Toads are amphibians often found in gardens and natural landscapes. Understanding what toads consume and how they acquire water is key to appreciating their ecological contributions and providing appropriate care for them in captive environments.
Natural Diet of Toads
In their natural habitats, toads are primarily carnivorous, acting as opportunistic predators that consume a wide range of invertebrates. Their diet largely consists of common insects such as beetles, ants, crickets, and flies. They also readily eat slugs, snails, spiders, and various types of worms, including earthworms.
Toads employ an ambush hunting strategy, patiently waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Once an unsuspecting invertebrate is near, they quickly extend their long, sticky tongue to capture it. The variety of prey a toad consumes can depend heavily on its specific species, age, and the availability of food in its environment.
Larger toad species may expand their diet beyond typical invertebrates to include small vertebrates. This can encompass small mice, lizards, snakes, and even other amphibians. Occasionally, they might also prey on small birds or fish.
How Toads Hydrate
Unlike mammals, toads do not drink water through their mouths. Instead, they absorb water directly through their highly permeable skin. This method of hydration is important for their survival, especially since many toad species inhabit drier terrestrial environments compared to other amphibians.
A specialized area on their belly, often referred to as the “drinking patch” or “seat patch,” is particularly adapted for water absorption. This pelvic patch is thinner and more vascularized than other skin regions, enabling rapid and efficient water uptake. When a toad needs to rehydrate, it typically presses this ventral area against a moist surface.
Toads obtain water from various sources in their habitat, including moist soil, dew, or shallow puddles. This skin absorption allows them to replenish lost moisture even from very shallow water films, which is particularly beneficial in areas where standing water is scarce.
Feeding Toads in Captivity
For captive toads, a diet primarily composed of live, appropriately sized insects is recommended. Providing a varied diet is important to ensure the toad receives a broad spectrum of nutrients and to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Common feeder insects include:
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Mealworms
- Earthworms
- Superworms
- Calci-worms
- Hornworms
- Waxworms
Feeder insects should be “gut-loaded” before being offered to the toad. This involves feeding the insects a nutritious diet for 24 to 72 hours prior to feeding them to the toad, which significantly enhances their nutritional value.
In addition to gut-loading, it is essential to supplement a captive toad’s diet with powdered calcium and vitamin supplements. Feeder insects should be lightly dusted with a calcium supplement that includes Vitamin D3 several times a week, and a multivitamin powder designed for amphibians should be used once or twice weekly. This supplementation helps prevent metabolic bone disease and other health issues.
Certain foods should be avoided for captive toads. Wild-caught insects can carry parasites or be contaminated with pesticides, posing health risks. Processed human foods are also unsuitable and can be harmful due to ingredients not formulated for amphibians. Lastly, a shallow, clean water dish with dechlorinated water should always be available for hydration, allowing the toad to soak and absorb water through its skin.