Estimated Reading Time: 8-10 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Leopard geckos need a diet of live insects that provide protein and essential nutrients.
- A varied diet helps maintain balanced nutrition and overall health.
- Gut-loading and calcium supplementation prevent common health issues like metabolic bone disease.
- Avoid toxic insects such as fireflies and wild-caught bugs.
- Feeding frequency depends on age—juveniles eat daily, while adults eat every other day.
Table of Contents
Why Nutrition Matters for Leopard Geckos
Leopard geckos are insectivores, meaning their diet consists entirely of insects. A well-balanced diet is essential for growth, energy, and long-term health. Without proper nutrition, geckos can suffer from metabolic bone disease, obesity, or malnutrition.
To keep your gecko healthy, focus on high-protein, gut-loaded insects that provide essential vitamins and minerals. Calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation are also crucial for preventing deficiencies.
Best Insects for Leopard Geckos
1. Crickets
Crickets are a staple feeder insect for leopard geckos. They are high in protein, easy to digest, and widely available.
- Pros: Affordable, easy to gut-load, high in protein
- Cons: Can be noisy and escape easily
- How to Feed: Offer appropriately sized crickets (no larger than the space between your gecko’s eyes). Gut-load them 24 hours before feeding.
Recommended: Fluker’s Freeze-Dried Crickets for Leopard Geckos
2. Dubia Roaches
Dubia roaches are an excellent feeder insect due to their high protein content and superior nutrition.
- Pros: High in protein, low in fat, long lifespan
- Cons: More expensive than crickets, require proper storage
- How to Feed: Offer small roaches for juveniles and larger ones for adults.
3. Mealworms
Mealworms are a popular feeder insect but should be fed in moderation due to their hard exoskeleton.
- Pros: Easy to store, high in fat (useful for underweight geckos)
- Cons: Harder to digest, lower nutritional value than other insects
- How to Feed: Use as an occasional treat rather than a staple food.
4. Superworms
Superworms are larger and more active than mealworms, making them appealing to adult geckos.
- Pros: High in protein, enticing for picky eaters
- Cons: High in fat, should be fed in moderation
- How to Feed: Offer 1-2 superworms per feeding session.
5. Hornworms
Hornworms serve as an excellent hydration source and are packed with nutrients.
- Pros: High in moisture, great for dehydrated geckos
- Cons: Expensive, short lifespan
- How to Feed: Use as an occasional treat, not a primary feeder.
6. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Phoenix Worms)
These larvae are rich in calcium, making them a great natural supplement.
- Pros: High in calcium, easy to digest
- Cons: Small size, may not interest all geckos
- How to Feed: Offer as a calcium-rich supplement along with other insects.
7. Silkworms
Silkworms are soft-bodied and nutrient-rich, making them excellent for geckos of all ages.
- Pros: High in protein, low in fat, easy to digest
- Cons: Expensive, require specific storage conditions
- How to Feed: Offer as part of a varied diet for optimal nutrition.
How to Prepare Insects for Feeding
To maximize the nutritional value of feeder insects, follow these steps:
- Gut-load insects 24 hours before feeding by offering them nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, carrots, or commercial gut-load formulas.
- Dust insects with calcium powder before feeding to prevent calcium deficiencies.
- Use feeding tongs to avoid accidental bites and encourage natural hunting behavior.
- Remove uneaten insects after 15–20 minutes to prevent stress or injury to your gecko.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
- Feeding insects that are too large – Always choose insects that are smaller than the space between your gecko’s eyes to prevent choking.
- Not gut-loading feeder insects – Insects need to be fed nutritious foods before being offered to your gecko.
- Skipping calcium supplementation – Without calcium, geckos can develop metabolic bone disease.
- Overfeeding fatty insects – Mealworms and superworms should be given as treats rather than daily meals.
- Feeding wild-caught insects – These may carry pesticides or parasites that can harm your gecko.
Conclusion & Final Tips
A varied, nutritious diet is essential for keeping your leopard gecko healthy. Stick to gut-loaded, calcium-dusted insects and rotate feeder types to maintain balanced nutrition. Avoid feeding wild insects or insects with hard exoskeletons too frequently.
Looking for high-quality feeder insects? Shop Fluker’s Freeze-Dried Crickets Here for a convenient feeding solution.
For more gecko care tips, check out our Ultimate Guide to Leopard Gecko Care.
By following these feeding guidelines, your leopard gecko will stay healthy and thriving for years to come.
