Leopard Geckos
Leopard Gecko Diet Guide: Best Feeder Insects & Feeding Schedule
Leopard Gecko Diet Guide: Best Feeder Insects & Feeding Schedule
Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are obligate insectivores — they eat only live insects. Unlike bearded dragons or crested geckos, leopard geckos do not eat vegetables, fruit, or prepared diets. This means the quality and variety of feeder insects you provide is their entire nutrition. Getting the diet right is one of the most impactful things you can do for your leopard gecko's health and longevity.
Best Feeder Insects for Leopard Geckos
| Feeder | Role | Why It Works | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discoid Roaches | Primary staple | 20% protein, 7% fat, gut-loadable, no bite risk | 3-4x per week |
| BSFL | Calcium supplement | 9,340 mg/kg calcium, no dusting needed | 1-2x per week |
| Silkworms | Low-fat variety | 1% fat, soft body, excellent for overweight geckos | 1-2x per week |
| Hornworms | Hydration treat | 85% moisture, triggers strong feeding response | 1x per week (small ones) |
| Mealworms | Backup/convenience | Easy fridge storage, but high fat and worst Ca:P ratio | 1x per week max, if at all |
Feeding Schedule by Age
| Age | Frequency | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchling (0-3 months) | Daily | 5-7 small insects | Small roach nymphs, small BSFL. No mealworms — chitin risk. |
| Juvenile (3-8 months) | Every other day | 5-8 medium insects | Roach nymphs + BSFL rotation. Can introduce small silkworms. |
| Adult (8+ months) | Every 2-3 days | 4-8 insects per feeding | Full rotation: roaches, BSFL, silkworms, occasional hornworm |
| Overweight adult | Every 3-4 days | 3-5 lean insects | Silkworms and BSFL only. No mealworms, waxworms, or superworms. |
The Mealworm Trap
Mealworms are the default leopard gecko feeder — they are cheap, widely available, and easy to store in the fridge. But they are one of the worst feeder insects nutritionally:
- 13% fat — nearly double that of discoid roaches
- 0.04:1 Ca:P ratio — the worst of any common feeder, actively depleting calcium with every feeding
- Tough chitin — impaction risk, especially for juveniles
Many leopard geckos fed exclusively on mealworms develop obesity (visible fat deposits in the armpits and tail base), metabolic bone disease, and shortened lifespans. The mealworm-only diet is one of the most common and damaging leopard gecko care mistakes.
Discoid roaches offer the same convenience (long shelf life, minimal maintenance) with dramatically better nutrition. Small roach nymphs are the perfect size for leopard geckos.
Calcium and Supplementation
- Calcium dish: Keep a small dish of plain calcium powder in the enclosure at all times. Leopard geckos self-regulate calcium intake by licking from the dish as needed.
- Dust insects: Light coating of plain calcium (no D3) at every feeding
- Calcium + D3: Once every 2 weeks. Leopard geckos are crepuscular and may not get enough UVB exposure to synthesize D3 naturally.
- Multivitamin: Once every 2 weeks (alternate weeks with D3)
- BSFL: 1-2x per week provides natural calcium without dusting — simplifies supplementation
Feeding Method
Leopard geckos are ground hunters — they chase prey on flat surfaces.
- Feeding dish/bowl: Use a smooth-sided dish for BSFL and small insects that cannot climb out. Place in a consistent location so your gecko learns where food appears.
- Tong feeding: Offer individual insects with soft-tipped tongs for interactive feeding sessions. Great for bonding and ensuring each insect is dusted.
- Free-range (limited): Release 2-3 roach nymphs into the enclosure for hunting enrichment. Remove any uneaten insects after 15-20 minutes.
Common Leopard Gecko Feeding Mistakes
- Mealworm-only diet: Causes obesity, MBD, and shortened lifespan. Rotate feeders.
- Waxworms as regular food: Waxworms are 25% fat — use only as rare treats for underweight geckos or appetite stimulation
- No calcium dish: Leopard geckos need constant access to calcium for self-regulation
- Feeding during the day: Leopard geckos are crepuscular — feed at dusk or in the evening for best feeding response
- Overfeeding adults: Adult leopard geckos need to eat every 2-3 days, not daily. Obesity is extremely common.
- Insects too large: Food items should be no wider than the space between the gecko's eyes
Sample Weekly Schedule (Adult)
- Monday: 5-6 small discoid roach nymphs (calcium dusted)
- Wednesday: OFF
- Thursday: 5-8 BSFL (no dusting needed) + 2-3 small silkworms
- Saturday: 5-6 discoid roach nymphs (calcium + D3 dusted bi-weekly)
This schedule delivers protein (roaches), calcium (BSFL), and low-fat variety (silkworms) across three feeding days per week.
Learn More
- Discoid Roaches for Leopard Geckos
- BSFL for Leopard Geckos
- Silkworms for Leopard Geckos
- Hornworms for Leopard Geckos
— Matt, Founder, All Angles Creatures
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