Frogs have become increasingly popular as pets in recent years, thanks to their low maintenance requirements and unique behaviors. Unlike cats or dogs, frogs don’t require daily walks or extensive grooming, making them an ideal pet for busy individuals or those living in smaller spaces. They are also relatively inexpensive to care for, making them an accessible option for people on a budget.
In addition to their low maintenance needs, frogs can be incredibly entertaining to watch. Many species have unique behaviors, such as the African dwarf frog’s tendency to swim upside down or the tree frog’s ability to change colors. Observing these behaviors can be both relaxing and educational, making frogs a great choice for families with children or individuals looking for a peaceful hobby.
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring some of the best frog species to keep as pets, highlighting their unique qualities and care requirements.
Best Frogs As Pets: Our Top 5 Picks
There are many different species of frogs that are commonly kept as pets. But, they’re certainly not all equal and often require different levels of care. Below is our list of the top 5 best overall frog species to keep as pets:
- Tree frogs
- Pacman frogs
- Tomato frogs
- Dart frogs
- American toads
Tree Frogs
Tree frogs are a popular choice for beginner amphibian enthusiasts, thanks to their small size, low maintenance needs, and unique behavior. These colorful little creatures are native to tropical regions around the world and can be found in a variety of colors and patterns.
One of the great things about tree frogs is that they don’t require a large enclosure. A 10-gallon tank is suitable for most species, although larger tanks may be needed for larger species. The enclosure should be tall, as tree frogs are arboreal and prefer to climb and jump from branch to branch.
In terms of diet, most tree frogs are insectivores and eat a variety of insects such as crickets, mealworms, and flies. Some species may also require the occasional pinky mouse or other small prey item. Make sure to provide a variety of food items to ensure a balanced diet.
Tree frogs also require a specific type of substrate, such as sphagnum moss or coconut coir. This substrate helps maintain humidity and provides a soft surface for the frogs to climb on. It’s important to keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged to prevent bacterial growth.
Overall, tree frogs are a great choice for beginner amphibian keepers. With a little research and attention to their specific needs, these colorful little creatures can provide years of enjoyment and entertainment.
Pacman Frogs
Pacman frogs, also known as horned frogs, are a popular choice for amphibian enthusiasts with moderate experience. These chunky frogs are native to South America and are named for their large mouths and voracious appetite.
One of the great things about pacman frogs is their size. These frogs can grow up to 6 inches in length and require a 20-gallon tank or larger to accommodate their size. They are also relatively low maintenance, only requiring weekly feedings and substrate changes.
In terms of diet, pacman frogs are carnivorous and will eat anything that fits in their mouth. This includes insects, rodents, and even other frogs. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure a balanced nutrition. They also require a specific type of substrate, such as coconut coir or sphagnum moss, to maintain humidity and provide a soft surface for burrowing.
Pacman frogs are known for their unique behavior, such as their ability to puff up and defend themselves when threatened. They also have a distinctive call that sounds like a deep, resonating growl. With proper care and attention, these fascinating frogs can make excellent pets for those with some experience in amphibian keeping.
Tomato Frogs
Tomato frogs are a popular choice for exotic pet enthusiasts due to their bright red-orange color and unique appearance. These frogs are native to Madagascar and are known for their large size and distinct markings.
One of the great things about tomato frogs is their ease of care. They are relatively low maintenance, only requiring a 10-gallon tank or larger to accommodate their size. They also require a specific type of substrate, such as coconut coir or sphagnum moss, to maintain humidity and provide a soft surface for burrowing.
In terms of diet, tomato frogs are carnivorous and will eat a variety of insects such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. They may also require the occasional pinky mouse or other small prey item. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure a balanced nutrition.
Overall, tomato frogs are a great choice for those looking for an exotic and unique pet. With their striking color and ease of care, these fascinating frogs can provide years of enjoyment and entertainment for their owners.
Dart Frogs
Dart frogs are a popular choice for experienced amphibian enthusiasts due to their bright colors and unique behavior. These small frogs are native to Central and South America and are known for their toxic skin, which is used for self-defense in the wild.
One of the things that make dart frogs unique is their size. These frogs are small, typically only growing to be 1-2 inches in length. They require a specific type of enclosure, such as a vivarium or terrarium, which mimics their natural habitat. This can be a complex setup, requiring careful attention to temperature, humidity, and lighting.
It’s important to note that not all dart frogs are poisonous. However, some species, such as the poison dart frog, can be deadly to humans. While they may look pretty, it’s important to never touch them skin to skin. In the wild, these frogs obtain their toxins from the food they eat, but in captivity, they are typically fed a non-toxic diet to prevent accidental poisoning.
Overall, dart frogs are a great choice for experienced amphibian keepers who are willing to put in the time and effort to create a suitable habitat for them. With their striking color and unique behavior, these fascinating frogs can provide years of enjoyment and entertainment for their owners.
American Toads
While not technically a frog, the American toad is a popular choice for pet owners who want a larger and hardier amphibian. These toads are native to North America and are known for their distinctive warty skin and melodious trilling call.
One of the things that make American toads a great pet is their size. These toads can grow up to 4 inches in length and require a 10-gallon tank or larger to accommodate their size. They are also relatively low maintenance, only requiring weekly feedings and substrate changes.
In terms of diet, American toads are carnivorous and will eat a variety of insects such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. They may also require the occasional pinky mouse or other small prey item. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure a balanced nutrition.
Overall, American toads are a great choice for those looking for a larger and hardier amphibian pet. With their distinctive appearance and unique behavior, these fascinating toads can provide years of enjoyment and entertainment for their owners.
General Care Tips for Frog Owners
If you’re considering getting a pet frog, there are several things you need to know to ensure you provide the best care for your new amphibian friend. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Do your research: Before you bring home a frog, make sure you know what species you want and their specific care requirements. Study their natural habitat and try to replicate it as much as possible in your enclosure.
- Don’t handle them: Unlike other pets like dogs or cats, frogs don’t enjoy being handled. They are delicate creatures and can easily become stressed or injured if handled improperly. Only handle them when necessary, such as during cleaning or health checkups.
- Provide a suitable habitat: Your frog’s enclosure should mimic their natural environment as closely as possible. This includes the temperature, humidity, lighting, and substrate. Make sure the enclosure is large enough to allow your frog to move around and have adequate hiding places.
- Study their diet: Different species of frogs have different dietary needs, so make sure you know what your frog should be eating. Some frogs eat only insects, while others also eat small rodents or other frogs.
- Monitor their health: Watch for signs of illness, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, or unusual behavior. If you suspect your frog is sick, take them to a veterinarian who specializes in exotic pets.
- Keep the enclosure clean: Regularly clean the enclosure and replace the substrate to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria.
By following these tips, you can ensure your pet frog stays healthy and happy for years to come.
Buy An All-In-One Frog Tank
If you’re thinking about buying a frog (or several) then it’s important to come equipped with everything you need to care for them. Below is a list of tanks that we recommend and that can easily be ordered and shipped using Amazon:
