Feeding your isopods is a fairly straight forward process. Isopods are detrivores. This means in the wild they consume things like decaying plant and organic matter in their environments. Their diets are largely composed of decayed wood and dried leaf litter. Isopods are in essence natures janitors. Keeping the environment clean and moving expired items back into the circulation of life. They perform the same function in the terrarium. This is why they are often referred to as a "clean up crew".
However they will also happily consume things like deceased animals, fruits, vegetables and virtually any type of food source that they may stumble upon. These non typical food sources provide valuable vitamins and nutrition that are very beneficial for isopods.
The best best way we can replicate this in the terrarium is to offer supplemental food options on a periodic basis. Please note leaf litter and decayed wood should always be present and constitute as the staple diet for your isopods. Let's take a look at a few common supplemental food options we can provided for our invertebrate friends.
Protein Options
All isopods benefit and need some level of protein. Certain species like porcellio are actually more protein driven and benefit from regular feedings of such items. It is important to research your species of choice and have a firm understanding of their dietary needs.
-Shrimp Pellets: These are fantastic supplemental food choices. They provide valuable protein in a nice small compact little ball your isopods will relish.
-Freeze Dried Minnows/Shrimp: Another great source of protein, these are readily available and reasonably priced.
-Dried Insects: Yet another natural organic food choice that isopods will gladly swarm and consume fuss free.
-Aquatic Turtle Food Blends: These options are a great choice often including a mix of pellets, sticks and insects. They're high in protein that stimulates your isopods natural feeding response.
Fruits and Vegetables
A valued staple supplemental option, isopods relish these items. We recommend using vegetables more than fruits as fruits expire quickly in the isopod environment and can attract unwanted pests like gnats. The following options make greats choices and are usually readily available at your local supermarket. Always rinse well before feeding to ensure any potential traces of pesticide are washed off before placing in the terrarium.
-Carrots: Packed with beta-carotine, carrots are a great staple as they are also highly mold resistant.
-Squash: Offering nutritional value with vitamins A, C and E types like butternut, acorn and choyote are readily consumed by all isopods.
-Cucumbers: Offering a host of vitamins and minerals, their high water content is also an additional perk. Dispense in moderation as they are prone to mold if not fully consumed in a day or so.
-Sweet Peppers: High in vitamins A, B6 and E, these peppers are relished by isopods. They also enjoy nesting inside of their natural curves while they eat them.
Manufactured Foods
Manufactured foods compose of powdered blends specially made for isopods, fish or other invertebrates. These options are a quick and easily dispensed option that can be placed in a shallow food dish or on a dried leaf where the isopods have easy access.
-Repashy Morning Wood: One of our favorites, we've yet to see a single isopod type who doesn't quickly chow down on this superb option.
-All other Repashy Blends: While Morning Wood is among the few types specifically for isopods, there are other types that work just as well. Meat Pie, Superworm Pie and Bug Burger as just as effective options you can use for variety.
All of these blends and more can be found in our shop HERE.
Other Options
While not considered a primary food source, these options are a valued addition you can and should make available on a periodic basis.
-Bee Pollen: Packed with nutrients and and antioxidants, bee pollen promotes faster growth, enhanced reproduction and stronger immunity. We offer economical sizes options of fresh bee pollen HERE.
-Cuttlebone: An excellent source of soft calcium, cuttlebone enhances healthy molts, and a strong exoskeleton.