Leopard geckos are insectivorous lizards that require an diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy and alive. As their digestive systems do not break down plant matter such as fruits and vegetables, leopard geckos cannot consume such foods like fruits or vegetables that contain high concentrations of cellulose fibers.
Most reptile owners use liquid vitamin and calcium supplements or dust their feeder insects with powder before feeding, in order to help their reptile avoid Metabolic Bone Disease – an illness often seen among reptiles.
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Calcium
Calcium is one of the key supplements leopard geckos need in order to live long and healthy lives. Unfortunately, they’re unable to obtain all the calcium they require from their feeder insects alone so it is wise to add extra for their wellbeing. Leopard geckos also require D3 supplements in order to break down calcium compounds efficiently.
As leopard geckos can easily overdose on D3, some owners opt to dust feeder insects with D3 to ensure their geckos receive an appropriate dosage. This approach works particularly well for younger geckos who haven’t built up enough fat yet or breeding females that need to produce eggs; pinkie mice can help boost fat levels post-laying as can pinkie mice; however meat should always be avoided due to bacteria-borne illnesses that could develop later.
Vitamin D3
Leopard geckos require vitamin D3 for proper health. Their source of this essential nutrient comes primarily from sunlight; however, supplements and feeder insects also contain this vital nutrient. If your leo has UVB lighting in its habitat, the best way to provide its body with it would be through its natural light cycle and by giving a powdered calcium supplement that includes vitamin D3.
If your leopard gecko’s enclosure does not contain UVB lighting, it may be beneficial to dust each feeding with a multivitamin powder containing calcium and D3; an ideal powder would contain no other vitamins or minerals that might interfere with their absorption of this essential nutrient.
ReptiVite is an excellent mineral-rich multivitamin supplement powder designed specifically for reptiles. Free from heavy metals and impurities, its formula provides high-quality supplements with balanced ratios of calcium to phosphorus that’s suitable for breeding females that require higher quantities of calcium for egg production compared with normal daily intake levels. It can help keep breeding females happy!
Mealworms
Mealworms are an excellent protein source and are recommended to provide your leopard geckos with a balanced diet. When feeding mealworms to leopard geckos as feeder insects, other forms of food should also be offered alongside mealworms in order to provide your pet with optimal health.
Crickets are another excellent food option for leopard geckos, unlike mealworms they don’t require refrigeration and can easily be found at pet stores. Some owners even prefer them over mealworms as it makes chewing and digesting easier for their pet.
Gut-loading crickets and other feeder insects is essential when feeding them to leopard geckos, just as with mealworms. You can do this by dusting them with calcium and vitamin powders – at least 12 hours prior to giving the crickets to your pet; for optimal results it should happen once every week as this way you’ll avoid overdose.
Crickets
Crickets are the go-to feeder insect for reptiles and leopard geckos alike, offering protein, calcium and vitamins they need. Plus they’re easy and inexpensive to purchase! Many reptile owners rely on crickets as part of their feeding regime; others opt for dubia roaches as an affordable alternative; both options provide protein but one might prefer crickets due to odor issues.
Prevent overeating and potential weight gain by dusting feeder insects with multivitamin and calcium powder supplements prior to offering them to your lizard, such as by shaking feeder insects in a tub or receptacle and dusting before offering. Give only as much food as they can consume within 15 minutes in order to minimize overfeeding and possible weight gain.
