Can degus eat mealworms?
Better not: degus shouldn’t eat mealworms. The Zurich animal welfare society and Germany’s TVT describe degus as strict herbivores. PDSA says they eat only plant material, and Woodgreen says they eat only plant-based food, not meat. None of the degu sources mentions mealworms or other insects specifically, but they aren’t plant food.
Better choices, for example
Sources
- Zürcher Tierschutz (Zurich animal welfare society) – Degus: Haltung
- TVT Merkblatt Nr. 154: Heimtiere – Degus (2023)
- PDSA – Degus as pets
- Woodgreen Pets Charity – Degus: your day-to-day guide
Last checked: November 2026