Choosing the best food for your leopard gecko can be a challenging task. Luckily, there are several good food options for your gecko. While some of these are easy to find, others are more difficult and cost more. A variety of feeder insects are excellent choices, including hornworms, silkworms, super worms, and butterworms. However, some of these insects contain too much fat to be fed to your gecko on a daily basis. A popular alternative is Black Soldier Fly Larvae, which contain the correct calcium to phosphorus ratio. You can often find them online for a reasonable price.
Weevils
Leopard geckos should be fed weevils, because they are rich in calcium and other vital nutrients. They need this mineral for strong bones and for several metabolic processes. The correct calcium content in your gecko’s diet can help protect it from many diseases. You should provide your gecko with a variety of foods and provide vitamins and supplements as needed.
Weevils, banded crickets, and house crickets are the most common types of insects for geckos. You can also feed them caterpillars but beware of some poisonous species. Mealworms are a good choice for adults, but should be given in small quantities and should be accompanied by other insects. Mealworms alone can lead to vitamin deficiencies and reduced growth.
During the juvenile stage, leopard geckos can be fed mealworms and larger crickets. When they reach four to six months of age, you can switch to larger crickets and roaches. However, you should avoid feeding them lightning bugs and other insects because these are toxic to leopard geckos.
A leopard gecko can also eat small animals and insects. In the wild, leopard geckos often eat baby mice and small snakes. In captivity, they have been known to cannibalize other leopard geckos. For this reason, you should never keep two leopard geckos together.
Caterpillars
Leopard geckos are nocturnal terrestrial geckos native to western and eastern Asia. The species is about 8 inches long and can prey on a variety of creatures, including small insects, rodents, and birds. They are a favorite among pet owners due to their high energy levels and easy-to-maintain diet.
Other feeder insects, such as hornworms and silkworms, can also be provided for your gecko’s diet. However, they are harder to find and may cost more money. In addition, most feeder insects have too much fat and will only benefit your pet if fed occasionally. One of the best and most popular exotic foods is Black Soldier Fly Larvae, which contains the right ratio of calcium and phosphorus. You can find Black Soldier Fly Larvae at pet stores or online.
To feed your leopard gecko, prepare an assortment of insects for your pet. The right amount of insects should be fed every 15 minutes, but make sure to remove any after 15 minutes. It is important to provide a varied diet to ensure your pet gets different nutrients. Ideally, you should have one or two staple insects in your leopard gecko’s diet, and a variety of insects that they can enjoy less often.
Adult Leos can eat silkworm larvae and hornworms, which are relatively large insects. They contain high levels of calcium and phosphorus but are low in protein. Waxworms are safe to feed as long as you mix them with other insect food. Feeding them only as mealworms can lead to low growth and vitamin deficiencies.
Earthworms
Leopard geckos don’t like earthworms because they’re too long for their digestive tracts. They also release a mucus-like substance when in distress, making them an unwelcome snack for the reptile. However, you can occasionally offer earthworms to your gecko to supplement its diet.
Earthworms can range in size from nine to fourteen inches long. However, the average length of an adult earthworm is only about half that length. If you’re feeding your pet Leo from your backyard, you should be aware of possible contamination from pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals. While this won’t have a dramatic effect on your Leo, it can still degrade its health.
Earthworms are high in protein and contain only 2% of natural fat, making them one of the lowest fat foods for a reptile. However, you should be careful not to feed your gecko earthworms every single day. This may cause health issues and your gecko won’t like them. A better alternative is mealworms.
Insects are a great source of protein and calcium. For an optimal diet, mix earthworms with other insects.
