BSFL vs Dried Mealworms for Chickens: Which Is Better?
Matt GorenShare
BSFL vs Dried Mealworms for Chickens
Dried mealworms have been the default chicken treat for years. But black soldier fly larvae are rapidly replacing them — and the nutrition data explains why.
| Nutrient | BSFL | Dried Mealworms | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 9,340 mg/kg | 30 mg/kg | BSFL (311x more) |
| Protein | ~17% | ~53% (dried) | Mealworms (dried concentrates protein) |
| Egg shell support | Significant | None | BSFL |
| Price per lb | Moderate | Low-moderate | Mealworms (slightly cheaper) |
The Egg Shell Question
This is the deciding factor for most chicken keepers. If your hens are laying thin-shelled or soft-shelled eggs, mealworms will not help — they contain 311 times less calcium than BSFL. Switching from dried mealworms to BSFL (live or dried) provides a calcium boost that directly improves egg shell quality.
The Protein Question
Dried mealworms win on protein density because dehydration concentrates their protein content. But for laying hens, calcium is usually the limiting nutrient — not protein. Layer feed provides adequate protein; what hens often lack is supplemental calcium, which BSFL deliver in abundance.
Best Approach
Use BSFL as your primary chicken treat for the calcium benefit. If you want additional protein variety, offer dried mealworms occasionally alongside BSFL. This gives your flock both the calcium from BSFL and the protein density from mealworms.
Shop our BSFL for chickens — the calcium upgrade your laying hens need.
— Matt, Founder, All Angles Creatures
