Food for Bullfrog Tadpoles

American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpoles eat a wide variety of foods in nature, making them excellent pets. Bullfrog tadpoles grow and metamorphose into froglets slowly, providing a great educational experience for children. Bullfrog tadpoles will metamorphose into adult frogs that will require a commitment of several years and are not a short-term pet. However, as adult frogs, bullfrogs consume any live prey offered and are easily cared for.

Algae

In their natural environment, Bullfrog tadpoles eat mostly algae. However, it is difficult to find a steady source of algae for pet Bullfrog tadpoles. Algae can be grown by filling empty aquaria with water and placing them in a warm, sunny location to promote algal growth.

Goldfish Food

Bullfrog tadpoles thrive on a diet of commercial goldfish flake food. However, these large tadpoles can consume a much greater amount of flake food within a 15 minute period than other smaller tadpoles.

Green Vegetables

Unlike many smaller tadpoles, Bullfrog tadpoles readily consume a diet of green vegetables, such as romaine lettuce or spinach. Soft, boiled green vegetables are a convenient food source for pet tadpoles, as there is no need to immediately remove boiled greens from the aquarium to prevent contamination.

Other Vegetables

Bullfrog tadpoles will also consume some other soft, boiled vegetables, such as squashes.

Aquatic Plants

Bullfrog tadpoles will also use aquatic plants as a food source. However, Bullfrog tadpoles will voraciously consume aquatic plants--unlike smaller tadpoles. Therefore, aquatic plants are usually a supplemental food source for pet Bullfrog tadpoles.

References

• Aqualand: How to Successfully Keep Your New Tadpoles