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What Do Leopard Geckos Eat? A Guide to Feeding Your Gecko a Balanced Diet

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What do leopard geckos eat? Leopard geckos are one of the most popular reptile pets, and for good reason. They are easy to care for, have a docile temperament, and are fascinating to observe.

One of the most important aspects of caring for a leopard gecko is providing them with a proper diet. In this article, we will discuss what leopard geckos eat and how to provide them with a balanced and healthy diet.

You may also want to know if leopard geckos can eat fish.

What do leopard geckos eat?

What do leopard geckos eat? Leopard geckos are insectivores, which means that they primarily eat insects. In the wild, their diet consists of a variety of insects, such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and roaches. However, it is important to note that not all insects are created equal when it comes to feeding leopard geckos.

Crickets

Crickets are one of the most popular food choices for leopard geckos. They are readily available, relatively cheap, and provide good nutrition. When feeding crickets to leopard geckos, it is important to make sure that they are the right size. The crickets should be no larger than the space between the gecko’s eyes, as anything larger can cause impaction (a blockage in the digestive system).

what do leopard geckos eat
What do leopard geckos eat?

Mealworms

Mealworms are another common food item for leopard geckos. They are easy to find at most pet stores, but they should not be the only food item in a gecko’s diet. Mealworms are high in fat and low in calcium, which can lead to health problems if fed in excess. Waxworms are another high-fat food item that should be fed sparingly as an occasional treat.

Roaches

Roaches, such as Dubia roaches, are becoming a popular choice for feeding leopard geckos. They are nutritious, have a good calcium to phosphorus ratio, and are easy to digest. However, they can be more expensive than crickets and may be harder to find in some areas.

Pinkie mice

In addition to insects, leopard geckos can also be fed pinkie mice, which are newborn mice that have not yet grown fur. However, pinkie mice should only be fed as an occasional treat and should not make up a significant portion of a gecko’s diet. Adult mice should never be fed to leopard geckos, as they are too high in fat and can cause health problems.

When feeding leopard geckos, it is important to provide a variety of food items to ensure a balanced diet. A good rule of thumb is to offer a variety of insects throughout the week, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. It is also important to gut-load the insects before feeding them to the gecko. Gut-loading is the process of feeding the insects a nutritious diet before feeding them to the gecko. This ensures that the gecko is receiving the maximum amount of nutrition from its food.

Supplements

Leopard geckos also require supplements to ensure that they are receiving all of the necessary vitamins and minerals. One of the most important supplements is calcium. Calcium is essential for proper bone growth and health. It is important to dust the gecko’s food with calcium powder before feeding it to them. This should be done at every feeding for young geckos and at least once a week for adults.

In addition to calcium, leopard geckos also require vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is necessary for the absorption of calcium. It can be provided through a UVB light or through supplements. If using a UVB light, it is important to make sure that it is the correct type and that it is providing the gecko with enough exposure.

It is also important to provide fresh water for leopard geckos. They should have access to a shallow dish of water at all times. The water should be changed daily to ensure that it is clean and fresh.