Black soldier fly larvae have quietly revolutionized poultry nutrition over the past few years. These nutrient-dense treats aren’t just another supplement—they represent a sustainable feeding solution with remarkable environmental benefits. One customer reported their chickens “going absolutely crazy” for these treats, with noticeable improvements in egg quality within weeks. As we explore the world of black soldier fly larvae available on Chewy, you’ll discover why these protein-packed morsels have become a staple for savvy chicken keepers and bird enthusiasts nationwide.

Top BSFL Products Available on Chewy

Chubby Mealworms Dried BSFL Chicken Treats

The Chubby Mealworms brand offers dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae in two convenient sizes. The 2-lb bag retails at $11.50 per pound, while the larger 5-lb option provides better value at $7.24 per pound.

Nutritionally, these treats stand out with a minimum 42% crude protein content and 34% crude fat. The calcium content is particularly impressive at a minimum of 5%, with phosphorus at 0.69% minimum. The product maintains a low maximum moisture content of 8%, ensuring longer shelf life.

Customer satisfaction for this product is exceptional, with a perfect 5.0 rating from 21 verified purchasers. Many chicken owners report increased egg production and healthier-looking birds after introducing these treats.

FLYGRUBS BSFL Chicken Treat

FLYGRUBS delivers a well-balanced nutritional profile with 36% minimum crude protein and 35% minimum crude fat. The product contains 2% minimum calcium and 0.5% minimum phosphorus. With 230 customer reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this is one of the most thoroughly tested BSFL products on the market.

The feeding instructions are straightforward—offer as a treat or mix with regular feed to enhance your birds’ diet. Customers frequently mention their chickens’ enthusiasm when these treats are offered, often describing them as “chicken crack.”

Exotic Nutrition Dried BSFL Chicken Feed

For those looking to buy in bulk, Exotic Nutrition offers excellent value with their larger sizing options. Their 10-lb bag costs $5.38 per pound, while the 20-lb and 30-lb options reduce the price to $4.70 and $4.50 per pound, respectively.

This product boasts the highest protein content in our comparison at 45% minimum, with 35% minimum fat and 3% minimum calcium. The 4.6-star rating from 30 reviews indicates strong customer satisfaction, with many noting their birds’ preference for these treats over other options.

Little Farmer Products Good Deal Grubs BSFL Chicken Treat

Available in 1-lb and 5-lb packages, Little Farmer Products offers their treats at $11.99 per pound for the smaller size and a more economical $6.57 per pound for the larger option.

The nutritional analysis shows 34% crude protein and 35% crude fat, with calcium ranging from 2% minimum to 5% maximum. Though this product has limited reviews (5.0 rating from a single review), the nutritional profile aligns with other high-quality BSFL treats.

Zylina Healthy Grubs BSFL Chicken Treats

Zylina’s offering stands out with the highest protein content on our list at a minimum of 52%, combined with 20% minimum fat content. Available in three sizes—10-oz, 30-oz, and 5-lb—pricing ranges from $1.00 per ounce down to $6.00 per pound for the largest size.

The feeding recommendation of 1.5 to 2 tablespoons per bird daily is more specific than competitors, providing clear guidance for owners. All 10 customer reviews give the product a perfect 5.0 rating, suggesting exceptional quality and bird acceptance.

GRUBMASTER Dried BSFL Bird Treat

GRUBMASTER provides three size options: 2-lb at $9.50 per pound, 5-lb at $6.99 per pound, and 10-lb at $6.00 per pound. The nutritional profile matches FLYGRUBS with 36% minimum protein, 35% minimum fat, and 2% minimum calcium.

What sets GRUBMASTER apart is its versatility—marketed not just for chickens but as a general bird treat, making it suitable for multiple pets in the same household.

Nutritional Powerhouses: Understanding BSFL Benefits

Exceptional Protein Content for Optimal Health

The protein content in BSFL products ranges from 34% to an impressive 52%, significantly higher than many traditional poultry treats. This high-quality protein supports critical functions in birds, including feather development, muscle maintenance, and egg production.

During molting seasons, this protein becomes particularly valuable as chickens replace their feathers. A single egg contains approximately 6 grams of protein, making BSFL an excellent supplement for laying hens to maintain consistent production without depleting their bodily reserves.

Calcium: The Eggshell Essential

One distinctive advantage of BSFL over other insect treats is their remarkable calcium content, ranging from 2-5% depending on the product. This naturally occurring calcium plays a crucial role in eggshell formation, helping to prevent thin-shelled or soft eggs—a common problem in laying flocks.

Traditional treats like mealworms contain minimal calcium (typically less than 0.5%), requiring separate supplementation. BSFL effectively combines protein supplementation with calcium delivery in a single treat that chickens eagerly consume.

Fat Content and Energy Production

The 20-35% fat content in BSFL provides concentrated energy for active birds. This fat becomes particularly valuable during winter months when birds require additional calories to maintain body temperature. The fat in BSFL is rich in essential fatty acids that support overall health and immune function.

Unlike some treats that provide empty calories, BSFL fat comes packaged with complementary nutrients that support holistic health, making these treats nutritionally efficient.

Comparative Advantage Over Traditional Treats

When compared to mealworms (which typically offer 20% protein and 13% fat) and crickets (about 21% protein and 6% fat), BSFL deliver substantially more nutrition per serving. Additionally, the calcium content of BSFL far surpasses both alternatives, which typically require separate calcium supplementation.

The balanced nutritional profile of BSFL makes them a more complete treat option, reducing the need for multiple supplements in your birds’ diet.

Feeding Guidelines: How to Incorporate BSFL Into Your Birds’ Diet

Portion Recommendations by Bird Type

Standard chickens (4-6 lbs) generally do well with 1-2 tablespoons of BSFL per bird daily as a supplement to their regular feed. Larger birds like Jersey Giants might receive up to 3 tablespoons, while bantam varieties should be limited to approximately 1 teaspoon per bird.

For other poultry, adjust accordingly—ducks may receive 2-3 tablespoons, while smaller birds like quail might need just ½ teaspoon per bird. Always observe your birds after introducing BSFL to ensure they’re maintaining healthy weight and activity levels.

Optimal Feeding Frequency

Most producers recommend BSFL as a supplement rather than a dietary staple. For laying hens, 3-4 times weekly provides nutritional benefits without creating dependency or nutritional imbalances. During high-stress periods (molting, extreme temperatures, or breeding season), daily supplementation may prove beneficial.

Young birds still on grower feed should receive BSFL more sparingly—once or twice weekly—as their balanced feed already contains appropriate protein levels. Overfeeding can lead to excessive growth rates that may contribute to leg issues.

Creative Serving Methods

The versatility of BSFL allows for several effective feeding approaches:

Hand-feeding creates positive associations between you and your birds, potentially making handling easier for health checks and other necessary interactions. Scattering BSFL encourages natural foraging behaviors, keeping birds active and engaged. This method also prevents dominant birds from monopolizing the treats.

Mixing with regular feed ensures even distribution among the flock, while using dedicated feeders or dishes helps monitor consumption rates more accurately. Some owners report success with hanging treat dispensers that require birds to peck at the container, providing both nutrition and enrichment.

Seasonal Adjustments for Maximum Benefit

Cold weather calls for increased BSFL supplementation, as the fat content helps birds maintain body temperature. During molting periods, the high protein content supports faster, healthier feather regrowth.

Reduce BSFL during summer months when birds naturally consume less food due to heat stress, unless your birds are free-ranging and burning significant energy. During breeding seasons, modest increases in BSFL can support egg production without contributing to obesity in roosters.

Product Spotlight: Chubby Mealworms vs. FLYGRUBS

Nutritional Profile Differences

Chubby Mealworms offers a higher protein content (42% minimum vs. 36% minimum in FLYGRUBS) and significantly higher calcium (5% minimum vs. 2% minimum). This makes Chubby Mealworms particularly valuable for laying hens and birds recovering from illness or injury.

FLYGRUBS contains more fiber (15% maximum vs. 4% maximum in Chubby Mealworms), which can support digestive health and create a more filling treat. This higher fiber content makes FLYGRUBS an excellent option for birds that tend toward obesity or limited exercise.

Price Point Analysis

At comparable package sizes, Chubby Mealworms typically costs approximately 5-10% more than FLYGRUBS. However, when calculated on a per-nutrient basis (considering the higher protein and calcium), Chubby Mealworms may represent better value for flocks with specific nutritional needs.

FLYGRUBS offers more size options, allowing for better matching to flock size and consumption rates. First-time buyers might prefer starting with FLYGRUBS’ smaller packages before committing to larger quantities.

Customer Experience Insights

Reviews indicate birds typically show no strong preference between these two leading brands, readily consuming either treat with enthusiasm. However, some owners report that the slightly different texture between products can influence individual bird preferences.

Chubby Mealworms receives praise for consistent product quality and uniform sizing, while FLYGRUBS earns recognition for excellent customer service and educational resources about BSFL benefits. Both companies maintain strong reputations for quick shipping and fresh product delivery.

Storage and Shelf Life: Maximizing Your Investment

Optimal Storage Techniques

Store unopened BSFL in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve nutritional integrity. Once opened, transfer products to airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to mold development and nutritional degradation.

For very large quantities, consider dividing into smaller portions using vacuum sealing to maintain freshness. This approach allows you to open only what you’ll use within a few weeks while preserving the remainder under optimal conditions.

Expected Shelf Life

Properly stored, unopened BSFL products typically maintain optimal quality for 12-18 months from production. Once opened, plan to use the product within 2-3 months for best results, though proper storage can extend this period.

Products with higher fat content may be more prone to rancidity over time, so consider this factor when determining purchase quantities. Some manufacturers now add natural preservatives like rosemary extract to extend shelf stability without affecting palatability.

Recognizing Quality Deterioration

Fresh BSFL should have a distinctive but not unpleasant aroma—any strong, sour, or ammonia-like smell indicates deterioration. Visual inspection should show uniform color without white powdery substances (potential mold growth) or excessive clumping (indicating moisture exposure).

Texture changes like increased hardness or brittleness suggest age-related quality loss, though these don’t necessarily indicate unsafe products—just diminished nutritional value. Birds may reject treats that have begun to deteriorate, providing another indicator of quality issues.

Strategic Purchasing Approaches

Consider seasonal feeding needs when determining purchase quantities—birds typically consume more treats during cold weather and molting periods. The most economical approach often involves purchasing the largest size that will be consumed within 2-3 months of opening.

For multiple-bird households with different species, consider whether one BSFL product can serve various pets, or if different formulations might better meet specific needs. Subscription options through Chewy can ensure regular delivery while sometimes providing additional discounts.

Smart Shopping: Your BSFL Buying Guide

Calculating True Nutritional Value

Rather than focusing solely on price per pound, calculate the cost per gram of protein or calcium by dividing the price by the percentage of the nutrient. For example, a $10 pound of BSFL with 40% protein costs $25 per pound of actual protein ($10 ÷ 0.40), allowing for more meaningful comparisons.

Birds with specific nutritional needs benefit from products targeted to those requirements—laying hens need calcium-rich options, while birds recovering from illness may benefit from higher protein content. Match your purchase to your flock’s specific requirements for best results.

Subscription Advantages

Chewy’s Auto-Ship option typically provides a 5-10% discount on regular purchases while ensuring you never run out of treats. The service allows flexibility in delivery frequency, with options ranging from every two weeks to every six months.

First-time Auto-Ship orders often qualify for additional discounts, making this an economical way to try new BSFL products. The service can be paused or canceled at any time, reducing the commitment risk for hesitant buyers.

Seasonal Pricing Fluctuations

BSFL products sometimes see price reductions during spring months as suppliers prepare for new production cycles. Conversely, prices may increase slightly during winter when production costs rise and demand increases from bird owners supplementing winter diets.

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The Bird Keeper’s Takeaway

After examining the impressive range of black soldier fly larvae products on Chewy, it’s clear these treats offer exceptional nutritional value for chickens and other birds. With protein levels reaching up to 52% and significant calcium content, BSFL stands apart from conventional treats. Whether you choose Chubby Mealworms for their consistent quality, FLYGRUBS for their value, or Zylina Healthy Grubs for their superior protein content, your birds will benefit from these sustainable, nutrient-dense treats. Make the switch today—your flock’s health, your egg quality, and our planet will all thank you.