Pacman frogs are voracious ambush predators that will eat almost anything they can fit in their mouths. In captivity, feeding them correctly — the right prey, the right size, the right frequency, with proper supplementation — is one of the most important factors in their long-term health. This guide covers everything you need to know about feeding a Pacman frog.
What Do Pacman Frogs Eat?
Pacman frogs are insectivores in the wild, but large adults will also eat small rodents, other frogs, and anything else they can overpower. In captivity, a diet based primarily on feeder insects is appropriate for most individuals. Large adult females can be offered the occasional pinky mouse as a treat, but insects should remain the foundation of the diet.
Best Feeder Insects for Pacman Frogs
Crickets
Crickets are the most widely used staple feeder for Pacman frogs. They are readily available, accepted by most individuals, and nutritious when properly gut-loaded. The main drawbacks are noise and the fact that uneaten crickets can bite. Remove uneaten crickets after each feeding session. See our Best Amphibian Food and Feeders guide.
Dubia Roaches
Dubia roaches are an excellent alternative to crickets. They are more nutritious, do not make noise, cannot climb smooth glass, and live longer without food. They are increasingly the preferred staple feeder among experienced Pacman frog keepers. Note that dubia roaches are restricted in Florida and Hawaii.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)
BSFL (sold as NutriGrubs or Phoenix Worms) are high in calcium relative to other feeders and make a useful secondary feeder to add variety and boost calcium intake.
Waxworms
Waxworms are high in fat and should be used as an occasional treat only — no more than once or twice per month. Regular feeding leads to obesity and nutritional deficiencies. Pacman frogs find waxworms highly palatable and will preferentially eat them over other feeders if offered regularly, which can cause feeding strikes when switched back to crickets or roaches.
Pinky Mice
Large adult female Pacman frogs can be offered an occasional pinky mouse (no more than once per month). Pinkies are high in fat and protein and should not be a regular part of the diet. Frozen/thawed pinkies are preferred over live to avoid injury.
Prey Size
A common rule of thumb is that prey should be no wider than the frog's head. Pacman frogs have large mouths and will attempt to eat prey that is too large, which can cause choking or impaction. When in doubt, feed smaller prey more frequently rather than larger prey less often.
Feeding Frequency
| Age | Feeding frequency | Prey size |
| Juvenile (under 3 inches) | Every 1-2 days | Small crickets, small dubia |
| Sub-adult (3-4 inches) | Every 2-3 days | Medium crickets, medium dubia |
| Adult (4+ inches) | Every 3-5 days | Large crickets, large dubia, occasional pinky |
Pacman frogs are prone to obesity. A healthy adult should be round but not so large that the legs are obscured when viewed from above. If your frog is gaining weight rapidly, reduce feeding frequency rather than prey size.
Gut-Loading
Feeder insects are only as nutritious as what they have eaten. Gut-load crickets and roaches for 24-48 hours before feeding with leafy greens, carrots, squash, or a commercial gut-load product. A well gut-loaded cricket is significantly more nutritious than one fed only on cardboard or grain.
Supplementation
Dust all feeder insects with calcium powder immediately before every feeding. Use a multivitamin supplement containing vitamin A and D3 once or twice per week. Place insects in a small bag with a pinch of supplement powder and shake gently before offering. See our Best Calcium and Vitamin Supplements guide for product recommendations.
Feeding Tips
- Use feeding tongs to offer prey rather than placing insects directly in the enclosure. This reduces the risk of substrate ingestion and allows you to monitor how much the frog is eating.
- Feed in the evening when Pacman frogs are naturally more active.
- Remove uneaten prey after 15-20 minutes to prevent stress and substrate disturbance.
- If your frog refuses food, check temperature and humidity first — incorrect husbandry is the most common cause of feeding strikes.