This post was created with help from AI tools and carefully reviewed by a human (Muntaseer Rahman) . For more on how we use AI on this site, check out our Editorial Policy.
Check Out These FREE Tools We Made JUST For You!
The Ultimate Leopard Gecko Diet Plan Vets Swear By
If your leopard gecko refuses food, looks sluggish, or just isn’t thriving, it might not be their fault—it might be the diet.
Most care guides skip over crucial details, but after talking to exotic pet vets and reptile nutrition experts, I uncovered a game-changing feeding strategy.
This could be the difference between just surviving and truly thriving.
What Do Leopard Geckos Eat in the Wild?
If you dropped a leopard gecko into the wild (don’t actually do that), they wouldn’t be nibbling on kale or sipping smoothies. These guys are hardcore insect hunters. Think of them as tiny, silent bug assassins with sticky feet and serious focus.
When I first got mine, I assumed he might enjoy a bit of fruit now and then. Spoiler alert: he gave it a dramatic side-eye and walked away. That’s when I realized these lizards are full-time carnivores, and bugs are their entire menu.
Wild Leopard Gecko Menu:
Here’s what they typically go for out in the wild deserts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India:
- Crickets – Crunchy, jumpy, protein-packed
- Mealworms – Slow movers, easy catch
- Beetles – They’ll eat them, but only the soft-bodied ones
- Spiders – Yes, they eat them. No, I don’t suggest handing them a black widow
- Grasshoppers – Bigger meal, a bit of a chase involved
- Moths – If it flutters, it’s dinner
What You Can Learn From This
Leopard geckos love variety. In the wild, they don’t eat the same thing every night like a picky toddler with chicken nuggets.
They also hunt. That means they prefer food that moves. If it wiggles or twitches, it’s far more exciting than anything freeze-dried and lifeless.
So when you’re feeding your pet at home, try to mimic this a little. Mix up the insects. Don’t overdo one kind. And don’t expect them to go vegan—ever.
They’re not here for salads. They’re here to crunch bugs and nap in warm caves.
Best Staple Foods for Leopard Geckos
Let’s talk about the everyday bug buffet your gecko actually needs. Not the occasional treat stuff. I’m talking about the reliable, healthy, “I could eat this every day and still be fine” type of bugs.
I learned this the hard way when I overfed my gecko waxworms for a week. He got chunky real fast and then refused everything else like a spoiled kid. Lesson learned: staples matter.
Here’s your gecko’s version of rice and beans.
Top Staple Insects:
| Insect | Why It’s Good | How Often to Feed |
|---|---|---|
| Crickets | High in protein, easy to find | Every other day |
| Dubia Roaches | Packed with nutrients, low in fat | 2–3 times a week |
| Mealworms | Decent protein, easy to store | 2–3 times a week |
| Black Soldier Fly Larvae | Naturally high in calcium | Great daily option |
Quick Feeding Tips:
- Only feed insects that are smaller than the space between your gecko’s eyes.
- Always gut-load the insects 24 hours before feeding.
- Dust with calcium powder every other feeding.
Things to Avoid Making a Staple:
- Superworms – Too fatty for daily use
- Waxworms – These are the junk food of the reptile world
- Butterworms – Tasty, but high fat and addictive
Stick to the good stuff, and your gecko will stay lean, happy, and active. Plus, you won’t have to chase them around the tank with a salad leaf.
Treats and Occasional Foods for leopard gecko
Leopard geckos aren’t picky eaters, but that doesn’t mean you should spoil them with dessert every day. Treats are fun, but too many can turn your gecko into a lazy lizard with a bulging belly and attitude.
I once gave mine a waxworm every day for a week. After that, he looked at crickets like they were diet food and went on a hunger strike.
Here’s a list of treats that are fine once in a while—not on the daily menu.
Treat-Worthy Insects:
| Insect | Why It’s a Treat | How Often is OK |
|---|---|---|
| Waxworms | Super fatty and sweet | 1–2 times a week max |
| Butterworms | Rich and tasty, geckos love them | Once a week or less |
| Hornworms | Juicy, hydrating snack | 1–2 per week |
| Superworms | Crunchy and fun to chase | Every few days at most |
| Silkworms | Soft-bodied, high protein | Nice monthly surprise |
Signs You’re Overdoing the Treats:
- Your gecko starts refusing regular food
- They gain weight quickly
- They become less active or sluggish
- Poop looks too oily or weird
Treat Tip:
Always offer treats by hand or in a separate bowl. That way you know exactly how many they’re eating.
Think of treats like cheat meals. One burger won’t hurt. A burger every night? That’s another story.
Foods to Avoid for leopard gecko
Leopard geckos may look chill, but their stomachs have zero chill when it comes to the wrong food. Just because something looks edible doesn’t mean it’s safe.
I once thought it was cute to offer mine a tiny bit of banana. He licked it once, blinked, and gave me a look like I’d insulted his entire bloodline.
Let’s not make the same mistakes.
Danger Zone Foods:
- Fruits or Vegetables – They can’t digest plant matter. No salads, no sweet treats, not even a grape.
- Fireflies or Lightning Bugs – Highly toxic. Even one can kill your gecko.
- Wild-caught Insects – Might carry pesticides, parasites, or worse.
- Mealworms That Are Too Big – Can cause impaction (gut blockage).
- Pinkie Mice – Not needed. Too big, too fatty, and just unnecessary.
Also Avoid:
| Item | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Avocado | Contains toxins for reptiles |
| Onions/Garlic | Toxic and totally unnatural for them |
| Dog or Cat Food | Way too rich and not insect-based |
| Processed Meats | Nope. They’re insectivores, not humans |
Bottom Line:
If it didn’t crawl, wriggle, or flutter—and it’s not on the approved list—it probably doesn’t belong in your gecko’s dish.
Stick to bugs. Leave the experimental cuisine for humans.
leopard gecko Feeding Schedule by Age
Leopard geckos don’t all eat the same way their whole lives. Babies eat like they’re bulking for a lizard bodybuilding contest. Adults? More like picky foodies who prefer a calm, balanced meal plan.
When I first got mine, I kept feeding him like he was a teenager forever. He got chubby fast—and a little lazy. So trust me, feeding by age matters.
| Age Group | Feeding Frequency | Insects per Meal | Insect Types | Supplement Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchlings (0–2 months) | Daily | 5–7 small | Tiny crickets, BSFL | Calcium with D3: 4–5x/week |
| Juveniles (2–6 months) | Daily | 5–8 medium | Crickets, mealworms, BSFL, roaches | Calcium with D3: 3–4x/week + Multivitamin: 1x/week |
| Sub-Adults (6–12 months) | Every other day | 6–8 medium-large | Roaches, BSFL, mealworms | Calcium with D3: 2–3x/week + Multivitamin: 1x/week |
| Adults (1+ years) | Every 2–3 days | 6–10 medium-large | Dubia roaches, BSFL, mealworms | Calcium with D3: 2x/week + Multivitamin: 1x/week |
| Seniors (5+ years) | Every 3 days (watch weight) | 5–8 adjusted | Soft-bodied, easy-to-digest bugs | Same as adult unless vet says otherwise |
NB: BSFL = Black Soldier Fly Larvae
This schedule isn’t set in stone. If your gecko skips a meal once in a while, it’s not staging a protest—it might just be full or shedding.
leopard gecko Hydration Needs and Water Tips
Leopard geckos aren’t big drinkers like dogs or cats. They get most of their water from the bugs they eat. But that doesn’t mean they can live without a water bowl.
I once forgot to refill mine for two days. My gecko licked condensation off the glass like a survivor on a desert island. Not my proudest moment.
Here’s how to keep your gecko happy and hydrated without turning the tank into a water park.
Do Leopard Geckos Need a Water Bowl?
Yes. Always. Even if you don’t see them drinking, they’ll sneak sips when you’re not looking.
How to Set It Up Right:
- Use a shallow dish so they don’t risk drowning
- Keep it in a cool corner of the tank
- Change water daily – geckos poop near it like it’s a bathroom sink
- Clean the bowl with hot water every few days to stop slime buildup
Signs Your Gecko Might Be Dehydrated:
- Wrinkled or saggy skin
- Sunken eyes
- Dry, sticky tongue
- Lethargy or loss of appetite
If you spot any of these, offer extra hydration:
- Lightly mist the tank (just once—don’t soak it)
- Provide a moist hide using damp moss or paper towels
- Try a drop of water on the nose—they often lick it right up
Hydration’s not complicated, but it’s easy to overlook. Keep the bowl clean, the water fresh, and your gecko will do the rest.
Live Feeding vs Pre-killed: What’s Better for leopard geckos?
Leopard geckos are natural hunters. They love the thrill of the chase. Watching mine stalk a cricket like a stealthy mini dinosaur is honestly more entertaining than half the shows on Netflix.
But not everyone’s a fan of bugs jumping around the tank. So let’s settle the debate.
| Live Feeding | Pre-killed / Freeze-dried | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Encourages natural hunting behavior | No surprise chirping at 2 AM |
| More fun to watch | Cleaner and easier to manage | |
| Helps picky eaters stay interested | Safer—no risk of bug bites | |
| Cons | Insects can bite back, especially crickets | Not as exciting for the gecko |
| Roaches might hide and stink up the tank | Some geckos might flat-out refuse them | |
| Messier overall, and not ideal at night | Lower in moisture and nutrients if not gut-loaded |
So, What’s Better?
Live feeding wins if your gecko is healthy and you’re okay with the occasional bug escapee. It’s more natural, keeps them active, and usually makes meals more exciting.
Pre-killed works fine in a pinch, but don’t rely on it unless your gecko actually accepts it—and even then, try to offer live bugs regularly.
Basically: if it wiggles, it works. But don’t expect your gecko to chase a cricket that’s playing dead.
How to Tell If Your Gecko Is Eating Right?
Your leopard gecko won’t leave Yelp reviews, but it will show signs when its diet is spot-on—or totally off. You just have to know what to look for.
I used to stress over every skipped meal. Turns out, my gecko was just shedding. Not dying. Huge relief.
Here’s how to know if things are going well—or if it’s time to change the menu.
Signs Your Gecko Is Eating Well:
- Steady body weight
- Round, filled-out tail (not skinny like a stick)
- Bright, alert eyes
- Pooping regularly (firm, dark brown with white urate)
- Active during normal hours, not sluggish or hiding all the time
Warning Signs Something’s Off:
| Sign | What It Might Mean |
|---|---|
| Refusing food for days | Shedding, stress, wrong temperature, or illness |
| Rapid weight loss | Poor diet, parasites, or underlying issues |
| Soft or runny poop | Bad bugs or too many treats |
| Always hiding, inactive | Dehydration, cold temps, or wrong lighting |
| Thin tail | Not getting enough food or nutrients |
Bonus Tip:
Track meals on a small notepad or app. If your gecko skips more than 4–5 meals without shedding, it’s worth checking the setup—or visiting a reptile vet.
Your gecko can’t talk, but its poop and tail will spill all the tea.
Bonus: A Weekly leopard gecko Meal Plan Vets Recommend
If you’re like me, you’ve stood in front of the bug bin wondering, “Is this the third day of crickets or the fourth?”
Yeah, it gets confusing. So here’s a simple, vet-style weekly plan to keep your gecko fed, fit, and not bored out of its little lizard mind.
Weekly Meal Plan for Adult Leopard Gecko
| Day | Food Type | Quantity | Supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Dubia roaches | 6–8 | Calcium with D3 |
| Tuesday | Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) | 8–10 | None (they’re calcium-rich) |
| Wednesday | Mealworms | 6–8 | Multivitamin |
| Thursday | Fasting day | — | — |
| Friday | Crickets | 6–8 | Calcium with D3 |
| Saturday | Butterworm or hornworm (treat day) | 1–2 only | None |
| Sunday | Dubia roaches + BSFL combo | 5–6 total | Calcium (no D3) |
Quick Notes:
- For juveniles, you can offer food daily with slightly smaller bugs
- Always gut-load insects 24 hours before feeding
- Keep fresh water available
- Don’t forget the occasional moist hide for hydration support
It’s like meal prepping—but for your gecko. And way less work than making salad for yourself.
About Author
Hello, I’m Muntaseer Rahman, the owner of AcuarioPets.com. I’m passionate about aquarium pets like shrimps, snails, crabs, and crayfish. I’ve created this website to share my expertise and help you provide better care for these amazing pets.
Disclaimer
This site is owned and operated by Muntaseer Rahman. AcuarioPets.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.