Pacman frogs might look like cute, round little creatures – but their appetite is massive. If you’ve ever wondered what do Pacman frogs eat, you’re not alone. These amphibians are named after the iconic arcade character Pac-Man for a reason – they’ll gobble up almost anything that fits in their mouth.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore what Pacman frogs eat at every stage of life, how often you should feed them, what foods to avoid, and feeding tips to keep them healthy. Whether you’re a new Pacman frog owner or just curious about their diet, this guide will cover everything you need.
Understanding the Pacman Frog’s Appetite (Foundation)
Pacman frogs, scientifically known as Ceratophrys ornata, are carnivorous amphibians native to South America. They are ambush predators – meaning they wait for prey to come close and then strike suddenly with a big “chomp.”
Unlike many frogs, Pacman frogs don’t jump around much. They prefer to sit still and let food come to them. This lifestyle makes their diet and feeding schedule extremely important to maintain a healthy weight and proper growth.
What Do Pacman Frogs Eat?
In simple terms, Pacman frogs eat live prey. Their diet mainly consists of:
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Earthworms & nightcrawlers
- Mealworms and superworms (occasionally)
- Small mice (for adults only)
Pacman frogs are strictly carnivores. They do not eat fruits, vegetables, or any type of processed food.
Important: Always feed them live or recently killed prey – they don’t recognize dead or frozen food as “food” unless it’s moved with tongs.
Why Diet Matters for Pacman Frogs (Reasons / Research)
Pacman frogs have slow metabolisms and a strong feeding response. This means they’ll try to eat even when they’re not hungry – leading to obesity if overfed.
A proper diet provides:
- Balanced calcium and protein levels
- Healthy bone and skin development
- Proper digestion and hydration
- Reduced risk of impaction (a fatal blockage caused by poor diet or substrate)
Feeding your frog the right way ensures a long, active, and colorful life.
Feeding Guide by Age and Size (Methods / Main Guide)
Pacman frogs have different dietary needs depending on their age. A baby’s diet focuses on growth and protein, while adult frogs need a balanced feeding schedule.
Baby Pacman Frogs (0–3 Months)
Diet: Pinhead crickets, small roaches, and small worms
Frequency: Every day (once daily)
- Feed small prey that fits easily into their mouth – around the size of the frog’s head.
- Dust food with calcium powder every other day.
- Keep prey size small to avoid choking.
Tip: Baby Pacman frogs grow rapidly, so don’t overfeed – it can lead to bloating or digestive issues.
Juvenile Pacman Frogs (3–8 Months)
Diet: Medium crickets, roaches, and mealworms
Frequency: Every 2 days
- Begin adding variety: small nightcrawlers, hornworms, and waxworms (occasionally).
- Add vitamin D3 supplements twice a week.
- Monitor their size – avoid feeding prey larger than the frog’s mouth width.
Adult Pacman Frogs (8+ Months)
Diet: Large roaches, nightcrawlers, crickets, and pinkie mice
Frequency: 2–3 times per week
- Adult Pacman frogs can eat bigger meals but less often.
- Include small pinkie mice only once or twice a month.
- Too many mice or fatty insects can cause obesity and liver issues.
Always remove uneaten food after 15–20 minutes to keep the terrarium clean and avoid mold or mites.
Feeding Frequency Chart (Quick Reference)
| Age Stage | Food Type | Feeding Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby (0–3 months) | Pinhead crickets, small worms | Daily | High protein, calcium-dusted |
| Juvenile (3–8 months) | Crickets, mealworms, roaches | Every 2 days | Add vitamins |
| Adult (8+ months) | Large prey, nightcrawlers, mice | 2–3 times/week | Avoid overfeeding |
Foods to Avoid for Pacman Frogs
Even though Pacman frogs are not picky eaters, some foods can harm them.
Avoid these:
- Wild-caught insects (can carry pesticides or parasites)
- Processed foods or pellets not made for amphibians
- Fish (goldfish, guppies — cause thiamine deficiency)
- Overly fatty insects (waxworms, butterworms in excess)
- Human food of any kind
Did you know?
Over 70% of Pacman frog health issues are linked to poor diet or overfeeding.
Feeding Tips for Healthy Pacman Frogs
Keeping your Pacman frog healthy isn’t just about what they eat — it’s also how you feed them.
Use Feeding Tongs
Pacman frogs may accidentally bite your fingers. Always use tongs to move live prey.
Dust Prey with Supplements
Use calcium powder 3x a week and vitamin D3 twice a week to avoid metabolic bone disease.
Keep a Feeding Routine
Feed on a schedule. Irregular feeding causes stress and poor digestion.
Maintain Proper Temperature
Pacman frogs eat less if the terrarium is too cold. Keep temperatures between 75–85°F (24–29°C).
Hydrate Properly
Use dechlorinated water. Frogs absorb moisture through their skin, so clean water is essential.
Common Feeding Problems (and Solutions)
Even with the right food, Pacman frogs can sometimes stop eating. Here’s how to fix it:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Frog not eating | Low temperature or stress | Check habitat heat and humidity |
| Refusing prey | Wrong prey size or type | Try smaller insects or movement |
| Overweight frog | Overfeeding or too many fatty insects | Reduce feeding frequency |
| Weak legs or jaw | Lack of calcium | Add calcium + vitamin D3 dusting |
| Impacted frog (bloated, not pooping) | Swallowed substrate or hard food | Avoid loose substrate; consult vet |
Can Pacman Frogs Eat Fruits or Vegetables?
No. Pacman frogs are strict carnivores. They cannot digest plant matter. Their digestive system is built only for live prey and animal protein. Feeding fruits or vegetables can lead to digestive issues or even death.
Can Pacman Frogs Eat Dead Food?
Usually, no. Pacman frogs respond to movement. However, some owners use tongs to move thawed prey slightly – this can trick the frog into thinking it’s alive. Always make sure frozen food is fully thawed and safe.
Supplements and Vitamins for Pacman Frogs
To mimic a natural diet, you’ll need to provide vitamin and mineral support:
| Supplement | Frequency | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium without D3 | 3x per week | Bone and shell strength |
| Vitamin D3 | 1–2x per week | Calcium absorption |
| Multivitamin | Once a week | Boosts immunity and growth |
Sample Weekly Feeding Schedule for an Adult Pacman Frog
| Day | Meal | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 3–4 crickets + worms | Dust with calcium |
| Wednesday | 2 nightcrawlers | Add vitamin D3 |
| Friday | Dubia roaches | Hydrate prey before feeding |
| Sunday | Rest day | Monitor waste and weight |
What Happens If Your Pacman Frog Refuses to Eat?
if your frog refuses to eat for more than 10 days:
- Check temperature and humidity
- Ensure it’s not shedding
- Offer a smaller or different prey type
- Try hand feeding with tongs
If still no improvement, consult a herp veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the best food for Pacman frogs?
Crickets, Dubia roaches, and nightcrawlers are ideal staple foods.
Q2: Can Pacman frogs eat pinkie mice?
Yes, but only adult Pacman frogs — and not more than once or twice per month.
Q3: How often should I feed my Pacman frog?
Babies daily, juveniles every 2 days, and adults 2–3 times per week.
Q4: What should I do if my Pacman frog isn’t eating?
Check tank temperature, humidity, and stress levels. Offer smaller prey or adjust feeding frequency.
Q5: Can Pacman frogs overeat?
Yes. They have poor self-control and will eat continuously if offered too much food.