Leopard Gecko Feeding Guide: What, When, And How Much?

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 55 views

Hey reptile enthusiasts! Ever wondered about the perfect diet for your little leopard gecko buddies? Well, you're in the right place! This comprehensive leopard gecko feeding guide will walk you through everything you need to know about feeding these fascinating creatures. We'll dive into what they eat, how often they should munch, and even some cool tips and tricks to keep them healthy and happy. Let's get started, shall we?

Understanding the Leopard Gecko Diet: What's on the Menu?

First things first: What do leopard geckos eat? In the wild, these insectivores feast on a variety of bugs. To replicate their natural diet, your pet leopard gecko should primarily eat insects. Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds! The cornerstone of their diet should be live insects, but the key is diversity. Think of it like a balanced meal plan for your little reptile friend. The primary food sources are crickets and mealworms, which are generally available at your local pet store. It's important to provide a range of insects to ensure your gecko gets all the nutrients it needs. Variety is key, guys!

Crickets are a fantastic staple food. They are relatively easy to acquire and are a good source of protein. However, make sure you're gut-loading them before feeding them to your gecko. Gut-loading involves feeding the crickets nutritious food (like vegetables and commercial cricket feed) for 24 hours before you give them to your gecko. This way, your gecko benefits from the nutrients that are inside the crickets! On the other hand, mealworms are another popular choice, providing a good source of fat and protein. These are often easier to handle and store than crickets, which is a bonus. But, and this is important, mealworms have a tougher exoskeleton that might be hard for young or small geckos to digest, so use them in moderation. There are many other insects that you could add to your gecko's diet. These include things like dubia roaches (highly nutritious!), waxworms (treats only, due to high fat content), superworms (another good option, but can be a bit large for younger geckos), and even butterworms (treats, like waxworms). Mix it up to keep things interesting and nutritionally balanced. Remember, always source your insects from a reputable supplier to ensure they are healthy and free from parasites or pesticides. Always check the insects before feeding them to your gecko.

Another important aspect of your leopard gecko's diet is supplementation. Even with a great selection of insects, it's difficult to ensure your gecko gets every vitamin and mineral it needs. This is where supplements come in. Calcium and vitamin D3 are essential for bone health and the absorption of calcium. Dust the insects with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement before feeding. A multivitamin supplement, used occasionally, can help to cover any remaining nutritional gaps. However, avoid over-supplementing, as too much of certain vitamins can be harmful. Following the instructions on the supplement container is important. Providing a small dish of calcium powder in the enclosure is also a good idea. This allows your gecko to self-regulate its calcium intake if needed. It's like having a little snack bar available whenever they feel the urge! Think of it like this: a balanced diet with a little extra help to make sure your gecko is getting everything it needs to thrive. Remember, a healthy gecko is a happy gecko!

Leopard Gecko Feeding Schedule: How Often Should You Feed?

Alright, so you know what to feed your gecko, but how often do leopard geckos eat? The feeding schedule varies depending on their age. Young leopard geckos (juveniles and babies), those under a year old, need to eat more frequently because they're growing rapidly. For these little ones, you should aim to feed them every day or every other day. This constant supply of food helps fuel their growth and development. On the other hand, adult leopard geckos (over a year old) have slower metabolisms. They don't need to eat as often. For adults, a feeding schedule of every other day or every third day is usually sufficient. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can cause health problems. The key is to find the right balance for your gecko's individual needs. Watch your gecko's body condition and adjust the feeding schedule accordingly. A healthy gecko will have a slightly rounded tail (a sign of good fat reserves) and a good appetite. If your gecko is getting too chubby or is not finishing its food, you might need to adjust the schedule or the amount of food.

When it comes to how much to feed your leopard gecko, it's generally recommended to offer them as many insects as they can eat in a 10-15 minute period. The exact number of insects will vary depending on the size of the gecko and the size of the insects. A good rule of thumb is to offer a few insects at a time and see how many your gecko consumes. Don't overwhelm them with too much food at once. Any uneaten insects should be removed from the enclosure to prevent them from bothering your gecko. These insects can also stress your gecko. Watch your gecko closely during feeding time. Some geckos are voracious eaters, while others are a bit more picky. If your gecko seems to be losing weight or is not eating well, consult with a veterinarian or an experienced reptile keeper. The feeding schedule can change, so always pay attention to your gecko's individual needs.

Best Food for Leopard Geckos: Top Choices

Now, let's talk about the best food for leopard geckos. As we've discussed, a varied diet is crucial. The primary food sources are insects. But, which insects are the best? Here's a rundown of some of the top choices and their benefits.

Crickets: As a staple food, they are a great source of protein and relatively inexpensive. Remember to gut-load them! Gut-loading boosts the nutritional value of the insects for your gecko.
Mealworms: Convenient and a good source of fat and protein. Use in moderation, especially for younger geckos, due to the tough exoskeleton. Mealworms are easy to store.
Dubia Roaches: Highly nutritious and an excellent alternative to crickets. They are relatively quiet and don't burrow. The protein content is high and perfect for your gecko!
Superworms: Larger than mealworms and also a good source of nutrients. They are a bit bigger, so consider this when feeding to younger geckos. Superworms are a great addition to the diet.
Waxworms: Treats only! These are high in fat and should be offered sparingly. A tasty treat for your gecko!
Butterworms: Similar to waxworms, these are also treats due to their high fat content. They add some variety and are a good occasional treat.

When choosing insects, consider their size relative to your gecko. The insects should be small enough for your gecko to easily catch and eat. You don't want to make it too difficult. Also, ensure the insects are from a reputable source, gut-loaded, and dusted with the appropriate supplements. The insects must be in good health. Offering fresh, high-quality insects is essential for your gecko's health and happiness.

How to Feed Leopard Geckos: Tips and Tricks

Alright, you've got the food, and you know the schedule. Now, how do you actually feed leopard geckos? Here are some practical tips to make feeding time a success!

Use Feeding Tongs: This is a great way to offer insects. It lets you control the feeding process, preventing insects from escaping and hiding in the enclosure. It also makes it easier to handle the insects and reduces the risk of your gecko accidentally eating substrate.
Offer Insects in a Dish: Another option is to place the insects in a shallow dish. This works well for mealworms and superworms. The dish prevents the insects from escaping and makes it easier for your gecko to hunt. You can get specialized insect dishes at most pet stores.
Remove Uneaten Insects: After feeding, remove any uneaten insects from the enclosure. This prevents stress for your gecko and ensures the insects don't bother your gecko. Removing the uneaten insects is important for hygiene.
Gut-Load Your Insects: As mentioned, gut-loading the insects before feeding them is essential. This significantly increases their nutritional value, providing your gecko with a healthier meal.
Dust with Supplements: Always dust your insects with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements, and occasionally with a multivitamin, before feeding. This is critical for your gecko's health. The supplementation will help in maintaining bone health, and prevent any vitamin deficiencies.
Provide Fresh Water: Always have a dish of fresh, clean water available in your gecko's enclosure. Hydration is crucial for their overall health. Make sure the water dish is easily accessible.
Monitor Your Gecko: Observe your gecko's eating habits. If it's not eating well, it may be a sign of illness, stress, or other issues. If you have concerns, consult a veterinarian or an experienced reptile keeper.

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned reptile keepers can make mistakes! Here are some common feeding mistakes to avoid to ensure your gecko stays healthy.

Overfeeding: It's important to provide your gecko with the right amount of food. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems. The correct amount of food will depend on the age and size of your gecko.
Underfeeding: On the other hand, underfeeding can lead to nutritional deficiencies and poor growth. Always make sure your gecko is getting enough to eat, especially when it is young!
Feeding Only One Type of Insect: Variety is key! Feeding only one type of insect can lead to nutritional imbalances. Always mix things up!
Neglecting Supplementation: Supplements are essential for your gecko's health. Always dust your insects with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements. Do not skip this important step.
Using the Wrong Substrate: Some substrates can be ingested by your gecko during feeding, leading to impaction. Always use a safe substrate.
Not Gut-Loading Insects: Gut-loading insects before feeding them significantly increases their nutritional value. Always do this step!

Conclusion: Happy Feeding!

So there you have it, folks! This leopard gecko feeding guide should equip you with all the knowledge you need to keep your gecko happy and healthy. Remember, a well-fed gecko is a happy gecko. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your little friend thrives and lives a long, healthy life. Enjoy the journey of reptile ownership! If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask. Happy herping!