BSFL vs Silkworms: Which Premium Feeder Is Better?
Matt GorenShare
BSFL vs Silkworms: Two Premium Feeders, Two Specialties
BSFL and silkworms are both considered premium feeder insects — a tier above everyday roaches and crickets. But they specialize in different nutritional areas: BSFL dominate calcium, silkworms dominate low-fat nutrition.
| Nutrient | BSFL | Silkworms |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 9,340 mg/kg | 340 mg/kg |
| Fat | 14% | 1% |
| Moisture | 61% | 83% |
| Protein | 17% | 9% |
| Chitin | Moderate (soft) | None |
| Serrapeptase | No | Yes |
| Dusting needed? | No | Yes |
| Shelf life | 2-3 weeks (fridge) | 1-2 weeks (needs food) |
BSFL Strengths
Calcium dominance (27x more than silkworms). No dusting required. Better shelf life. More protein per gram. Easier storage (no feeding needed in fridge).
Silkworm Strengths
Ultra-low fat (1% vs 14% — 14x leaner). Higher moisture (83% vs 61%). Zero chitin (softest feeder available). Serrapeptase enzyme for immune/digestive support. Better for obesity-prone species and chameleons.
When to Use Each
BSFL: When calcium is the priority. Growing juveniles, egg-laying females, MBD prevention, species with high calcium demand. 1-3x/week.
Silkworms: When fat is the concern. Overweight reptiles, chameleons (extremely fat-sensitive), picky eaters, recovering animals. 2-3x/week.
Best Approach: Use Both
BSFL and silkworms are not competitors — they fill different nutritional gaps in the same rotation:
- Daily: Discoid roaches (protein)
- 2-3x/week: Silkworms (low-fat, serrapeptase)
- 1-2x/week: BSFL (calcium, no dusting)
- 1-2x/week: Hornworms (hydration)
This four-feeder rotation is the gold standard for captive reptile nutrition.
— Matt, Founder, All Angles Creatures
