Crickets (Acheta domesticus) are a very popular feeder insect for reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and other exotic pets. There's a common myth that crickets should be avoided as a feeder because they're low-quality nutrition and more likely to infect your pet with parasites. So here's some facts to clear things up:
- Crickets are a good source of essential nutrients.
- They are no more likely to have parasites than any other feeder.
- Crickets' natural movement stimulates reptiles and amphibians to eat.
- A feeder insect is only as good as the food it's fed and the quality of the facility that produced it.
CRICKET NUTRITION FACTS:
| Moisture (%) |
Protein (%) |
Fat (%) |
Ash (%) |
Fiber (%) |
Calcium (mg/kg) |
Phosphorus (mg/kg) |
|
| Crickets | 77.1 | 15.4 | 3.3 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 275 | 2520 |
Crickets must be dusted with calcium supplement powder before feeding. Shop calcium powders here.
For best results, use crickets as part of a rotation of feeder insects such as dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae, and hornworms. Variety is key to a balanced diet!
