Video credit: NORTHERN EXOTICS. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_XdfEqgZBA. This is our own independent breakdown and is not affiliated with the video creator. As an Amazon Associate, DragonPop earns from qualifying purchases. Product prices shown in the video may have changed.
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Product breakdown
- Dubia roaches live feeder
- Symton black soldier fly larvae
- live crickets for reptiles
- mealworms live feeder
- superworms live feeder
This breakdown is our own summary of the video for reference. Confirm current specs and price on the retailer page before buying.
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This is our own independent breakdown and is not affiliated with the video creator. As an Amazon Associate, DragonPop earns from qualifying purchases. Product prices shown in the video may have changed.
Think of this video as a setup in this class for learning how gut loading works, not as a shopping list for exact brands. You will see the general routine for holding feeder insects, offering them nutritious food and moisture, then feeding them to your dragon while they are still full of nutrients.
What This Video Covers
This video from NORTHERN EXOTICS covers gut loading feeder insects for bearded dragons, with a focus on superworms. It gives you a real world look at a setup in this category, meaning a simple holding bin, dry bedding, moisture rich vegetables or cubes, and a plan to feed the insects off while they are well fed.
If you are new to gut loading, the core idea is simple. You are what your feeders eat. A hungry superworm pulled straight from shipping bedding offers mostly chitin and fat. The same superworm after feeding on quality gut load foods and hydration offers more vitamins, minerals, and moisture to your dragon. That difference matters for growth, shedding, activity, and stool quality.
This approach suits juvenile and adult bearded dragons that already take larger prey, and it can suit babies only if you adapt feeder size and quantity to your own dragon. Feeder size and quantity depend on your dragon’s age and appetite, not a fixed count. As a rule, choose insects no wider than the space between your dragon’s eyes and offer only what your dragon will eat in an active feeding session. When in doubt, go smaller and observe.
Scale here is small and apartment friendly. You do not need a breeding rack to copy this class of setup. Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container and feed appropriately sized insects. A smooth sided tote or critter keeper with air holes, dry bran or oats for bedding, plus a moisture source, is the common pattern you see at this level. Store it somewhere with steady room warmth and normal indoor light, away from direct sun and drafts.
There are two tradeoffs to understand. First, superworms are active, easy to keep, and most dragons love them, but they are richer and chewier than staple feeders like dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae. Use them as part of a rotation, not as the only bug. Second, convenience gut loads are easy, but fresh greens and vegetables still matter for variety. For more on building a rotation, see our Feeder Insects: Crickets, Dubia & BSFL hub and our guide on how to choose a dubia colony starter for your dragon.
A quick caution on supplements ties in here. Gut load products that provide vitamins and minerals are meant to be used exactly as the label directs. Follow the manufacturer’s own directions for your specific product and check with a reptile veterinarian about your individual dragon, especially if you also dust with calcium or vitamin D3. For background on dusting, browse our Calcium, Vitamin D3 & Supplements section.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. The video itself is representative of this budget and style, so I am not claiming the creator used these exact products. Below is how the common gear seen at this level maps to what I would buy today in November 2026.
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Quick Picks at a Glance
Prime TC INSECTS Large Live Superworms 25 Ct 1.5-2 Inch
Prime Fluker's Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet 6 oz
Prime Symton Large Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Prime Josh's Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches 250 Count
Prime Gbekery Squirrel Proof Bluebird Feeder with Glass
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Pros
- Large 1.5 to 2 inch size offers substantial nutrition per worm
- Live arrival guarantee builds confidence for mail order feeders
- Suitable for wide range of reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish
- Simple storage with no refrigeration needed
- Hand counted pack ensures full 25 count quantity
Cons
- Live insects require prompt care and proper storage after arrival
- Large size may be too big for juveniles, hatchlings or very small species
- Shorter usable life than dried foods, so plan your feeding schedule
TC INSECTS offers 25 live large superworms in the 1.5 to 2 inch range, known as Zophobas morio. This pack is built for owners of bearded dragons, leopard geckos, chameleons, turtles, monitors and larger fish at all life stages.
These superworms stand out for active movement and a meaty, high protein body that encourages natural hunting behavior. In daily feeding, they work well as a growth supporting staple or an irresistible treat for picky eaters.
Quality starts with hand counting and secure, travel safe packing from Texas with a live arrival guarantee. The worms keep easily at room temperature in wheat bran or oats with carrot for moisture.
The main limitation is that live feeders need attention soon after delivery and regular moisture care. The large size is also not suitable for very small juveniles, hatchlings or tiny amphibians that need smaller prey.
Overall, this is a convenient, nutritious live feeder option for multi species households. If you want active, protein rich worms with easy storage and reliable arrival, this 25 count pack is a smart pick.
Brand: TC INSECTS, Species: Zophobas morio, Size: Large 1.5 to 2 inch, Count: 25 live superworms.
Target Species: Reptiles, plus amphibians, birds and fish. Recommended Use: Daily feeding and nutritional treats for growth.
Storage: Keep at room temperature in wheat bran or oats. Add fresh carrot or potato slice for moisture, no refrigeration needed.
Offer appropriately sized superworms 2 to 3 times per week as part of a varied diet with greens and calcium dusting. Always supervise feeding and remove uneaten worms to keep the enclosure clean.
Store the colony in a ventilated container with bran bedding in a warm, dry spot. Replace vegetable moisture sources every couple days to prevent mold and keep worms active.
Pros
- Keeps feeder crickets alive longer and healthier for more nutritious prey
- Eliminates drowning risk from water dishes by providing hydration in gel form
- Pleasant citrus scent with little mess or odor
- Simple to use with no extra watering or separate supplements needed
- Supports better reptile and amphibian health through effective gut loading
Cons
- Dries out within about 24 hours so cubes must be replaced daily
- Some picky crickets may ignore it at first and need supplemental greens or dry food
- 6 ounce bag runs out fast if you maintain large or multiple insect colonies
Fluker's Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet is an all in one gut load diet designed for feeder crickets and other insects. It is ideal for owners of bearded dragons, leopard geckos, frogs, jumping spiders and other insect eating pets who need to keep live prey healthy.
Each cube delivers food, vitamins, minerals and water in one convenient form. In real world use, owners report crickets live much longer and stay more active, which means more nutritious meals for reptiles and less waste from die offs.
The soft, moist pellet cubes are easy to portion and serve. Just place a cube or cut piece in the keeper, with no need for separate water dishes, sponges or messy chopped produce.
The main drawback is that cubes dry out quickly, often within a day, so daily replacement is needed. A small number of crickets may also show little interest at first, so offering a bit of greens or dry insect food alongside can help.
Overall, this is a convenient, low odor and reliable solution for gut loading and hydrating feeder insects. If you want healthier prey with less hassle, it is a smart staple to keep on hand.
Brand: Fluker's, Model 71300 by Fluker Labs for feeder insects and reptiles.
Form: Soft moist pellet cubes in a 6 ounce bag, made for all life stages.
Purpose: Complete diet providing food plus vitamins, minerals with kelp, and hydration.
Use: Place cubes in insect keeper and replace daily as they dry out.
Pet Type: Ideal for gut loading crickets fed to reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
Pros
- Excellent natural calcium content eliminates need for dusting supplements
- Consistently arrives alive, active and abundant
- Well accepted by bearded dragons and supports healthy digestion
- Non-GMO, probiotic raised diet for cleaner nutrition
Cons
- Limited 2 week shelf life requires proper cool storage and planning
- Shipping is not expedited, so you need to order ahead
- Substrate can develop odor when gut loading, and some picky reptiles may refuse them
Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly Larvae are live BSFL designed as a staple feeder for bearded dragons, leopard geckos, frogs, turtles, birds and other insect loving pets. They suit owners of all life stages who want a nutritious, ready to feed alternative to crickets and mealworms.
Raised on a probiotic treated grain and grass diet, these grubs deliver premium protein plus naturally high calcium with a balanced 2.5 to 1 calcium to phosphorus ratio. That means no dusting is required, and owners report eager feeding responses, active hunting behavior and healthy, consistent digestion.
Quality and handling stand out, with larvae arriving lively and abundant in a ventilated bag and container system built for live transit. The non-GMO rearing process keeps the grubs clean and nutrient dense, while the large size makes them satisfying for adult reptiles and larger breeds.
There are a few tradeoffs to plan for, including a limited shelf life of about two weeks when stored cool as directed. Shipping is not rushed, substrate can develop odor especially when gut loading with vegetables, and a few picky eaters may still refuse them.
Overall, Symton BSFL are a convenient, calcium rich staple that simplifies reptile nutrition without supplements. If you keep insectivores and want healthy, guaranteed live feeders that encourage natural feeding, this is an excellent bulk choice.
Feed BSFL as a staple or mix with crickets and leafy greens for variety and enrichment. Offer appropriately sized live larvae, and rinse lightly before feeding to remove loose substrate debris.
Store in a cool location following package instructions to slow pupation and extend freshness for up to two weeks. Do not refrigerate like mealworms, a wine cooler or cool basement works best to keep them active but calm.
Order ahead of need since delivery takes time, especially for juveniles on daily feeding schedules. Gut load sparingly with clean veggies if desired, and remove uneaten darkened grubs promptly to control odor.
Pros
- More nutritious and digestible than crickets thanks to high protein and soft shell
- No noise, no odor and minimal escape risk for hassle free keeping
- Perfectly sized for popular medium insectivores including bearded dragons and geckos
- Bulk size choices and generous weighing provide great value for multi pet homes
Cons
- Count and size may vary slightly since packs are sorted by size and weighed
- Live insects require proper warmth, food and housing promptly on arrival
- Not legal to ship to every US state, so buyers must check local restrictions
Josh's Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches in the 250 count pack are live feeder insects sized from 1/2 to 3/4 inch for medium insectivores. They are made for bearded dragons, leopard geckos, fat tailed geckos, chameleons, frogs, toads and spiders.
The standout benefit is nutrition with high protein and a soft, low chitin shell that is easier to digest than crickets. In daily feeding, they offer active movement that triggers feeding response while staying quiet and calm in the enclosure.
Keeping and handling is simple since Dubia roaches cannot fly or climb smooth surfaces, so escapes are rare. Josh's Frogs sorts by size and packs by weight in your favor, with live arrival packaging and a care sheet included for proper setup.
There are a few tradeoffs to know. Counts and sizes can vary slightly because packs are weighed, and live insects need prompt care with warmth, food and ventilation on arrival. They are also not legal to ship to every US state, so check your location first.
Overall, this 250 count medium pack is a smart choice for multi reptile homes or frequent feeders that want clean, nutritious and low maintenance prey. If you want a better cricket alternative that supports healthy growth, these Dubia roaches deliver excellent value and convenience.
Feed medium Dubia roaches that are no larger than the space between your reptile's eyes for safe swallowing. Offer 3 to 5 appropriately sized roaches per feeding for most medium insectivores, adjusting for age and appetite.
Store roaches in a smooth sided bin with egg crates, warmth and dry gut load plus fresh vegetables for hydration. Remove uneaten prey after a few hours and keep the bin clean and ventilated to prevent odor.
Pros
- Protective cage creates a safer, calmer feeding space for small birds
- Versatile glass bowl supports mealworms, seed, fruit and water for year round use
- Durable metal construction with weatherproof coating holds up outdoors
- Easy to refill and clean with removable roof and bowl
Cons
- Not 100 percent squirrel proof, best results require hanging out of jumping range
- Cage size may feel bulky for very small balconies or patios
- Glass bowl needs frequent cleaning, especially with live food or water
The Gbekery Bluebird Feeder is a caged hanging feeder designed for bluebirds, finches, chickadees and other small wild birds. It is built for backyard birders who want to offer mealworms, seed, fruit or water without feeding squirrels and large birds.
The 1.7 x 1.7 inch mesh openings let small birds slip inside while blocking adult squirrels and larger birds. The detachable glass bowl holds mealworms, seed, jelly or water, so you can rotate foods by season to attract more visitors.
Made from thick heavy gauge metal mesh with a weatherproof lid and protective coating, it resists chewing, bending and rust. Drainage holes in the base prevent water buildup, while the metal hook and 9 x 9 x 12 inch hanging design suit gardens, patios and tree branches.
Cleaning is simple thanks to the lift off roof and removable bowl with no assembly needed. Note that the brand states it deters rather than fully blocks squirrels, so hanging it out of jumping range gives the best results.
For anyone focused on small birds, this feeder offers a smart balance of protection, durability and versatility. It is a practical and decorative choice for attracting bluebirds safely to your outdoor space.
Brand: Gbekery, Model Number: LY-LS-YXBL-1, Color: Blue
Dimensions: 9L x 9W x 12H inches, Weight: 2 pounds, Material: Metal mesh with glass bowl
Target Species: Bluebird, Finch, Chickadee and other small wild birds
Recommended Foods: Mealworms, Seed, Fruit jam, Water
Mounting: Hanging mount with metal hook for gardens, backyards, patios and tree branches
| Timestamp | Part | Common at this level | Our 2026 pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not listed | setup | a similar setup in this class | Dubia roaches live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Not listed | gear | a similar setup in this class | Symton black soldier fly larvae | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Not listed | gear | a similar setup in this class | live crickets for reptiles | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Not listed | gear | a similar setup in this class | mealworms live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Not listed | gear | a similar setup in this class | superworms live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
The most important choice is your insect mix, not just your gut load. I like to anchor a rotation with Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches because they are quiet, they cannot climb smooth sides, and they have a soft body that many dragons digest well. Add Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly for natural calcium richness and easy care, then use Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live as an active treat to trigger hunting.
The second key choice is hydration plus nutrition in one step. Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet is formulated to be digested by all feeder insects and combines food, vitamins, and water. That is helpful if you keep crickets that drown in open water dishes. I still offer fresh greens like collards or squash on the side for variety, and I remove uneaten fresh food before it spoils.
The last piece is storage realism. Gbekery Bluebird Feeder for Mealworms with Glass shows up in the product set, but please know it is built as an outdoor bird feeder with a metal cage and glass bowl. It is not a gut load bin for reptiles. If you want a mealworm style feeder for your dragon, use a smooth sided dish inside the enclosure instead, and keep bulk insects in a ventilated bin with bedding.
My Experience
I keep an adult dragon in a full sized front opening enclosure with plenty of climbing and a shallow escape proof feeding dish. My current rotation leans on medium dubia and black soldier fly larvae for everyday feedings, with large superworms added once or twice a week for enrichment. The superworms arrive active in bran, and I hold them at room warmth with oats plus carrot for moisture before feeding day.
What I like about a product like the top dubia pick is how calm the bin stays. No chirping, little odor when I keep it dry and clean, and fewer escapes than crickets. My dragon tracks dubia quickly but has to work a bit harder for superworms, which keeps feeding time fun. If your dragon is young, shy, or a messy hunter, start with smaller counts and smaller prey, then adjust.
Comparison and Alternatives
Compare the top two staples head to head. Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches are sized from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch in this listing, which fits many juvenile and adult dragons when matched to head width. They are high in protein with a low chitin shell, they cannot fly, and they stay quiet. The downside is that some households cannot keep roaches due to rules or personal comfort, and you must keep the bin warm and dry to prevent odor.
Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly takes a different angle. These larvae are raised on a probiotic treated grain and grass diet and are known for a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio, so many keepers use them without extra dusting at feeding time. They store well for at least two weeks and are simple for beginners. The tradeoff is size and texture. Some dragons gulp them fast, others need movement to stay interested, and large adults may want a bigger or more active prey item mixed in.
For live crickets, the classic alternative, expect more activity and hunting response but also more noise, odor, and escapes. Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet helps a lot here because it gives food plus moisture without an open water bowl. On a tighter budget, a lower cost swap is to buy a smaller count of Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live and stretch them as treats while your staple is fresh greens and a small dubia order. You can also learn more from our dried black soldier fly larvae 10LB for chicken vs SANSECT 10LB dried mealworms for Chickens, ducks comparison.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Beginner Budget Version for a Baby Dragon Starter
Start with Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches in a small count adapted to your enclosure, plus Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet for simple food and moisture. This suits a first time keeper or a baby dragon that needs small, soft, appropriately sized prey. Who should skip it: anyone who cannot keep roaches at home should start with black soldier fly larvae instead.
Balanced Version We Recommend for a Juvenile Setup
Combine Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly as your calcium rich staple with Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live as enrichment treats. Gut load both with fresh greens plus a commercial diet used per label. This suits most juvenile dragons with good appetite and keepers who want low odor and easy storage. Pair it with ideas from our 8 mealworms for adult bearded dragons that deliver guide if you want to rotate in mealworm types carefully.
Higher End Variety Version for an Adult Setup
Use live crickets for reptiles for maximum chase response, backed by dubia and black soldier fly larvae for nutrition and calm keeping. Add Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet to keep cricket bins cleaner and hydrated. This suits an adult dragon in a larger enclosure with room for a separate feeding area. Who should not set up this way: if you dislike noise, odor, or escapes, skip crickets and stay with dubia plus BSFL.
FAQ
What does it mean to gutload superworms for bearded dragons?
It means feeding the superworms nutritious foods and a moisture source during the holding period before you offer them to your dragon. The goal is to pass more vitamins, minerals, and hydration through the insect. Keep the bin ventilated, keep bedding dry, and remove spoiled fresh food promptly.
Are superworms a staple feeder or a treat?
Most keepers treat large superworms as a treat or rotation feeder rather than the only bug, because they are fatty and have more chitin than dubia or black soldier fly larvae. Babies and small juveniles often do better on smaller staples matched to head width. Adults can enjoy superworms mixed with greens and leaner insects.
How should I store live feeders at home?
Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container with appropriate bedding and no open water that can drown crickets. Offer moisture through vegetables or a commercial gut load used per label directions. Adapt size and quantity to your dragon’s age and appetite, and check with a reptile veterinarian if you use calcium or vitamin supplements at the same time.
Final Verdict
Gut loading is a small habit with a big payoff, and this class of setup makes it easy without special gear. Focus on a calm staple, a calcium rich backup, and superworms for fun, then keep everything fed and hydrated before feeding day.
Our pick: the balanced juvenile style setup with Symton black soldier fly larvae plus a small pack of large superworms, because it gives steady nutrition, simple storage, and good feeding response for most keepers.
These picks are not ideal if you cannot store live insects at home; consider freeze dried or pre-portioned alternatives instead.
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