Why Feeding Dart Frogs Isn’t Just About Fruit Flies
Dart frogs may be small, but their diet is no afterthought. In the wild, they eat a varied menu of tiny invertebrates — and in captivity, replicating that diversity is essential for their long-term health, colouration, and breeding success.
Whether you’re new to frog keeping or just want to fine-tune your routine, this guide will walk you through everything from what to feed and how often, to the best supplements and live food sources in the UK.
What Dart Frogs Eat
In short: anything tiny that moves. But not all feeders are created equal.
Primary Foods
- Flightless fruit flies – The staple feeder. Drosophila melanogaster are smaller and breed faster; D. hydei are meatier and better for adults.
- Springtails – Microfauna that also clean up mould and waste. Essential for froglets and smaller species like Ranitomeya.
- Isopod young – Naturally available in bioactive tanks; tiny and nutrient-rich.
- Pinhead crickets – Acceptable for larger species like Dendrobates tinctorius, though less common in bioactives.
You can find fresh, healthy cultures in our Live Food Collection.
Occasional or Advanced Options
- Microworms / Walter worms – Great for froglets in grow-out tubs.
- Bean beetles – High in protein but may require escape-proof feeding containers.
- Springtail-dusted detritus – Organic leaf litter left to rot and attract microfauna.
Feeding Schedule
Routine is everything — frogs learn when to expect food and show more natural foraging behaviour as a result.
| Frog Age | Feeding Frequency | Portion Size |
|---|---|---|
| Tadpoles | Daily | Algae wafers or boiled lettuce |
| Froglets | 2× per day | Light dusting of springtails/flies |
| Adults | 1× per day, 5–6 days/week | As many flies as they’ll eat in 10 mins |
You can skip feeding 1 day a week to mimic wild fasting.
Use feeding tools like culture cups, feeding spoons, or a small feeder ledge to direct where flies land — this keeps frogs out of their water bowls.
Supplements: The Hidden Key to Long-Term Health
Even the best live food lacks critical nutrients unless it’s supplemented. Without them, your frogs are at risk of:
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
- Neurological issues
- Poor growth
- Infertility
What to Use
- Calcium with D3 – For bone strength and UVB replacement in indoor tanks
- Multivitamin – Covers trace minerals and fat-soluble vitamins
- Bee pollen (optional) – Stimulates appetite and adds variety
We recommend Repashy Calcium Plus, an all-in-one mix that includes both D3 and multivitamins in proper ratios.
How to Supplement
- Place flies in a tall deli cup
- Add a pinch of supplement powder
- Swirl gently until evenly coated
- Use immediately — powder degrades in under 30 minutes
How to Raise and Culture Your Own Feeders
Buying flies constantly? Save money and reduce waste by culturing your own.
Fruit Flies
- Use breathable culture tubs with excelsior or coffee filters
- Feed with pre-mixed media or make your own with potato flakes, vinegar, and brewers yeast
- Harvest after 10–14 days
Check out our starter cultures and supplies to begin.
Springtails
- Use charcoal or clay balls in airtight tubs
- Feed with rice, yeast, or brewers’ yeast powder
- Harvest with a water float or collection lid — or use a 3D-Printed Collection Riser
Consistency is key — keep multiple cultures staggered in age so you always have feeders ready.
Troubleshooting: Common Feeding Issues
Problem: Flies escape or crawl out of the tank
Fix: Use a proper mesh top and only feed what frogs can eat in 10–15 minutes. A feeding ledge or dish helps contain feeders.
Problem: Frogs aren’t interested in food
Fix: Try smaller prey (e.g., springtails) or feed at dawn/dusk. Check temperature and humidity, too.
Problem: Frogs gaining too much weight
Fix: Reduce feeding to 4–5 days per week and skip fruit flies for a day or two.
Environmental Role of Food
In a well-established vivarium, food isn’t just for frogs — it feeds your ecosystem. Leftover flies and microfauna help support:
- Isopod colonies
- Springtail explosions
- Beneficial bacteria and fungi
Just be sure to remove uneaten food from water dishes and avoid overfeeding in smaller enclosures.
Conclusion
Feeding dart frogs the right way isn’t complicated, but it is crucial. A varied diet of live micro-prey, consistent supplementation, and smart feeding routines will keep your frogs:
- Healthy
- Colourful
- Breeding-ready
- Long-lived
