We have all encountered toads when we walk in parks or close to ponds. Some of us might even find them in our gardens. Toads have a large following of fans who adore these cute and interesting animals. They might wonder what toads eat.
Toads Habits and Biology
Toads are amphibians that are often confused with frogs since both species have four legs and no tail. They have smooth skin. They have short front legs and muscular, longer hind legs for jumping. However, there are three differences between frogs and toads: eggs, skin, and body shape.
Although most species of toads will live outside of water when they mature, they return to the water to lay their eggs. There are species of toads that breed during colder months and some that breed when it is warmer. Interestingly, each species of toad has its own unique breeding call. Fertilization is followed by hatching within a few days. Then the toad tadpoles live in water for anything from two weeks to two years, depending on the species.
Toads are usually active at night since that is their feeding time. When toads are tadpoles, they tend to be herbivorous, and they feed on plants and algae in the water. However, once they become adults, they become carnivorous, and they will prey on almost every animal they can find.
Toads have quite a vast range of lifespan, with some species only living up to 5 years and others living for 40 years. You should find toads in almost every kind of non-marine space. In fact, you can even find toads in the desert. These desert species tend to live under the ground, and they only come up to the surface after rain has fallen.
There are 350 species of toads, most ranging in size and weight. Some species of toads can weigh up to 4 pounds. The Oak Toad is the smallest toad on our planet. It has been described as resembling a pancake because of its flat appearance and round body.
When toads want to swallow their prey, they need to close their eyes. By closing their eyes, they push their eyes into their mouths, which makes enough space for the food to move into their throats.
What Do Toads Like to Eat Most?
Appearance isn’t the only thing that makes people often mistake toads for frogs. Toads and frogs have similar dietary needs. Adult toads are carnivorous, and they eat live prey. Here are the 12 foods that toads love to eat most:
- Crickets – Toads can easily catch crickets, and they are a comfortable size for toads to swallow. They also tend to be well-populated in most outdoor spaces, making them the perfect meal for toads.
- Flies – If a toad takes the time to track a fly, it can easily catch it when it settles on a leaf or rock. Flies are also quite common in most areas, making them one of the most enjoyed creatures for toads.
- Mealworms – These worms don’t offer any challenge when it comes to hunting them, so toads enjoy eating them very much.
- Spiders – Toads often eat spiders since they offer great nutritional value and they are widely available.
- Grubs – Grubs are not hard to hunt, making them an easy target for toads. Therefore, grubs are often consumed by toads.
- Slugs – Since they tend to move very slowly, toads have no problems catching and eating slugs.
- Snails – You might think that the fact that a snail has a shell might deter a toad from eating a snail, but it doesn’t. If the toad is big enough to swallow a snail, it will do so.
- Mice – Large toads will eat mice if they can manage to catch them.
- Lizards – Toads love lizards, so it isn’t uncommon to see giant toads enjoying a lizard.
- Snakes – Large toads like eating snakes, and they usually catch and eat small or young snakes.
- Fish – Toads that live close to a water source enjoy catching fish. Of course, if it is a small toad, the fish it catches will be pretty small. However, giant toads can catch quite impressively sized fish.
- Toads or frogs – The toad species called Cane Toads enjoy eating other toads or frogs.
Toads have a vast and versatile diet. This makes it easy for them to survive in every ecosystem. If a creature fits in a toad’s mouth, it will likely eat it.
8 Foods to Avoid Feeding Toads
Toads have become very popular as pets over recent years, with more and more people keeping toads. If you are a toad owner, you might want to spoil your toad with tasty treats, and you might be wondering if there is anything that you shouldn’t be feeding your toad. Here are the foods that can be harmful to toads and therefore should be avoided:
- Rice – Toads don’t have the digestive makeup to digest rice, thus feeding your toad rice and leading to significant discomfort.
- Bread – Similarly to rice, toads can’t digest bread, and therefore you shouldn’t give your toad bread to snack on. It can lead to your toad feeling gassy, bloated, constipated, and uncomfortable.
- Meat that has been seasoned – Treated meat is not suitable for toads because their bodies can’t process the high salt content as well as foreign substances that might have been used in the meat’s preparation. That is why seasoned meat can be toxic to toads.
- Sugar or salt – Toads lack the ability to digest sugar or salt, and by giving your toad salt or sugar, you risk making your toad very sick.
- Processed food – Toads need a simple and natural diet. Their bodies can’t digest any artificial ingredients or processed food. That is why it is best to avoid giving your toad anything food that has been processed or that contains any artificial ingredients.
- Pesticides – Giving your toad food that has been treated with pesticides can have severe health consequences since pesticides are toxic for toads.
- Food that has become expired – If you forgot about some food and now you are considering giving it to your toad after it has expired, you should stop yourself from doing so. Expired food carries significant health risks for toads since it can contain toxins or mold. If you notice any mold on the food you intended to feed your toad, you should avoid giving it to your toad since it can make your toad incredibly sick.
- Old vitamins – If a vet prescribed vitamins for your toad’s diet, avoid giving the vitamins after they have become expired. By giving your toad expired vitamins, you are taking substantial health risks that can lead to health complications for your toad later on.
It is best to stick to what a toad would have eaten in the wild as a general rule. Therefore, avoid unnatural food and stick to things that you know they enjoy.
Tips to Feeding Toads
Your toad loves a variety of food, and therefore you might be tempted to make its diet as exciting and exciting as possible. Here are a few tips that you can keep in mind when feeding your toad:
- You must prepare your toad’s snacks to be an appropriate size for your toad. A good rule is keeping all snacks similar in size to that of a cricket. Food that is too large might be uncomfortable for your toad to eat.
- It is recommended that you give your toad between four and six different foods to eat. This is not only interesting for your toad but also ensures that your toad gets all the vitamins and nutrients that it needs.
- It is possible if you are planning on hand-feeding your toad, but it requires dedication and patience. It is best if you stay consistent with your efforts and feed the toad every day at the same time. Stay calm and take your time when trying to get your toad to eat from your hand.
- Try to keep your toad’s meals similar to what it would have eaten in the wild. You can buy live worms and insects from most pet shops. It is essential to feed your toad live prey since that is their instinctive diet.
- Keep a large container of water that is accessible for your toad at all times. Interestingly, toads don’t drink water. Instead, they sit in the water and soak it through their skin. Change the water regularly and make sure there is a sufficient amount of it.
Summary
Toads are magnificent creatures that have been around for thousands of years. They make lovely pets since they are fascinating to watch, and they can become pretty tame. If you enjoy interacting with toads and you feel like offering them a tasty treat, it is beneficial to remember that toads like to eat. By keeping in mind what toads should avoid eating and what they like to eat, you can spoil your toad with a happy heart.