Pet invertebrate food splits by type: predatory species like tarantulas and scorpions need appropriately-sized live prey (crickets or dubia roaches), while isopods, millipedes, and stick insects eat plant matter and leaf litter. There's no single food that works for the whole category — it depends on which invertebrate you keep.
The best food for pet invertebrates depends entirely on the species — predatory tarantulas and scorpions need live prey, while isopods, millipedes, and stick insects are plant-and-detritus eaters. There’s no single “best food” that fits the whole category.
For Tarantulas & Scorpions
| Prey Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crickets | Most tarantulas & scorpions | Widely available, easy to size appropriately, should be gut-loaded first |
| Dubia roaches | Long-term keepers | Easier to breed at home, quieter, less likely to escape and hide in furniture |
| Mealworms | Smaller or juvenile animals | Convenient but lower in nutrition than crickets or roaches if used exclusively |
Gut-Loaded Dubia Roach Colony Starter
A self-sustaining feeder colony is more cost-effective long term than buying crickets weekly, and dubia roaches are quieter and less prone to escaping.
High-Calcium Cricket Gut-Load Powder
An easy way to boost the nutritional value of store-bought crickets before offering them, without a big cost increase.
For Isopods, Millipedes & Stick Insects
These species don’t need feeder insects at all. Isopods and millipedes thrive on a rotating supply of dried leaf litter (oak and magnolia are common choices) plus the occasional vegetable scrap. Stick insects require fresh, species-appropriate browse — check exactly which plant your specific species needs before bringing one home, since this varies and isn’t optional.
FAQ
Gut-loaded crickets or dubia roaches, sized to roughly the width of the tarantula's body, cover the needs of the vast majority of commonly kept species. Dubia roaches are often preferred long-term since they're easier to breed at home and less likely to escape.
Yes, for the most part — a steady supply of dried leaf litter (oak and magnolia are popular choices) covers most of an isopod colony's nutritional needs, with occasional vegetable scraps as a supplement rather than a requirement.
It depends entirely on the species — always confirm the exact browse plant (commonly bramble, oak, or eucalyptus depending on species) before buying, since offering the wrong plant can be fatal and isn't something you can guess your way through.
