Allergy Information Sheet

Some animals, like people, can have allergic reactions or sensitivities to certain foods and ingredients. This can include insects such as mealworms and products made from mealworms (live, dehydrated, or ground into treats or feed). The information below is provided to help you recognize possible signs of an allergic response and know when to contact a veterinarian.

What Is a Food Allergy or Sensitivity?

A food allergy or sensitivity happens when an animal’s immune system or digestive system reacts negatively to something it eats. This reaction can be mild and temporary, or more serious and require urgent veterinary care.

Animals That May Be Affected

Any animal can potentially react to a new ingredient, including:

• Dogs and cats
• Backyard poultry (chickens, ducks, etc.)
• Reptiles and amphibians
• Birds and small mammals kept as pets

Most animals tolerate mealworms well, but it is always wise to watch closely when offering any new food or treat for the first time.

Possible Mild to Moderate Signs to Watch For

If an animal is sensitive or allergic to mealworms or any new food, you may notice one or more of the following:

• Itchy, irritated, or reddened skin
• Frequent scratching, chewing, or licking at paws, legs, or body
• Rubbing or scratching at the face, ears, or muzzle
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes
• Increased sneezing or nasal discharge
• Soft stool or diarrhea
• Mild vomiting or signs of stomach upset
• Restlessness or acting uncomfortable after eating

Possible Serious or Emergency Signs

In rare cases, an animal may experience a stronger reaction. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if you notice:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or around the eyes
• Difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or open-mouth breathing (in species where this is abnormal)
• Collapse, extreme weakness, or inability to stand
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea, especially with blood
• Seizures or loss of consciousness

These signs can indicate a severe allergic reaction or another serious medical problem that needs immediate veterinary attention.

What to Do If You Notice Symptoms

If you suspect your animal is reacting to mealworms or any mealworm-based product:

• Stop offering the product right away.
• Offer fresh water and keep your animal calm and comfortable.
• Contact your veterinarian for advice, especially if the signs are new, getting worse, or you are unsure how serious they are.
• If you have the original packaging or container, keep it available so you can share ingredient information with your veterinarian.

Tips for Reducing Risk

You can help reduce the chance of problems by:

• Introducing mealworms or new treats slowly, in small amounts at first.
• Offering only one new type of treat or feed at a time so you can see how your animal reacts.
• Watching your animal closely during and after the first few feedings.
• Storing products as directed to avoid spoilage, mold, or contamination.
• Keeping treats and feed out of reach of animals that are not intended to eat them.

Important Reminder

Every animal is different, and not all symptoms will look the same in every species. This page is meant as general information only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If you have any concerns about your animal’s health, behavior, or reaction to a product, please contact a licensed veterinarian as soon as possible.