If you have a pet frog, this is a question that has probably crossed your mind. You have probably seen frogs snatch up worms and other insects with ease. Wouldn’t it be easier for them if you just handed over some dried mealworms?
Frogs prefer to eat live insects and invertebrates. Dried mealworms are not suitable for them because it is hard to digest. Frogs however, can and do eat live mealworms.
Why Frogs Should Not Eat Dried Mealworms
Most frog diets consist of live insects and other small invertebrates. They are not well-suited to eating dried mealworms or other dried materials for that matter. Frogs are mostly ambush predators and use their long, sticky tongues to catch moving prey.
Because dried mealworms are desiccated and motionless, do not mimic their natural prey. Frogs probably would ‘t even give them a second look. Here are a few more reasons why it’s not a good idea to feed frogs dried mealworms.
Feeding habit: Frogs rely on their instinctive hunting behavior to detect and capture prey. They are attracted to moving insects as it triggers their natural response. Dried mealworms obviously cannot do this.
Digestibility: Dried mealworms can be hard for frogs to digest. Frogs like to eat live bugs because they are soft and have moisture. Dried mealworms could cause digestive problems.
Nutritional value: Not all dried mealworms are equal. Some are more nutritious than others and this can be problematic. When frogs eat live prey, they always get the nutrients they need.
Hydration: Frogs obtain most of their moisture and water from prey. Live insects contain the liquids frogs need to stay hydrated. Dried mealworms don’t have this unless you rehydrate them.
If you have a pet frog, I recommend a diet of live prey like crickets, small earthworms and other invertebrates. If you’re not sure if the food is suitable for the frog, don’t give it to them.
it’s a good idea to consult with a herpetologist or a veterinarian who specializes in amphibian care to determine the best diet for your frog.
Can Frogs Eat Live Mealworms?
Many species of frogs can eat live mealworms as part of their diet. They are a suitable food source for a variety of frog species because of their size and nutrients. Mealworms also trigger a frog’s natural hunting instincts which is always good for their health.
Nutritional Value: Live mealworms are a good source of protein, which is an essential component of a frog’s diet. Frogs require protein for growth, energy and overall health.
Size: Mealworms are small enough for most frogs. If your frog is still young, pick small mealworms so they won’t have problems swallowing.
Hunting stimulation: Live mealworms which allows frogs to behave naturally. it is important for these animals to be able to act like they do in the wild, and feeding live mealworms allows just that.
It’s important to offer a varied diet to your frog. While mealworms can be a part of it, it’s best to rotate their food with other live insects such as crickets, waxworms, and earthworms. This is necessary to ensure frogs have a balanced diet with all essential nutrients. While mealworms are fine, it’s not a good idea to feed them beetles, especially deformed ones.
Gut Loading
Before you feed mealworms to your frog, it’s a good practice to “gut load” them first. Gut loading simply means feeding mealworms a nutritious meal before giving them to your frog. This ensures your pet gets as much nutrients as possible.
It’s essential to know the dietary preferences needs of your frog, as different species may have slightly different requirements. Almost all frogs can eat live mealworms and benefit from them. But if your pet has specific needs, consult with your vet first.
If you are buying live mealworms, make sure it is from a reputable brand. Again I want to stress that the mealworms have to be the right size for your frog. Too large and it might cause problems.
How to Feed Worms to Frogs
Feeding worms to frogs is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to feed worms to frogs:
1. Choose Appropriate Worms
Select the right type of worms for your frog. Common options include mealworms, waxworms, earthworms, and other small live insects. Make sure the worms are appropriately sized for your frog’s age and size.
Before feeding the worms to your frog, “gut load” them for 24-48 hours. This isn’t just for frogs but also when feeding pet reptiles or other animals.
2. Feeding Time
Place the worms in a separate container or dish. Smooth sides are ideal to keep the worms from crawling out.
Place the live worms into your frog’s container. Most are ambush predators so the movement of the live worms will attract their attention.
If the worms aren’t moving, use tweezers to prod them. Your frog will quickly take notice. Once this happens the frog will do the rest.
3. Remove Uneaten Worms
If your frog doesn’t eat all the worms you offered, remove the leftovers after about 15-30 minutes. This is necessary to prevent them from escaping. If there is an enclosure this won’t be a problem though.
Regularly clean your frog’s enclosure. Make sure to remove any waste and leftover food to prevent bacteria and mold from growing. Do the same for your mealworm farm.
Dietary Considerations
Do not limit your frog’s diet to just mealworms or worms. While these are nutritious, other bugs have vitamins that frogs also need.
If this is the first time you’re going to feed mealworms to your frog, observe them. Usually there’s no problem, but keep an eye just to be sure.
Always provide a dish of clean water while your frog eats. I always leave a dish of water so they can drink whenever they need to.
Remember that feeding should be a part of a well-rounded care routine. That includes the right housing, temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions for your pet. All of those – not just mealworms – are essential for frogs to stay healthy.
How Many Worms Can a Frog Eat?
As a general guideline, you can start by offering a few worms at a time, typically 2-5, and then observe your frog’s behavior. If the frog consumes the worms quickly and appears hungry for more, you can offer a few more.
Be careful not to overfeed as this can lead to obesity and digestive problems. In fact some like to give mealworms only as an occasional treat instead of being part of their daily diet.
The number of worms you can feed to a frog depends on several factors. This includes the size and species. It also depends on the mealworm size and the frog’s appetite. Here are some general guidelines:
Size of the Frog: Larger frogs can eat more mealworms than smaller ones. The African Bullfrog for instance, can eat more worms than a typical frog.
Type of Worms: The type of worms you are feeding matters. Mealworms, waxworms, and earthworms are common choices. Mealworms are typically smaller and can be fed in larger quantities compared to earthworms.
Appetite. Some frogs have more appetite for mealworms than others. Observe your pet’s eating pattern and adjust the amount of mealworms you give them.
Frequency of feeding: Frogs have different feeding schedules depending on their age and species. Some may eat daily while others might eat every few days or even less frequently. This is normal and you should adjust the feeding accordingly.
Conclusion
It’s essential to consider your frog’s needs and feed them based on their appetite. This is applicable not just for mealworms but whatever else you feed them. Based on my experience though, it never hurts to make mealworms a part of a frog’s diet or be given as a treat.
