Leopard Gecko Feeding: The Ultimate Guide

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 42 views

Hey guys! So, you've got a leopard gecko, huh? Awesome choice! These little dudes are super cool and relatively easy to care for, but getting their diet right is key to keeping them happy and healthy. This guide is your one-stop shop for everything leopard gecko feeding – what to feed, how often, and all the little details that make a big difference.

What Do Leopard Geckos Eat?

Let's dive right into the menu! Leopard geckos are insectivores, meaning they primarily eat insects. Forget about salads or fruits – these guys are all about the bugs. Here’s a breakdown of the best insects to offer your leopard gecko:

Crickets: These are like the staple food for leopard geckos. They’re easy to find at pet stores, relatively cheap, and provide a good source of protein. Make sure you gut-load them (more on that later!) before feeding them to your gecko.
Mealworms: Another popular choice, mealworms are easy to keep and readily accepted by most geckos. However, they are higher in fat than crickets, so don't make them the only thing your gecko eats. Think of them as the occasional fast-food treat.
Dubia Roaches: These are becoming increasingly popular as feeder insects, and for good reason! They're nutritious, easy to breed, and don't smell as bad as crickets. Plus, they don't jump or chirp, making them a bit less annoying to keep. Dubia roaches offer a balanced nutritional profile, so they are a fantastic choice for a consistent part of your gecko's diet.
Waxworms: These are like candy for leopard geckos! They're high in fat and super enticing, but they are highly addictive and can lead to obesity if fed too often. Use them sparingly as a treat to entice a picky eater or to help a gecko gain weight if needed.
Superworms: Similar to mealworms but larger, superworms are another high-fat option. They can also bite, so it's best to crush their heads before feeding them to your gecko. Only use them as an occasional snack.
Other Insects: You can also occasionally offer other insects like silkworms, hornworms, or locusts for variety. Variety is the spice of life, even for geckos!

Gut-Loading: The Secret to a Healthy Gecko

Alright, guys, pay close attention because this is super important. Gut-loading means feeding your feeder insects nutritious foods before offering them to your gecko. This ensures that your gecko is getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Think of it as loading the insects with nutritional goodies that then get passed on to your pet.

What should you feed your feeder insects? Options include commercial gut-loading diets, fresh vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, and even fruits like apples and oranges (in small amounts). Avoid anything toxic to geckos, like onions or garlic.

Gut-loading for at least 24 hours before feeding is ideal, but even a few hours is better than nothing. Your gecko will thank you for it!

How Often Should You Feed Your Leopard Gecko?

Feeding frequency depends on your gecko's age and size. Here’s a general guideline:

Baby Geckos (0-6 months): These little guys are growing like crazy and need to eat every day. Offer them as many insects as they can eat in a 10-15 minute period.
Juvenile Geckos (6-12 months): You can start to reduce the feeding frequency to every other day. Again, offer as many insects as they can eat in a 10-15 minute period.
Adult Geckos (12+ months): Adult geckos typically only need to be fed 2-3 times per week. Adjust the amount of food based on their body condition – you want them to be a healthy weight, not overweight or underweight. Monitoring their weight and adjusting feeding habits is crucial for maintaining optimal health.

Important Considerations:

Observe Your Gecko: Every gecko is different, so pay attention to your pet's individual needs. Some geckos have bigger appetites than others. If your gecko is consistently leaving food uneaten, reduce the amount you're offering.
Shedding: Geckos may eat less or refuse food altogether when they're shedding. This is perfectly normal, so don't worry too much if they skip a meal or two.
Temperature: Temperature plays a big role in a gecko's appetite and digestion. Make sure your gecko's enclosure is properly heated to ensure they can properly digest their food. Temperature influences digestion and appetite, so maintain appropriate warmth.

Supplementing Your Leopard Gecko's Diet

Even with gut-loaded insects, your leopard gecko may not be getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs. That's where supplementation comes in. There are two main supplements you'll need:

Calcium: Calcium is essential for bone health and preventing metabolic bone disease (MBD). You should dust your feeder insects with a calcium supplement at almost every feeding, ideally one that contains vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 helps your gecko absorb the calcium. A crucial component of skeletal health is calcium supplementation.
Multivitamin: A multivitamin supplement provides other essential vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in your gecko's diet. You only need to use a multivitamin once or twice a week. A well-rounded diet is supported through multivitamin supplementation.

How to Dust Insects:

Dusting insects is easy! Just place a few insects in a plastic bag or container with a small amount of supplement powder. Gently shake the bag to coat the insects with the powder. Then, offer the dusted insects to your gecko immediately. It's a simple way to boost the nutritional content of their meal.

Water is Essential!

While leopard geckos get some moisture from their food, they also need access to fresh, clean water at all times. Provide a shallow water dish in their enclosure and change the water daily. Make sure the dish is shallow enough that your gecko can easily get in and out without the risk of drowning. Hydration is paramount, therefore always keep clean water accessible.

Troubleshooting Feeding Problems

Sometimes, leopard geckos can be picky eaters or develop feeding problems. Here are a few common issues and how to address them:

Refusal to Eat: If your gecko suddenly stops eating, there could be a few reasons. Check the temperature of the enclosure, as too cold temperatures can reduce appetite. Make sure your gecko isn't about to shed. You could also try offering different types of insects to see if they prefer something else. If the problem persists, consult a veterinarian.
Weight Loss: Weight loss can be a sign of an underlying health problem. Make sure you're feeding your gecko appropriately and that the enclosure is properly heated. If weight loss continues, consult a veterinarian.
Obesity: Overfeeding or feeding too many high-fat insects can lead to obesity. Reduce the amount of food you're offering and switch to lower-fat insect options like crickets or dubia roaches.

Leopard Gecko Feeding Schedule Example

Here's an example of a feeding schedule for an adult leopard gecko:

Monday: Offer 5-7 crickets dusted with calcium supplement.
Wednesday: Offer 3-5 dubia roaches dusted with multivitamin supplement.
Friday: Offer 5-7 crickets dusted with calcium supplement.

Remember to adjust this schedule based on your gecko's individual needs and body condition.

Conclusion: Happy Gecko, Happy Owner!

Feeding your leopard gecko properly is crucial for their health and well-being. By providing a varied diet of gut-loaded insects, supplementing with calcium and vitamins, and offering fresh water, you can ensure that your gecko lives a long and happy life. So, go ahead and spoil your little buddy with some tasty bugs – they'll definitely appreciate it! And always remember, if you have any concerns about your gecko's health or feeding habits, don't hesitate to consult a veterinarian with reptile experience.

Hope this helps, guys! Happy gecko keeping!