What Do White's Tree Frogs Eat?
White's Tree Frogs are insectivores. In the wild they eat a variety of insects, moths, and occasionally small invertebrates. In captivity, the goal is a varied, protein-rich diet with consistent calcium supplementation. They have a strong feeding response and will readily accept most appropriately sized prey items.
Best Staple Feeders
Crickets
The most widely available and nutritionally solid staple feeder. Gut-load crickets for 24–48 hours before feeding to maximize their nutritional value. Dust with calcium and D3 before offering. Size feeders to no larger than the width of the frog's head.
Dubia Roaches
A superior staple to crickets in many ways — higher protein, lower fat, easier to gut-load, and they don't chirp or escape as easily. Increasingly available from feeder insect suppliers. Highly recommended as a primary or rotation staple.
Good Supplemental Feeders
- Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL): Excellent calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. A nutritious rotation feeder.
- Hornworms: High moisture content, good for hydration. Low fat. Use as a rotation feeder.
- Silkworms: Soft-bodied, nutritious, and well-accepted. Good rotation option.
Treats (Feed Sparingly)
- Waxworms: High fat content. Limit to once every 2–3 weeks at most. Frogs find them highly palatable and can become conditioned to refuse other foods if overfed.
- Superworms: Higher fat than crickets. Occasional treat only, and avoid for juveniles.
Foods to Avoid
- Wild-caught insects — risk of pesticides and parasites
- Fireflies — toxic to frogs
- Any insect larger than the width of the frog's head
- Vertebrate prey — not appropriate for this species
Supplementation
Calcium with D3 is essential at every feeding for juveniles and every 2–3 feedings for adults. A multivitamin (without D3) once or twice a month provides additional micronutrients. If using UVB lighting, you can reduce D3 supplementation frequency slightly — but don't eliminate it entirely. See our Best Calcium and Vitamin Supplements for Amphibians guide.
Feeding Schedule
- Juveniles (under 3 inches): Every day or every other day.
- Adults (3+ inches): Every 2–3 days. 3–6 appropriately sized feeders per session.
White's Tree Frogs are prone to obesity — err on the side of underfeeding rather than overfeeding. If your frog is developing fat deposits over the eyes (a common sign of obesity in this species), reduce feeding frequency immediately.
My Frog Won't Eat
See our White's Tree Frog Not Eating guide for a full troubleshooting checklist.