Crickets are still the default feeder insect at most pet stores, but more keepers are switching to dubia roaches and superworms — and once you compare them side by side, it's easy to see why.
Why We Skip Crickets
Crickets are loud, they die and rot in the enclosure if not eaten quickly, and uneaten crickets left overnight can bite a sleeping pet. Nutritionally, they also fall short: a less favorable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio than dubia roaches, and they're a common vector for parasites when farmed at scale. None of that makes them dangerous in moderation, but it does make them a worse staple than the alternatives.
Dubia Roaches
Dubia roaches are the better staple across the board — higher protein, a more favorable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, and a soft exoskeleton that's easy to digest. They're quiet, hardy, don't bite, and don't carry the parasite risk that crickets do. For most reptiles, amphibians, and other insectivorous pets, they're the simplest, healthiest everyday choice.
Superworms
Superworms run higher in fat and have a tougher exoskeleton than dubia roaches or crickets, so they work best as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple. Used that way, they're still a cleaner, quieter option than crickets — just not a substitute for dubia roaches as the everyday feeder.
Bottom Line
Crickets aren't harmful in small amounts, but dubia roaches are the better everyday staple, with superworms as an occasional higher-fat treat — better nutrition, easier care, and none of the noise or bite risk crickets bring. Not sure what your pet needs specifically? Check our feeder guides for species-specific feeding schedules.
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