Complete Leopard Gecko Diet Guide (2026)
Matt Goren
The Complete Leopard Gecko Diet Guide (2026)
Leopard geckos are strict insectivores — they eat only live insects. No vegetables, no fruits, no commercial pellets. 100% of their nutrition comes from the insects you provide, which makes feeder selection, gut-loading, and supplementation the most important aspects of leopard gecko care.
Best Insects for Leopard Geckos
| Feeder | Role | Protein | Fat | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discoid Roach Nymphs | Daily staple | 20% | 7% | Every 2-3 days |
| Silkworms | Low-fat premium | 9% | 1% | 2-3x/week |
| BSFL | Calcium (no dusting) | 17% | 14% | 2-3x/week |
| Hornworms | Hydration treat | 9% | 3% | 1x/week (small only) |
| Mealworms | Convenient backup | 20% | 13% | 1-2x/week (adults only) |
Feeding Schedule by Age
- Hatchlings (0-6 mo): 5-8 small insects daily. Focus on small roach nymphs, small silkworms, BSFL.
- Sub-adults (6-12 mo): 5-8 small-medium insects every other day.
- Adults (12+ mo): 5-8 medium insects every 2-3 days.
Calcium Supplementation
Calcium is the most critical supplement for leopard geckos. Their strict insect diet provides no vegetable calcium sources.
- Every feeding: Dust staple feeders with calcium + D3
- 2-3x/week: Offer BSFL — no dusting needed (6.92:1 Ca:P)
- Once weekly: Dust with multivitamin
- Always available: Small dish of plain calcium in the enclosure — many leos voluntarily lick it
Common Diet Mistakes
- Mealworm-only diet: 13% fat causes tail obesity, 0.04:1 Ca:P is the worst of any feeder. Not for juveniles.
- Overfeeding: If tail is wider than head or armpits show fat bubbles, reduce frequency.
- No variety: Single-feeder diets cause deficiencies. Rotate 3-4 types.
- Waxworm addiction: Leos become addicted and refuse other food. Avoid or use very rarely.
Sizing Rule
Never feed insects wider than the space between your leo's eyes. Leopard geckos are small lizards — most adults should eat medium feeders, not large.
Shop our leopard gecko feeder collection — perfectly sized insects shipped with our live arrival guarantee.
— Matt, Founder, All Angles Creatures
Published · last updated