and a high source of protein, enriched oil, and high in nutritional values.
Final Words
Parakeets do eat mealworms, and it is not specifically harmful to their health, yet excessive consumption may cause health problems in your budgies. Mealworms are a great source of protein and vital amino acids. It is advised that whenever you change your pet’s diet, you should always consult a veterinarian first to ensure good health and to keep them safe from any diseases.