If you imagine a furry pet, scaly or feathered pal, they might not come to your mind. The little wiggly wonders make a huge splash in pet cupboards everywhere. Their squirmy appeal and nutritional punch make them the “rock stars” of the snacking world for your pets.

Imagine opening a package of Mealworms. You’ll hear an immediate chorus of chirrups. This is like eating dinner and watching a show. Dogs have teeth, cats have fish. What about birds and reptiles. These creatures have their own mealworms. It’s not a squirmy, squishy scene out of a horror movie, but rather dried and ready-to-eat delights.

This is a natural nugget. These protein-rich mealworms can be compared to power bars, and are perfect for any feathery or furry companion. These critters have been embraced by pet owners as not just an occasional treat, but as a supplement to the daily food of their animals. Although it may make you shudder to think of these worms as beneficial for pets, they’re actually very excited.

To keep your pets happy, you must avoid boredom. Imagine chewing on the blandest dish all day long. This is like having the same bowl of boring cereal at breakfast, noon, and night. These mealworms will spice up your boring dishes, and turn them into an animal feast. Birds go crazy for the crunchy snacks, as these resemble prey.

Has anyone ever witnessed a lizard’s eyes lighten up? When you present a lizard with a worm, they will open their mouths and snap their jaws shut. This seemingly unimportant worm can lead to an adventure similar to that of a video game or quest. It is possible to keep children entertained and attentive by having them respond and pounce on an innocent mealworm.

When they hear of bugs in the food, many people raise their eyebrows. The first thing they tend to do is think of dirty garden finds, or annoying intruders. You can rest assured that mealworms meant for your pets have been prepared and sourced in an environmentally friendly manner. After being cleaned and dried they are similar in texture to a potato chip, but with more protein.

Worried about safety concerns? You may be concerned about safety. Since they are dried, there is less risk that the critters will have residual waste. Also, their smell won’t be as earthy that those who feed fresh foods fear. Like all other things, however, give them to your pets only in moderation. Too much can cause problems.

Do not worry if your fear of handling these creatures is a concern. There’s no need to put on gloves or wrestle. Dryed varieties can be stored neatly and are easy to handle. There’s no squiggly surprise waiting for you. If you store them in airtight jars, they will stay crunchy and fresh for long periods of time, waiting to please your eager pets.

Incorporating mealworms to your pets’ diet is also charmingly authentic. Your pet will get a real taste of wildness, something they’d encounter naturally in the wilderness. The experience is similar to giving the kids a jungle-like environment in your home while the rest remains untouched.

You can use mealworms as a snack to test the water with your animals, or you can try them out for the first time. You can mix them with your pet’s food and make it a fun, wiggly adventure.