Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:
- Provide dart frogs with appropriate feeder insects in the correct quantities.
- Establish a healthy feeding schedule for adults, juveniles, and froglets.
- Understand the role of supplementation and why rotation matters.
- Prevent nutritional deficiencies such as metabolic bone disease (MBD).
- Recognise signs of underfeeding, overfeeding, or incorrect supplementation.
Lesson Content
Dart frogs have high metabolisms and specialised dietary needs.
Their diet in captivity should replicate the natural behaviour of eating:
- small prey
- frequently
- with consistent nutrient intake
- from a variety of sources
Improper feeding or supplementation is one of the fastest ways to cause long-term health issues, so this lesson provides a simple, reliable feeding system based on current best practice.
1. What Dart Frogs Eat
Dart frogs are micro-predators.
In captivity, the core diet includes:
Primary Feeders:
- Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster, D. hydei)
- Springtails (especially for froglets)
- Isopods (dwarf species commonly consumed)
- Bean beetles (occasional)
Secondary/Optional Feeders:
- Rice flour beetle larvae
- Aphids
- Curly-wing flies
- Pinhead crickets (rarely, and only if appropriately sized)
High-fat prey such as waxworms or mealworms should be avoided entirely.
2. Feeding Frequency
Adults:
Once daily, 5–6 days per week.
A “light fasting” day once a week is normal and healthy.
Juveniles:
Twice daily, small amounts.
Froglets:
Constant access to springtails + 1–2 small fly feedings daily.
Feeding Rule of Thumb:
Only feed as many flies as the frogs can eat within 10–15 minutes.
Leftover flies encourage mould, bacteria, and microfauna imbalance.
3. Supplement Rotation
Supplementation is essential in captivity, as fruit flies alone are not nutritionally complete.
Your personal rotation (which is excellent) is used here, as it is perfect for this course.
Tony’s Recommended Supplement Rotation
(This is EXACTLY the rotation you use yourself — making it authentic and ideal for students.)
- Calcium Carbonate: every feed
- Repashy Calcium Plus: every second feed
- Vitamin A: once a month
- SuperPig (pigmentation formula): every two weeks
This rotation provides:
- calcium for bone health
- vitamin D3 (in Repashy)
- carotenoids for colour and antioxidant support
- vitamin A to prevent deficiency
- consistent mineral intake
No other rotation is needed.
4. How to Dust Feeder Insects Properly
Dart frogs require a light, even coating of supplements.
Dusting Method:
- Add flies to a small deli cup.
- Add a pinch (⅛ teaspoon) of supplement.
- Swirl gently — do not shake violently.
- Pour flies into the vivarium gently.
Avoid overcoating.
A thick layer makes flies slower and less appealing.
5. Live Food Density & Monitoring
Signs the frogs are eating well:
- bright activity during feeding
- steady body condition
- clear eyes
- bold behaviour
- consistent stool
Signs of underfeeding:
- visible skinny waist
- prominent hip bones
- lethargy
- reduced calling (males)
Signs of overfeeding:
- frogs appear bloated
- lazy behaviour
- excess feeder insects left in the tank
You should see the frogs remain sleek, rounded, never thin, never swollen.
6. Species-Specific Feeding Notes
Dendrobates:
- larger feeders acceptable (hydei, bean beetles)
- good appetites
- thrive on variety
Ranitomeya:
- prefer melanogaster fruit flies
- require more frequent feeding
- rely heavily on springtails during juvenile stages
Ameerega:
- larger-bodied terrestrial foragers
- benefit from slightly larger prey more often
- more willing to take hydei or bean beetles
7. Clean Feeding Practices
Good hygiene reduces bacteria and improves microfauna function.
Do:
- feed from feeding leaf/station
- remove excess food after 20 minutes
- maintain clean fly cultures
- rotate cultures to prevent crashes
Avoid:
- dumping flies directly on the substrate
- allowing cultures to age beyond 3–4 weeks
- feeding from mouldy or weak cultures
Key Takeaways
- Dart frogs should be fed daily (adults) or twice daily (juveniles).
- Fruit flies, isopods, and springtails form the core of their diet.
- Proper supplementation is essential — calcium + D3 + vitamin A.
- Over- or underfeeding leads to health and behaviour issues.
- Feeding technique should keep insects clean, fresh, and appropriately dusted.
