About feeding a leopard gecko
Leopard geckos are hardy, insectivorous ground geckos and one of the best beginner reptiles. Unlike bearded dragons they eat only live insects — no salad — so feeder quality, sizing and supplementation are everything.
How much should a leopard gecko eat?
Reptile feeding depends far more on life stage and diet ratio than on a single calorie number. The schedule below shows how the insect-to-plant ratio and feeding frequency change as the animal grows.
| Life stage | Diet ratio & feeding frequency |
|---|---|
| Hatchling / baby (under 15g) | Feed daily — 2 appropriately-sized insects per inch of body length |
| Juvenile (15–40g) | Feed every day or every other day |
| Adult (40g+) | Feed every 2–3 days |
What to feed
Leopard geckos are strict insectivores. Staple feeders include crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms and black soldier fly larvae, gut-loaded and dusted with calcium (with D3 depending on lighting). Insects should be no longer than the width of the gecko's head.
How often to feed
Juveniles eat daily; adults every other day or a few times a week. A common guide is two appropriately-sized insects per inch of gecko length per feeding, adjusted to body condition.
Common feeding mistakes
- Feeder insects that are too large, risking impaction or choking.
- Skipping calcium dusting, causing metabolic bone disease.
- Overfeeding fatty feeders like waxworms as a staple.
- Feeding on loose particulate substrate, which can be ingested.
Weight & health
Leopard geckos store fat in their tails — a plump tail is healthy, but an overfed gecko becomes obese with a bloated body. Metabolic bone disease from poor supplementation is the other key risk. Adjust feeding to tail and body condition.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I feed a leopard gecko?
Juveniles daily; adults every other day or a few times a week. Offer roughly two appropriately-sized insects per inch of length, adjusting to keep a healthy (but not bloated) body and full tail.
What do leopard geckos eat?
Live insects only — crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms and black soldier fly larvae, gut-loaded and calcium-dusted. They do not eat plants or fruit.
Why is my leopard gecko's tail so fat?
A thick tail is normal and healthy — leopard geckos store fat there. A tail thinner than the neck can signal illness or underfeeding, while an obese body with a huge tail suggests overfeeding.
Do leopard geckos need calcium supplements?
Yes. Dust feeder insects with calcium (and D3 as appropriate for your lighting setup) to prevent metabolic bone disease. A small dish of calcium in the enclosure is also common.