What Dart Frogs Eat?

Dart Frog

Feeding dart frogs properly is one of the most important parts of their care. These tiny amphibians may look delicate, but they have big appetites and specific dietary needs. In the wild, dart frogs eat a variety of tiny insects, which help them grow, stay healthy, and in some cases, become toxic. In captivity, they are no longer poisonous, but they still need a nutrient-rich, live insect diet to thrive. This blog will help you understand what dart frogs eat, how often to feed them, and what you should avoid.

What Dart Frogs Eat in the Wild?

In the rainforests of Central and South America, dart frogs feast on tiny creatures like ants, termites, mites, beetles, and small flies. Their diet is full of insects that contain special chemical compounds. These natural compounds, when eaten in the wild, are what make some species of dart frogs poisonous. However, in captivity, where they don’t eat these specific wild bugs, dart frogs lose their toxicity completely. Even so, their bodies still need a steady supply of protein and vitamins, which is why feeding the right food in the right way is so essential.

What to Feed Dart Frogs in Captivity?

In captivity, dart frogs rely on their keepers for food, and they need to eat small, live insects. The best foods for pet dart frogs are:

Dart Frog

Fruit Flies (Drosophila spp.)

These are the most commonly used food for dart frogs. Flightless fruit flies are easy to breed and the perfect size for your frogs to catch and eat. They are active, nutritious, and can be dusted with supplements to boost their value. Two common types are Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila hydei, which vary slightly in size and life cycle.

Springtails

These tiny, white insects are excellent for small dart frogs or froglets. Springtails also live in the tank and help break down waste, so they serve a dual purpose: nutrition and cleanliness. They're ideal in a bioactive setup and can form a continuous food source within the terrarium.

Pinhead Crickets

Pinhead (baby) crickets can be fed occasionally as variety in the diet. They're larger than fruit flies but still small enough for dart frogs to eat. Be careful not to overfeed crickets as they are more aggressive and can bite frogs if left too long in the tank.

Isopods

Dwarf white isopods are another live food option. They’re not only a healthy snack but also act as part of the tank’s clean-up crew. While frogs won’t rely on them as a main diet, they are good for snacking and enrich the terrarium ecosystem.

Dart Frog

Roach Nymphs (Only Very Small Ones)

Very tiny roach nymphs from species like Dubia, Turkistan, or Lobster roaches can be a healthy part of your dart frog’s diet. They are high in protein and easy to digest if they are small enough. Only feed newborn or pinhead-sized roaches—larger roaches are too big and hard for dart frogs to eat safely.

Feeding Schedule

Young dart frogs (froglets) should be fed daily since they are growing rapidly and need constant energy. Adult dart frogs can be fed four to five times a week, depending on their age, activity level, and species. It’s best to feed them in the morning or early daytime, when they are most active and ready to hunt.

Only give as much food as they can eat in 15–30 minutes. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and leftover insects may spoil the habitat.

Supplements and Nutrition

To keep your dart frogs healthy, it's important to dust their food with calcium and vitamins. These frogs don’t get the same variety of nutrients in captivity as they do in the wild, so supplementation is essential.

• Calcium with D3: Prevents bone disease and should be used 2–3 times a week.

• Multivitamins: Contain important trace nutrients, used once or twice per week.

• Rotation Tip: Alternate calcium and vitamin dusting throughout the week for balance.

Use a fine powder and gently coat the insects just before feeding. Don’t leave dusted insects in the tank too long, as the powder can wear off and lose its benefit.

Foods to Avoid

Dart Frog

Avoid feeding your dart frogs the following:

• Wild-caught insects, which can carry pesticides, parasites, or bacteria.

• Dead or dried insects, because dart frogs only recognize and eat live, moving prey.

• Large prey items, which can be difficult to swallow and cause choking or stress.

It's also important not to leave uneaten crickets or other aggressive feeders in the tank, as they can bite or stress out your frog.

Tips for Better Feeding

• Use a feeding dish or ledge to keep the feeding area clean.

• Observe your frogs to make sure all individuals are eating well.

• Provide a variety of foods over time to prevent dietary boredom and nutritional gaps.

• Keep extra cultures of fruit flies and springtails for convenience.

  
  

Feeding dart frogs isn’t difficult, but it requires some planning and consistency. A diet based on small live insects, especially fruit flies and springtails, along with proper supplementation, helps ensure your frogs stay active, healthy, and full of color. By observing their feeding habits and keeping a routine, you can enjoy watching these fascinating amphibians thrive in your care.

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Our specialty is premium live and dried insect-based feeds like mealworms, superworms, crickets, roaches, waxworms, and hornworms. These insects are grown on an organic diet, making them a nutritious and tasty treat for your pets.

Check out our "Shop" section to find the perfect food for your pets!