Leopard Geckos
Reptile
Leopard geckos are strict insectivores — every meal, for their whole life, is live prey. That makes feeder quality and variety more important for this species than almost any other.
What to Feed
Dubia roaches sized appropriately are the safest all-around staple — easy to digest, and geckos take them just as readily as mealworms. Mealworms are a solid feeder for juveniles and adults, but their chitin exoskeleton is harder to digest and carries a real impaction risk for hatchlings under about 6 months — hold off until they're older. Superworms are best offered to adults only, as an occasional higher-fat treat rather than a daily feeder.
Feeding Schedule
- Hatchlings (0–3 months): Small dubia roach nymphs daily, 4–6 per feeding — hold off on mealworms at this stage.
- Juveniles (3–12 months): Every 1–2 days, 6–8 Medium dubia roach nymphs or similarly sized mealworms.
- Adults (12+ months): Every 2–3 days, 6–10 Large dubia roach nymphs or mealworms, adjusted to body condition.
Gut-Loading & Dusting
Because leopard geckos eat nothing but insects, gut-loading isn't optional — it's most of their nutrition. Feed your insects nutritious food for 24–48 hours before offering them; see our gut-loading guide. Dust with calcium (no D3) at most feedings, and calcium with D3 1–3 times a week for geckos without UVB.
A Few Things to Watch For
Match insect width to the space between your gecko's eyes, and remove uneaten insects after 15–20 minutes — mealworms and superworms left in the enclosure overnight can bite a sleeping gecko.