What Do Leopard Geckos Eat?
The leopard gecko is one of the most popular reptiles kept as pets. A leopard gecko is an easy-to-care-for exotic pet and is said to be easier to care for than a dog. They can also live for 10 to 20 years, making them a long-term investment. Plus, who doesn’t love their adorable looks? If you’re thinking about adopting or want to learn more about these awesome little guys, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we take a look at what leopard geckos eat. Keep reading to discover more.
Crickets
Leopard geckos are insectivores, meaning that they primarily eat insects. The most common prey for these animals is crickets. Crickets are a great source of nutrients for leopard geckos, as they are high in protein and essential vitamins. Crickets can be purchased as a live food option, which is more natural and preferred for leopard geckos. When feeding crickets to a leopard gecko, only offer a number that is about the size of the space between the gecko’s eyes to ensure that the gecko does not over-eat. It’s very imperative to vary their diet to ensure they get the right nutrients.
Mealworms
Mealworms are ideal for leopard gecko food, as they are high in calcium and other essential nutrients. This is an excellent source of protein. They have a hard outer shell which provides a crunchy exterior for the gecko. Moreover, leopard geckos most commonly eat mealworms that have been given to them, already dead or alive. They can also eat smaller-sized mealworms that have just recently shed their skins. For a nutritionally balanced diet, it is recommended that you mix other insects with mealworms.
Dubia roaches
Dubia roaches are becoming a popular food option for leopard geckos. It is rich in nutrients and provides a great source of calcium, protein, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals needed for a leopard gecko’s health. Since Dubia roaches are relatively slow-moving, it makes them easy prey for geckos, who cannot consume fast-moving insects. They can also last up to a week in captivity, so they make an excellent longer-term food option if the gecko isn’t fed every day. Click here for more information about Dubai roaches.
Waxworms
Leopard geckos are omnivorous reptiles that possess a diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables. They love to snack on waxworms, which are the larvae of wax moths, one of the main sources of protein for these reptiles. Waxworms are very nutritious and packed with calcium, fats, and proteins, making them an excellent choice for leopard geckos. Waxworms provide a lot of nutrients in small packages, and their wriggly texture helps in providing additional stimulation for geckos.
Superworms
Superworms are a great supplement to the diet of a leopard gecko as they provide a significant amount of protein. They are higher in fat than other insects, so they should be used sparingly and not as a primary food source. Superworms can be fed to leopard geckos three or four times a week. It should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement powder prior to being offered.
Create A Home-Made Balanced Diet For Leopard Geckos
Leopard geckos are fascinating animals to observe and keep as pets. An appropriate diet for leopard geckos consists of commercially-available live insects, non-citrus fruits, and occasionally boiled eggs. When raising leopard geckos, be sure to research their diet and dietary needs. If you’re interested in learning more about leopard geckos and their dietary needs, reach out to your local pet store or vet for more information.
Read More – Yellow-headed day gecko (Phelsuma klemmeri)
