Leopard geckos must eat a variety of insects to stay healthy, as wild prey may contain parasites or other hazardous agents that should not be fed. A varied diet is essential for their wellbeing.
Staple feeder insects such as crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms and Phoenix worms make excellent staple feeder foods due to their superior protein-to-calcium ratios and nutritional density without excess fat.
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Mealworms
Mealworms are a favorite food choice among leopard geckos due to their ease of care and nutritious nutritional content – including protein, calcium, and vitamins.
It is essential to offer mealworms alongside other insects such as crickets or cockroaches. Feeding only mealworms can reduce your lizard’s growth and vitamin levels.
Furthermore, they contain a high chitin content which makes them difficult to digest, potentially leading to impaction in your gecko.
Dried mealworms make an excellent pet for your gecko. They can easily be stored in a bag or container and don’t need refrigeration, making them the perfect vegetarian snack!
Mealworms are an easy food choice for your leo, and can be combined with other insect-based foods like crickets or cockroaches. Dried food won’t trigger their hunting instincts and helps keep their weight stable.
Crickets
Crickets are a favorite food choice of leopard geckos because they provide all of the essential nutrients and vitamins they require without putting them at risk for obesity. Furthermore, crickets gut load well and are relatively easy to digest, making them an ideal choice for their diet.
Crickets are also an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D for leopard geckos, which can be purchased from most pet stores and made a popular choice by many reptile keepers.
When selecting a feeder insect for your gecko, be sure to choose one that is the correct size. Feeding larger prey items can cause them to choke or have difficulty digesting it properly.
Feeding your leopard gecko a variety of insects is the best way to ensure they receive all essential nutrients. Add crickets and Dubia roaches to their diet for this purpose; you could also include hornworms or waxworms as treats or to supplement a mealworm-based diet.
Waxworms
To keep your leopard gecko happy, healthy, and active, provide it with a variety of insects. The ideal type of bug to feed them is one with an optimal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and high water content.
Leopard geckos love crickets as they jump and stimulate their natural hunting instincts. Furthermore, crickets are low in fat and highly digestible – making them an excellent food option that will help maintain your pet’s weight.
Crickets not only provide a source of protein, but they’re also highly nutritious with the correct balance of vitamins and minerals. Feeding your leopard gecko some crickets each week will keep them contented and energetic.
Waxworms are a favorite among leos worldwide. These natural insects can be found almost everywhere, including Australia. Their sweet taste comes from the honey and beeswax they consume.
Shed Skin
A leopard gecko’s diet should consist solely of insects and other small invertebrates. This includes crickets, cockroaches, Dubia roaches and hornworms (as long as they’re no bigger than their eyes) but no bigger than one inch across.
Leopard geckos enjoy feeding on shed skin as it provides them with essential calcium and vitamin D3. Furthermore, they eat shed skin to replenish lost nutrients when their coats are shed.
Leopard geckos and hatchlings should be fed daily. Sub-adults and adults can safely be fed every other or two days depending on their age group.
When feeding your gecko, drop the insects into their food dish or enclosure one by one and allow them to grab them at their leisure. You may also use feeding tongs if you’re uncertain of your lizard’s hunting instincts.