Depends on the specimen. I have found when younger it's not too hard. My current datnoid crushes hikari carnivore pellets. I recommend trying pellets and if they don't go for them, feed blood worms and soak pellets in bloodworm juice and usually that does the trick. Some will be stubborn forever but hopefully yours takes em. I usually always buy a group of small datnoids and keep the ones that grow the fastest and eat the best. Best of luck if you have any other questions, I'd love to answer them!