Leopard Gecko Feeding Guide: What To Feed & How Often

So, you've welcomed a leopard gecko into your life? Awesome! These little guys are super popular pets, known for their docile nature and adorable appearance. But like any pet, they need proper care, and feeding is a big part of that. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to keep your leopard gecko happy and healthy at mealtime.

What Do Leopard Geckos Eat?

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of what these insectivores love to munch on. Leopard geckos primarily eat insects – that's their jam! You've got a few main options here, and variety is key to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. Here’s a rundown of the most common and nutritious feeders:

• Crickets: These are a staple for most leopard gecko owners, and for good reason. They're readily available, relatively inexpensive, and provide a good source of protein. When you buy crickets, make sure they're appropriately sized for your gecko. A good rule of thumb is to offer crickets no larger than the space between your gecko’s eyes. Gut-loading crickets before feeding them to your gecko is super important. This means feeding the crickets nutritious foods like leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables for at least 24 hours before they become gecko food. This ensures your gecko gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Dusting crickets with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements is also crucial, especially for young, growing geckos. These supplements help prevent metabolic bone disease, a serious health issue in reptiles. You can find these supplements at most pet stores. When feeding crickets, it's best to release a few at a time into your gecko's enclosure. This allows your gecko to hunt, which provides enrichment and exercise. Avoid leaving too many crickets in the enclosure for extended periods, as they can stress your gecko or even nibble on them while they sleep.
• Mealworms: These are another popular choice, easy to keep and gut-load. However, they are higher in fat than crickets, so don't make them the only thing on the menu. Like crickets, mealworms should be gut-loaded with nutritious foods before feeding them to your gecko. A varied diet ensures your gecko gets a range of essential nutrients, promoting overall health and preventing deficiencies. When feeding mealworms, you can place them in a shallow dish that the gecko can easily access. This prevents the mealworms from burrowing into the substrate and hiding. You can also offer mealworms directly from your hand or using feeding tongs, which can help create a positive association with you and make feeding time more interactive. Remember to monitor your gecko's weight and adjust the frequency and quantity of mealworms accordingly to prevent obesity.
• Dubia Roaches: Many leopard gecko owners swear by these guys. They're nutritious, don't smell, and can't climb smooth surfaces, making them easy to contain. Dubia roaches are an excellent source of protein and are generally considered more nutritious than crickets or mealworms. They are also less likely to carry parasites or diseases compared to wild-caught insects. When feeding Dubia roaches, it's important to ensure they are appropriately sized for your gecko. A good rule of thumb is to offer roaches no larger than the space between your gecko’s eyes. Dubia roaches can be gut-loaded with nutritious foods like leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables to enhance their nutritional value. Dusting them with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements is also recommended, especially for young, growing geckos. One of the advantages of Dubia roaches is that they are less likely to escape or cause problems in the enclosure compared to crickets. They are also relatively quiet and do not produce a strong odor. Overall, Dubia roaches are a highly recommended feeder insect for leopard geckos due to their nutritional benefits and ease of care.
• Waxworms: Think of these as leopard gecko candy! They're high in fat and super enticing, but should only be given as an occasional treat. Waxworms are irresistible to most leopard geckos, but their high-fat content means they should be offered sparingly. Overfeeding waxworms can lead to obesity and other health problems. A good guideline is to offer waxworms no more than once or twice a week, and only in small quantities. Waxworms can be a useful tool for stimulating appetite in picky eaters or for providing extra calories to underweight geckos. They can also be used as a reward during training or handling sessions. When feeding waxworms, you can offer them from your hand or using feeding tongs. Some geckos may also enjoy hunting them in their enclosure. However, be mindful of the potential for waxworms to burrow into the substrate and pupate into moths. To prevent this, you can place them in a shallow dish that the gecko can easily access. Overall, waxworms can be a valuable addition to a leopard gecko's diet when used in moderation and as part of a balanced feeding plan.

How Often Should You Feed Your Leopard Gecko?

Feeding frequency depends on your leopard gecko's age. Young geckos need to eat more often to support their growth:

• Baby Geckos (up to 6 months): Feed them daily. These little guys are growing fast and need all the nutrients they can get. Offer them small insects like appropriately sized crickets or mealworms. Make sure to dust the insects with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to support healthy bone development. Baby geckos have a high metabolism and require frequent meals to maintain their energy levels and support their rapid growth. It's important to monitor their weight and adjust the feeding schedule accordingly to ensure they are growing at a healthy rate. You can also offer them small amounts of gut-loaded insects throughout the day to encourage them to eat. Providing a variety of insects can also help ensure they are getting a balanced diet. Overall, consistent and nutritious feeding is crucial for the healthy development of baby leopard geckos.
• Juvenile Geckos (6-12 months): You can start feeding them every other day. As they grow, their metabolism slows down a bit. Continue to offer a variety of insects and dust them with supplements. Juvenile geckos are still growing but at a slower pace than baby geckos. Adjusting the feeding schedule to every other day allows them to maintain a healthy weight and prevents overfeeding. Offering a variety of insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and Dubia roaches, ensures they are getting a balanced diet and essential nutrients. Supplementing with calcium and vitamin D3 is still important during this stage to support bone health and overall development. Monitoring their weight and body condition is crucial to ensure they are growing at a healthy rate and not becoming overweight. You can also start introducing larger insects as they grow, but make sure they are still appropriately sized for their mouth.
• Adult Geckos (12+ months): Feeding two to three times a week is usually sufficient. Adult leopard geckos have a slower metabolism and do not require as frequent meals as younger geckos. Feeding them two to three times a week is generally enough to maintain a healthy weight and body condition. It's important to continue offering a variety of insects and dust them with supplements to ensure they are getting a balanced diet. Monitoring their weight and adjusting the feeding schedule accordingly is crucial to prevent obesity. You can also offer them larger insects as they grow, but make sure they are still appropriately sized for their mouth. Adult leopard geckos can also benefit from occasional treats like waxworms, but these should be given in moderation due to their high-fat content. Providing a consistent and nutritious feeding schedule will help ensure your adult leopard gecko remains healthy and active.

How Much Should You Feed Your Leopard Gecko?

As for how much to feed, a good rule is to offer as many insects as your leopard gecko will eat in about 10-15 minutes. Don't worry if they don't eat every single insect you offer – it's better to err on the side of caution and avoid overfeeding. Remove any uneaten insects from the enclosure after feeding to prevent them from stressing your gecko or causing other problems. Keep an eye on your leopard gecko's body condition. A healthy leopard gecko should have a slightly rounded belly and a thick tail. If your leopard gecko is overweight, reduce the amount of food you are offering. If your leopard gecko is underweight, increase the amount of food you are offering. Consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your leopard gecko's weight or feeding habits.

Gut Loading and Supplementation: Super Important!

We've touched on this already, but it's worth emphasizing: gut-loading and supplementation are non-negotiable! Gut-loading means feeding your feeder insects nutritious foods so that your gecko gets the benefit of those nutrients too. Think of it as your gecko eating a salad through its food! Supplementation, dusting insects with calcium and vitamin D3 powder, ensures your gecko gets these essential nutrients, which are crucial for bone health and overall well-being. Without proper calcium and vitamin D3, leopard geckos can develop metabolic bone disease, a serious and potentially fatal condition. You can find gut-loading diets and supplements at most pet stores or online retailers. Make sure to choose high-quality products that are specifically formulated for reptiles. Follow the instructions on the packaging for proper dosage and application. Consistent gut-loading and supplementation are essential for keeping your leopard gecko healthy and thriving.

Water is Essential!

Don't forget fresh water! Always have a shallow dish of clean water available for your leopard gecko. Make sure the dish is shallow enough that your gecko can easily access the water without the risk of drowning. Change the water daily to prevent bacterial growth. You can also mist the enclosure lightly to increase humidity, but be careful not to make it too wet. Proper hydration is crucial for leopard gecko's overall health and well-being. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems, so it's important to ensure your gecko always has access to fresh water. You can also offer your leopard gecko water droplets on its nose using a syringe or dropper to encourage it to drink. Some leopard geckos may also enjoy lapping up water from your finger. Pay attention to your leopard gecko's behavior and adjust its water intake accordingly to ensure it stays properly hydrated.

Handling and Feeding

While leopard geckos are generally docile, it's important to handle them gently and avoid stressing them out during feeding time. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle them. You can offer insects from your hand or using feeding tongs, which can help create a positive association with you and make feeding time more interactive. Some leopard geckos may also enjoy hunting for insects in their enclosure. Providing enrichment opportunities like this can help keep them mentally stimulated and prevent boredom. Be patient and allow your leopard gecko to eat at its own pace. Don't force-feed them or try to rush them. Consistent and gentle handling during feeding time can help build trust and strengthen the bond between you and your leopard gecko.

Common Feeding Problems and Solutions

Sometimes, leopard geckos can be picky eaters or experience feeding problems. Here are some common issues and potential solutions:

• Refusal to Eat: This can be due to stress, illness, or simply not liking the food offered. Make sure your gecko's enclosure is set up properly and that it feels safe and secure. Offer a variety of insects to see if it prefers one over the others. Consult with a veterinarian if the refusal to eat persists. Stress can be a major factor in appetite loss. Check temperature gradients, hide availability, and overall enclosure security. Try different feeding times, and ensure no other pets are stressing the gecko. A vet check can rule out underlying health issues, such as parasites or impactions.
• Regurgitation: This could indicate that the food is too large or that your gecko is experiencing digestive issues. Offer smaller insects and consult with a veterinarian if regurgitation continues. Check the size of feeder insects - they should be no larger than the space between the gecko's eyes. Also, ensure the enclosure temperature is within the correct range to aid digestion. Regurgitation can sometimes be a sign of more serious problems, such as parasites or infections, so veterinary advice is important.
• Weight Loss: This could be a sign of inadequate feeding, underlying health problems, or parasites. Increase the amount of food you are offering and consult with a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues. Increase feeding frequency slightly, ensure insects are properly gut-loaded and dusted, and monitor the gecko's weight closely. A fecal exam by a vet can check for internal parasites, which are common in reptiles and can affect nutrient absorption.

Conclusion

Feeding your leopard gecko doesn't have to be complicated. By understanding their dietary needs, providing a varied and nutritious diet, and monitoring their health, you can ensure your little buddy lives a long and happy life! Remember to always consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your leopard gecko's health or feeding habits. With proper care and attention, your leopard gecko will thrive and bring you years of joy.