<p>Invertebrates, such as mealworms, do not contain sufficient amounts of calcium to satisfy your reptile's needs. Over time, a calcium deficiency can lead to poor bone growth. This is why it is important to offer your pet reptile mealworms that have been fed ("gut-loaded") a nutritionally rich diet. Gut-loading mealworms prior to offering as prey ensures appropriate calcium levels are passed along to the reptile and allows pets to benefit from both the nutritional value of the mealworm itself as well as its nutrient-rich gut content. Our premium veterinarian-formulated mealworm diet is specifically designed for this purpose and has been clinically proven to establish a positive calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in live mealworms when fed as directed. Both minerals are important for the health and well-being of your pet, but it is vitally important to maintain a significantly higher calcium than phosphorus intake to prevent bone issues.</p>