Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I don't really know what to feed my tiger salamander. I have been feeding him meal worms for the past year but he has started to not eat as much. My roommates tease me that he is fat but I don't know how much is too much or too little. Please help!

I've heard that mealworms are really fatty to begin with... (don't take my absolute word on that though, I have small newts that eat bloodworms and pellets)

Yes, they can be. Mine is pretty chunky. I don't know an exact way other than just eyeballing him. Maybe someone else can give a more scientific description of fat.
Maybe your sal is just tired of mealworms. Have you tried earthworms from a bait store or crickets? I vary mine's diet and don't feed him every day. When I have crickets, they tend to die off within a couple weeks, so I feed him every other day, two or three. Then I'll let him fast a few days after the crickets are gone, then give him a worm or mealworms, both of which can keep quite well in the fridge (at least, unless my husband ever finds out they are there!)

Another possible food source is wax worm. My little tigers love them, and they are softer than mealworms, making them easier to digest. BUT since you are concerned about your critters being fat, waxies may not be your best bet, as they are very high in fat. Also, I buy large Canadian nightcrawlers and break them into three pieces (one for each of my salamanders) and they scarf those right up. Also, if your salamanders are older and larger, then the occasional pinkie is a nice change of pace.

Sounds like he is healthy...
But being Italian decent, my family thinks being a little overweight is healthy
I've heard various arguments on can a salamander get "fat"? They are not like humams or mammals.
I do know that variety is good and skipping days between feedings is key. I even allow some of my salamanders to fast during the winter months for a week at time. I have some Fire Salamanders that I cool down in the refridge for several weeks with no feeding (for breeding purposes).
In the wild there are times of abundant food sources and not.
Be careful of your worm sources. 99% of the time I don't have any problems with night crawlers from my local bait shop, but I had one batch that made one of my colonies of Salamandra t. very ill. Tigers seem very opportunistic feeders. I have even gave occasional beef heart strips when available.
BTW...your roommates are just jealous that your salamander does not have to worry about squeezing in a size 6