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Food Guide

What can your worms eat?

🧠 How Worms Actually Eat

Worms don't chew — they swallow material whole and grind it in their muscular gizzard (with grit like sand or crushed eggshells). They primarily eat the microbes colonizing the food, not the raw material itself. Smaller pieces = more surface area = more microbes = happier worms.

📋 Food Database

Apple cores

fruits

Remove seeds if possible. Cut into small pieces.

Safe

Banana peels

fruits

Great worm food! They love these.

Safe

Bread

grains

In moderation. Can attract pests if too much.

Safe

Carrot peels

vegetables

Good source of nutrition.

Safe

Citrus fruits

fruits

Too acidic. Can harm worms and make bin too acidic.

Avoid

Coco coir

other
low nitrogen
medium moisture
slow breakdown

Excellent bedding that holds moisture well.

Safe

Coffee grounds

other

Excellent addition. Can include paper filters too.

Safe

Dairy products

dairy

Avoid all dairy. Creates odors and attracts pests.

Avoid

Eggshells

other

Crush them first. Helps with pH balance.

Safe

Garlic

vegetables

Too strong. Will repel worms.

Avoid

Lettuce

vegetables

Soft and easy for worms to process.

Safe

Meat

proteins

Never add meat! Attracts pests and creates bad odors.

Avoid

Newspaper

other
low nitrogen
low moisture
medium breakdown

Good bedding material. Avoid glossy paper.

Safe

Oatmeal

grains

Cooked or uncooked is fine.

Safe

Oils and grease

other

Can coat worms and prevent breathing.

Avoid

Onions

vegetables

Avoid all alliums - too strong and can irritate worms.

Avoid

Pasta

grains

Plain pasta only, no sauce.

Safe

Processed foods

other

Avoid anything with salt, sugar, or preservatives.

Avoid

Pumpkin

vegetables

Worms love this! Great in fall.

Safe

Shredded cardboard

other
low nitrogen
low moisture
slow breakdown

Great carbon source. Remove tape and glossy parts.

Safe

Spicy peppers

vegetables

Too hot for worms. Irritates their skin.

Avoid

Tea bags

other

Remove staples. Paper bags only, not synthetic.

Safe

Watermelon rinds

fruits

Cut into small pieces. Very hydrating.

Safe