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Feeding is one of the most important aspects of amphibian care. Most captive amphibians are insectivores that require live prey — they are triggered to eat by movement and will often ignore dead or stationary food. Choosing the right feeder insects, feeding them a nutritious diet before offering them to your amphibian, and dusting them with appropriate supplements are the three pillars of a healthy amphibian feeding program. This guide covers the best food and feeder insects for amphibians in 2026.
Gut-Loading and Dusting
Feeder insects are only as nutritious as what they have eaten. Two practices are essential for every feeding:
- Gut-loading: Feed feeder insects a nutritious diet for 24-48 hours before offering them to your amphibian. Commercial gut-load products, leafy greens, carrots, and squash are all suitable. A well gut-loaded cricket is significantly more nutritious than one fed only on cardboard or grain.
- Dusting: Coat feeder insects with calcium and vitamin supplements immediately before feeding. Place insects in a bag or container with a small amount of supplement powder and shake gently. See our Best Calcium and Vitamin Supplements guide for product recommendations.
Best Feeder Insects for Amphibians
Crickets
The most widely used feeder insect for amphibians. Crickets are readily available, accepted by most species, and available in a range of sizes to suit different amphibians. They are nutritious when properly gut-loaded and dusted. The main drawbacks are noise, odor, and the fact that they can bite if left in the enclosure uneaten. Remove uneaten crickets after feeding sessions.
Dubia Roaches
Dubia roaches are increasingly popular as a primary feeder for amphibians. They are more nutritious than crickets, do not make noise, do not bite, cannot climb smooth surfaces, and live longer without food. They are an excellent staple feeder for medium to large amphibians. Note that dubia roaches are illegal to keep in Florida and Hawaii — check local regulations before purchasing.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)
Black soldier fly larvae (also sold as NutriGrubs or Phoenix Worms) are high in calcium relative to other feeder insects, making them a useful supplement to the main diet. They are soft-bodied, easy to digest, and accepted by most amphibian species. A good secondary feeder to add variety and boost calcium intake.
Waxworms
Waxworms are high in fat and should be used as an occasional treat rather than a staple feeder. They are useful for encouraging feeding in animals that are off food or underweight, but regular feeding leads to obesity and nutritional deficiencies. Limit to once or twice per month for most species.
Mealworms
Mealworms are widely available and accepted by many amphibians, but their hard chitin exoskeleton makes them difficult to digest and they carry a poor calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Use sparingly and only for species that tolerate them well. Superworms (a larger species) carry the same caveats.
Springtails and Isopods (Bioactive Setups)
For keepers running bioactive enclosures, springtails and isopods serve as a cleanup crew that breaks down waste and maintains substrate health. They also provide supplemental feeding opportunities for small amphibians. Springtails are particularly useful in high-humidity setups where mold and mite pressure is higher.
Feeding Frequency by Species
| Species | Feeding frequency | Notes |
| Pacman frog (juvenile) | Every 1-2 days | Feed appropriately sized prey - no wider than the head |
| Pacman frog (adult) | Every 3-5 days | Prone to obesity - avoid overfeeding |
| White's tree frog | Every 2-3 days | Also prone to obesity - monitor body condition |
| Fire-bellied toad | Every 2-3 days | Active feeder - accepts most small insects |
| Tiger salamander | Every 2-3 days | Opportunistic feeder - varied diet recommended |
Feeder Insect Storage
- Crickets: Store in a ventilated container at room temperature with egg carton for hiding. Provide water crystals or fresh vegetables for hydration. Use within 1-2 weeks of purchase.
- Dubia roaches: Store in a ventilated container at 75-85°F. Feed gut-load diet and provide water crystals. A small colony can be maintained indefinitely.
- BSFL: Refrigerate to slow development. Bring to room temperature before feeding.
- Waxworms: Refrigerate to slow development. Use within a few weeks of purchase.