Leopard Gecko Feeding Chart by Age
Leopard geckos are insectivores and should be fed a diet of appropriately sized feeder insects. Getting prey size and feeding frequency right at each life stage is one of the most important parts of keeping a healthy leo.
Quick Reference Feeding Chart
| Age | Gecko Weight | Prey Size | Prey Items per Feeding | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchling (0–3 months) | 3–15 g | Small crickets / small mealworms (1/4") | 5–8 | Daily |
| Juvenile (3–6 months) | 15–30 g | Medium crickets / mealworms (1/2") | 6–10 | Daily or every other day |
| Sub-adult (6–12 months) | 30–60 g | Medium-large crickets / mealworms (3/4") | 6–10 | Every other day |
| Adult (12+ months) | 60–100+ g | Large crickets / mealworms / dubia roaches | 6–10 | Every 2–3 days |
Quick Rule: Prey should be no larger than the space between your gecko's eyes. Oversized prey causes impaction and regurgitation.
Don't rush prey sizes based on age alone. Use your gecko's actual weight and body condition as the guide. A gecko maintaining healthy weight and a full tail is on the right track.
Best Feeder Insects for Leopard Geckos
- Crickets — high protein, stimulate natural hunting behavior; gut-load before feeding
- Dubia roaches — excellent nutrition, low odor, can't climb smooth surfaces; a top choice for adults
- Mealworms — convenient and accepted readily; best rotated with crickets, dubia roaches, and other nutritious feeder insects for variety
- Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) — high calcium, good variety feeder
- Waxworms — high fat treat only; can cause obesity and feeding strikes if offered too often
Gut-Loading & Supplementation
Feeder insects must be gut-loaded 24–48 hours before feeding. A gut-loaded insect passes its nutrition to your gecko — an empty feeder insect provides almost none.
Dust feeder insects with calcium and vitamin supplements according to your UVB setup and the manufacturer's directions. Geckos kept under appropriate UVB lighting generally require less dietary vitamin D3 than those without UVB.
A calcium dish left in the enclosure at all times allows geckos to self-regulate their calcium intake.
FAQ
How many crickets should I feed my leopard gecko?
A common guideline is to offer as many appropriately sized insects as your gecko will eat in 10–15 minutes, then remove any uneaten live feeders. Uneaten crickets can stress and even injure a gecko overnight.
Can I feed my leopard gecko mealworms only?
Mealworms alone are not a balanced diet. Use them as part of a varied rotation alongside crickets, dubia roaches, or BSFL to ensure your gecko gets a full range of nutrients.
Why is my leopard gecko not eating?
Refusal is common during shed cycles, after environmental changes, and in winter months. Check temperatures first — a cold gecko won't eat. See our full guide on Leopard Gecko Not Eating for a complete troubleshooting checklist.
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