Nutrition Guide
What & How to Feed Chameleons
Variety is the cornerstone of good chameleon nutrition. No single feeder provides everything they need.
Feeder Insects
Crickets
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The staple feeder. Easy to find, nutritious when gut-loaded. Use medium/large sizes for adults.
Dubia Roaches
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Excellent nutrition, easy to keep, low odor. One of the best staple feeders available.
Hornworms
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High moisture content, great for hydration. Feed as a treat — high in water, lower in protein.
Silkworms
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Excellent nutritional profile. Soft-bodied and easily digestible. Great for all ages.
Superworms
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Higher in fat — use sparingly as a treat. Good for adding weight to thin animals.
Waxworms
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High in fat — treats only. Don't feed regularly. Can be used occasionally as enrichment.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae
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Excellent calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Great supplemental feeder.
Bottleflies
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Great for picky eaters and babies. The movement stimulates hunting instinct.
Gut-Loading
Gut-loading means feeding your feeder insects nutritious foods 24–48 hours before offering them to your chameleon. This passes nutrition up the food chain.
Good gut-load items: Collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, butternut squash, sweet potato, carrots, apples (no seeds), oranges, and commercial gut-load products.