Mealworms do not comprise a major part of wild axolotl's diets; in fact, they're quite harmful and difficult to digest. However, occasionally after they molt they can be fed as their soft bodies will have lightened in color allowing for easier consumption by the animal.
They are hard to digest
Mealworms can be difficult to digest for baby salamanders as they have hard, dry exoskeletons. Furthermore, their jaws can hurt an axolotl so it is necessary to separate their jaws prior to feeding them. Since an axolotl's mouth is also relatively small and they could choke easily on uncrushed mealworms if not crushed before consumption; overfeeding on mealworms may even result in impaction and even death.
Axolotls are natural carnivores that feed exclusively on living things in their environment. As such, they should never consume processed meats or anything with preservatives as this would compromise their health. Unfortunately, many pet owners feed their axolotls mealworms which contain too much chitin and have insufficient levels of minerals and vitamins needed by axolotls.
Axolotls require a diet high in proteins and fats while being low in carbohydrates (starches and sugars). Their food should also contain plenty of vitamins, salts and minerals; mealworms are one source of these vital elements but might not be the ideal food source for your pet axolotl. Instead, live or waxworms could make more nutritious options.
They are not good for baby axolotls
Feeding your baby axolotl mealworms daily may lead to digestive issues. Mealworms have hard outer skeletons which may become lodged in their throat or gills and take longer for them to digest due to their structure; consequently, your axolotl could suffer impaction or even die due to these difficulties.
To minimize this risk, only feed your axolotl mealworms once or twice every week or so and make sure that none are in their molting stage; to identify whether this has occurred simply look at its color; mealworms in their molting stage are distinguished by a nearly white body, making them appear albino in comparison with other mealworms.
Mealworms should be cut into smaller sections before feeding them to an axolotl, to reduce choking and impaction risks and ensure dirt-free worms. Also make sure there is plenty of fine and soft sand available as an axolotl may swallow some as part of its food, which aids digestion.
One scientific study concluded that axolotls thrived best when fed a diet rich in bloodworms rather than daphnias, although this study is far from comprehensive - to see what works for your individual axolotl, it's best to experiment both diets.
They are a waste of money
Axolotls are fascinating amphibians that have quickly become popular pet choices. These creatures feed on earthworms, bloodworms, daphnia (an aquatic crustacean) and brine shrimp as well as lean cuts of beef or chicken. While live food may introduce parasites into the environment, freeze-dried options are safer and easier for your axolotl to digest.
Mealworms are the go-to choice for many reptile and amphibian owners as they're cost effective, easily available at pet stores, and provide plenty of nutrition. But they may not be suitable for feeding to axolotls due to their hard chitin exoskeleton which makes digestion challenging; thus leading to impaction.
To reduce choking or impaction risks when feeding earthworms to an axolotl, it is wise to cut up larger ones into smaller sections prior to giving them. This makes them easier for their mouths and also reduces waste accumulation in the tank. To do this, hold one hand onto the worm while using the other to push against its skin with force.
They are a waste of time
Mealworms are a staple food item for many reptiles and amphibians, as they're cheap, readily available at pet stores, and provide convenient protein sources and other nutrition. Unfortunately, mealworms don't make the best food choice for axolotls as they could actually prove detrimental.
Mealworms contain a hard outer shell that may be difficult for axolotls to digest, leading to stomach irritated and inflamed conditions that compromise overall health. Furthermore, these mealworms have high fat contents which may further jeopardise their well-being; therefore it is best avoided altogether or given as occasional supplements.
If you must feed mealworms to your axolotl, try timing their feeding immediately following their molting process, as their soft new exoskeleton makes digestion much simpler for their stomachs.
Chopping mealworms into smaller sections is also recommended, to make it easier for axolotls to fit them in their mouths and reduce risks such as choking or impaction. Frozen or dried mealworms should always be used first as live ones may contain pathogens which could prove fatal for an axolotl.
Axolotls possess an extraordinary sense of smell, and can quickly locate prey at the bottom of lakes or rivers with ease. Once they spot their meal, their powerful suction force allows them to inhale it before grinding it up for digestion.