{"id":150333,"date":"2025-06-03T12:24:58","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T10:24:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insektenliebe.com\/food-animal-nutritional-table\/"},"modified":"2026-10-11T12:48:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-11T10:48:44","slug":"food-animal-nutritional-table","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/insektenliebe.com\/en\/love\/food-animal-nutritional-table\/","title":{"rendered":"Nutritional Value Chart for Feed Animals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Insektenliebe \u00b7 Feeding Guide<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small animals.Big differences.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What’s in your pet food? Our pet food nutrition chart helps you compare protein, fat, and minerals. You’ll also learn what these numbers mean when choosing pet food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go to the nutrition facts table \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Nutritional Information Table<\/a> \u00b7 Understanding the Values<\/a> \u00b7 Feed Animals & Products<\/a> \u00b7 Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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More than just a single number<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes a suitable feed animal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An analysis reveals what\u2019s in the sample being examined. But when choosing food, other factors also matter: Can your animal overpower its prey? Does the prey fit its hunting style? And is the prey\u2019s size appropriate for its age? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Type and Stage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Larvae, pupae, and adult insects may differ in their nutritional values. For this reason, the table lists them separately. Furthermore, the values apply only to the species studied. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Prey and Predator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First, check the guidelines for caring for and feeding your specific animal. A general comparison is no substitute for a feeding plan tailored to your pet. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Origin and Care<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The diet of the feed animals can also affect the composition of the feed. Therefore, values cited in the literature are not guaranteed product values. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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An Overview of the Values<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nutritional Value Table for Feed Animals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Historical analysis data from 1997.<\/strong> No current measurements are available for the feed animals we offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

prey<\/th>Crude protein% DM<\/th>Crude fat% DM<\/th>Crude ash% DM<\/th>ADF% TM<\/th>Dry matter% fresh matter<\/th>Gross energykcal \/ 100 g DM<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) \u00b7 Larvae<\/td>52,7<\/td>32,8<\/td>3,2<\/td>5,7<\/td>37,6<\/td>649<\/td><\/tr>
Mealworm PupaeTenebrio molitor \u00b7 Pupae<\/td>54,6<\/td>30,8<\/td>3,4<\/td>5,1<\/td>39<\/td>643<\/td><\/tr>
(Tenebrio molitor) \u00b7 adult beetles<\/td>63,7<\/td>18,4<\/td>3,1<\/td>16,1<\/td>38,6<\/td>579<\/td><\/tr>
, Drosophila melanogaster<\/td>70,1<\/td>12,6<\/td>4,5<\/td>27,0<\/td>29,6<\/td>512<\/td><\/tr>
CricketsAdult Crickets<\/td>64,9<\/td>13,8<\/td>5,7<\/td>9,4<\/td>31,0<\/td>534<\/td><\/tr>
American cockroachesPeriplaneta americana<\/td>53,9<\/td>28,4<\/td>3,3<\/td>9,4<\/td>38,7<\/td>607<\/td><\/tr>
wax moth larvae (Galleria mellonella)<\/td>42,4<\/td>46,4<\/td>2,7<\/td>4,8<\/td>34,1<\/td>706<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Composition and Energy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

DM = Dry matter. On narrow screens, you can scroll horizontally through the table. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minerals in Detail<\/summary>\n
prey<\/th>Calcium% DM<\/th>Phosphorus% DM<\/th>Magnesium% DM<\/th>Sodium% DM<\/th>Potassium% DM<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) \u00b7 Larvae<\/td>0,11<\/td>0,77<\/td>0,22<\/td>0,14<\/td>0,91<\/td><\/tr>
Mealworm PupaeTenebrio molitor \u00b7 Pupae<\/td>0,08<\/td>0,83<\/td>0,23<\/td>0,15<\/td>0,93<\/td><\/tr>
(Tenebrio molitor) \u00b7 adult beetles<\/td>0,07<\/td>0,78<\/td>0,19<\/td>0,16<\/td>0,92<\/td><\/tr>
, Drosophila melanogaster<\/td>0,10<\/td>1,05<\/td>0,08<\/td>0,42<\/td>1,06<\/td><\/tr>
CricketsAdult Crickets<\/td>0,14<\/td>0,99<\/td>0,13<\/td>0,49<\/td>1,29<\/td><\/tr>
American cockroachesPeriplaneta americana<\/td>0,20<\/td>0,50<\/td>0,08<\/td>0,27<\/td>0,87<\/td><\/tr>
wax moth larvae (Galleria mellonella)<\/td>0,11<\/td>0,62<\/td>0,11<\/td>0,05<\/td>0,72<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Minerals \u00b7 All values are expressed as a percentage of dry matter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The benchmark is the deciding factor<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Read the Information Correctly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dry weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

TM stands for dry weight, that is, the weight without water. In contrast, the \u201cDry Weight\u201d column shows how much of it was contained in the fresh sample. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Crude Protein & Crude Fat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The lab calculates crude protein based on the nitrogen content. This calculation includes nitrogen that does not come from protein. Crude fat, on the other hand, is the portion that the lab extracts from the sample using ether. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Crude Ash & ADF<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Crude ash remains after the sample is burned. ADF, on the other hand, measures a specific fiber fraction of the sample. It is not possible to determine the proportion of \u201chealthy dietary fiber\u201d from this. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Gross energy is energy that cannot be used<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The energy column lists the calorific value of 100 g of dry matter. It therefore does not refer to 100 g of live feed animals. Furthermore, it does not indicate how much energy your animal can derive from it. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There is no overall nutritional winner<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In an experiment, researchers altered the ratio of fat to protein in the prey. Two species of wolf spiders reacted differently to this. Therefore, this experiment does not support a general rule of \u201chigh protein, low fat\u201d for all mantises and spiders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The table also does not indicate a need for additional calcium or vitamins. Therefore, we do not generally recommend such supplements here. Furthermore, guidelines for insect-eating vertebrates do not automatically apply to mantises and spiders. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Types, Development Stages, and Product Links<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Overview of Feed Animals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here you’ll find the feed animals and their classifications in the table. The links also take you directly to the products in the store. If any relevant measurements are missing, this is noted next to the respective animal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Large
Large fruit fly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fruit Flies in the Store<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"White
White Isopods<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

White Isopods in the Store<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Goldflies-5\"
Gold flies<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Gold Flies in the Store<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Beetles, fruit flies, and crickets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mealworms, pupae, and flour beetles<\/summary>\n

Tenebrio molitor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The table lists larvae, pupae, and adult beetles separately because their values differ. Therefore, be sure to note the specific life stage. In addition, the size and movement of the prey must be appropriate for your animal. A conclusion such as \u201conly emergency food\u201d cannot be drawn from the numbers alone. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In the store: mealworms<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Small and Large Fruit Flies<\/summary>\n

Drosophila melanogaster \u00b7 Drosophila hydei<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These values apply to Drosophila melanogaster. They do not automatically apply to the larger Drosophila hydei or to a specific strain sold in the store. You can find both species in our product lineup. Be sure to check the size and strain there as well. After all, a high protein content alone does not make a feed insect a complete food source. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Shop: Small Fruit Fly \u201cAnt\u201d<\/a> \u00b7 Large Fruit Fly<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Cricket<\/summary>\n

Acheta domesticus<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The table contains values for adult crickets. Therefore, do not apply these values to young crickets without verifying them first. Also, check the available sizes and feeding guidelines for your specific species. The numbers alone do not indicate whether crickets are suitable for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Store: Crickets<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Cockroaches and wax moth larvae<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Chocolate cockroaches<\/summary>\n

Lateral leaf<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The nutritional values are based on Periplaneta americana, the American cockroach. That\u2019s why we don\u2019t list fat or calcium values for chocolate cockroaches derived from this species. If you want to breed them yourself, be sure to check the housing conditions. Make sure to use a securely closed container. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In the Store: Chocolate Bars<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Argentine forest cockroaches<\/summary>\n

Blaptica dubia<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This table does not include specific measurements for Dubia roaches. Therefore, the values listed for the American cockroach do not apply to them. However, you can find information on care and size on the product page. Keep the container tightly closed to prevent any roaches from escaping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Shop: Argentine Forest Cockroaches<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Wax moth larvae<\/summary>\n

Galleria mellonella<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These figures apply to larvae, not adult moths. How often you can feed them, however, depends on your pet’s species and its feeding schedule. This analysis also does not confirm any specific effect after egg-laying. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In the Shop: Wax moth caterpillars (waxworms)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Other Feed Animals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Zophobas<\/summary>\n

Large black beetle larvae<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The source does not contain any entries that we can definitively attribute to Zophobas. Therefore, there are no figures for these larvae here. However, this does not imply any judgment regarding their suitability as food. For that, we need properly categorized data and information about your animal. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Soldier flies<\/summary>\n

Hermetia illucens<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This table lacks measured values for soldier flies. In addition, larvae and adult flies must be considered separately. Furthermore, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio alone is not sufficient to establish a feeding recommendation. To do so, the nutritional requirements of the specific species being reared must be known. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In the Shop: Military Bow Ties<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Desert locusts<\/summary>\n

Schistocerca gregaria<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The table does not include measurements for desert locusts. Therefore, adjust their diet based on your specific species and its size. Whether tweezers are necessary cannot be determined based on nutritional values alone. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Isopods and goldflies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
White Isopods<\/summary>\n

Trichorhina tomentosa<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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White Isopods live in the substrate, among other places. However, their role there should be distinguished from their use as prey. They lack nutritional value in this context. Furthermore, the sources do not support the idea that mantises choose their food based on gender. If keeping them together, also check the conditions in the terrarium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Shop: White Isopods<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Gold flies<\/summary>\n

Lucilia sericata<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You can find gold flies in the store. However, their nutritional values are not listed in the table. Therefore, do not apply the nutritional values for Drosophila to them. We also distinguish between larvae and adult flies. Whether they are suitable for your pet\u2019s diet depends on your pet\u2019s species. This comparison does not serve as a recommendation for them as a complete diet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Shop: Goldfliegen \u00b7 30 ml<\/a> \u00b7 Goldfliegen \u00b7 300 ml<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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A Quick Explanation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Which live feed is right for my pet?<\/summary>\n

First, consider the species and size of your pet. For small animals, for example, small fruit flies<\/a> are a good option. If your pet needs larger prey, it\u2019s worth checking out large fruit flies<\/a> or gold flies<\/a>. Also, compare the sizes and product descriptions on the product pages. This will help you tailor your selection to your pet. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How do I know which food size is right for me?<\/summary>\n

Your animal should be able to grip and subdue its prey effectively. Therefore, don\u2019t just choose the largest available prey item. When feeding, observe how your pet handles the prey. Also pay attention to its movement: A fly behaves differently than a larva or a cricket. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How can I add variety to my dog’s diet?<\/summary>\n

Variety starts with choosing prey that\u2019s right for your pet. You can switch between suitable species and observe which prey your pet will eat. The nutritional chart also helps you compare options. But don\u2019t base your decision solely on the highest protein content\u2014consider size and hunting behavior as well. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

How do I store my live feed?<\/summary>\n

That depends on the type of feed insect, since not all species require the same conditions. Be sure to read the instructions on the respective product page\u2014for example, for wax maggots<\/a> and soldier flies<\/a>. Don\u2019t just put all feed insects in the refrigerator. Also, make sure to use a well-ventilated, securely closed container. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Right Food for Your Pet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Use the prey animal nutritional chart for an initial comparison. Also, be sure to consider which prey is best suited for your pet. You\u2019ll find our current offers and product details in our prey animal selection<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n