Silkworms vs BSFL: Which Premium Feeder Is Better?
Matt GorenShare
Silkworms vs BSFL: Two Specialties, One Rotation
Silkworms and BSFL are both premium supplemental feeders — a tier above everyday roaches and crickets. But they specialize in completely different nutritional areas: silkworms dominate low-fat nutrition, BSFL dominate calcium. Understanding this makes them complementary, not competitive.
| Category | Silkworms | BSFL |
|---|---|---|
| Primary strength | Lowest fat (1%) | Highest calcium (9,340 mg/kg) |
| Fat | 1% | 14% |
| Calcium | 340 mg/kg | 9,340 mg/kg (27x more) |
| Ca:P Ratio | 0.77:1 | 6.92:1 |
| Moisture | 83% | 61% |
| Chitin | None | Low-moderate |
| Serrapeptase | Yes | No |
| Dusting needed? | Yes | No |
Choose Silkworms When
- Fat content is the priority — obesity-prone species like chameleons, leopard geckos, and sedentary adult beardies
- You need the softest feeder possible — zero chitin for juveniles, recovering animals, or sensitive digestive systems
- You want serrapeptase enzyme for immune and digestive support
- You need to stimulate appetite in a picky eater
- Maximum hydration from feeding (83% moisture)
Choose BSFL When
- Calcium is the priority — growing juveniles, egg-laying females, MBD prevention
- You want a feeder that needs no calcium dusting
- You need longer, easier storage (fridge, 2-3 weeks, no feeding needed) vs silkworms (room temp, need chow daily, 1-2 weeks)
Best Approach: Use Both
Silkworms and BSFL are not competitors — they fill completely different nutritional gaps in the same rotation:
- Daily: Discoid roaches (protein staple)
- 2-3x/week: Silkworms (low-fat, serrapeptase, hydration)
- 1-2x/week: BSFL (calcium — no dusting)
- 1-2x/week: Hornworms (hydration, appetite stimulation)
This four-feeder rotation is the gold standard for captive reptile nutrition — protein, low-fat premium, calcium, and hydration, all covered.
— Matt, Founder, All Angles Creatures
