What Do Crickets Eat: A Comprehensive Guide to Cricket Diet

Cricket diet components

Primary food sources

• High-quality commercial feed: Specially formulated cricket feed or poultry feed provides optimal nutrition for growth and reproduction, answering the question of what do crickets eat
• Plant matter: A cricket's diet can include various plant-based foods, such as:
  • Leafy greens (e.g., lettuce, spinach)
  • Vegetables (e.g., carrots, squash)
  • Fruits (in moderation)
• Grains: Whole grains and cereals can be part of what crickets eat
• Proteins: Small amounts of protein-rich foods like soybean meal or fishmeal can supplement their cricket diet

Sustainable feed options

• Food waste: Crickets can utilize certain types of processed food waste as food for crickets
• Agricultural by-products: Some agricultural residues can be incorporated into cricket diets:
  • Spent brewery grain
  • Okara (soybean pulp)
  • Cassava leaves and tops

Optimal nutrition for crickets

Protein requirements

• Optimal protein levels: 20-22% crude protein in the cricket diet promotes better growth performance and feed efficiency
• Phase feeding: Protein requirements may change with cricket age:
  • 22% protein for younger crickets (days 7-18)
  • 20% protein for older crickets (days 19-35)

Other nutritional considerations

• Balanced diet: Ensure adequate levels of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals for optimal growth when considering what crickets eat
• Hydration: Provide clean water sources for crickets to drink as part of their diet

Feeding practices

• High-quality feed: Use commercial cricket feed or well-balanced blends of ingredients for best results when determining food for crickets
• Consistent supply: Offer food regularly to maintain steady growth and prevent cannibalism in the cricket diet
• Food particle size: Grind feed ingredients to 1.0 mm or smaller for easy consumption by crickets

FAQ

What do crickets eat in the wild?

In the wild, crickets are omnivorous and eat a variety of foods including plant matter, fruits, vegetables, and small insects. Their cricket diet consists of whatever they can find in their natural habitat, such as leaves, grass, seeds, and occasionally other small insects or their eggs.

Can I feed my pet crickets regular human food?

While crickets can eat some human foods, it's best to provide a balanced cricket diet specifically formulated for their nutritional needs. You can offer small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables as treats, but the main food for crickets should be high-quality commercial cricket feed or a well-balanced blend of ingredients that meet their protein and nutrient requirements.

How often should I feed my crickets?

Crickets should have access to food at all times. Provide fresh food daily and remove any uneaten or spoiled food to maintain hygiene. Consistent access to food is important for their growth and to prevent cannibalism, which can occur if they become too hungry.

What is the best commercial food for crickets?

The best commercial food for crickets is a high-quality cricket feed or poultry feed that contains about 20-22% protein. These feeds are specially formulated to provide the optimal cricket diet, including the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals necessary for their growth and reproduction.

Can crickets eat fruit?

Yes, crickets can eat fruit as part of their cricket diet. However, fruits should be offered in moderation as treats rather than a primary food source. Too much fruit can lead to an imbalanced diet and potential health issues. When offering fruit as food for crickets, choose options like apples, melons, or berries, and remove any uneaten portions to prevent spoilage.