What to Feed Your Gecko: A Quick Guide for Happy, Healthy Lizards
Geckos are fascinating, low-maintenance pets, but when it comes to feeding them, it’s important to get it right. Unlike many reptiles, most pet geckos are insectivores, meaning their diet should be made up almost entirely of live insects.
Whether you’re caring for a leopard gecko, crested gecko, or another popular species, here’s a quick guide to what your gecko should and shouldn’t eat.
Crickets: A Staple in the Gecko Diet
Crickets are one of the most common (and affordable) feeder insects. They’re high in protein, easy to digest, and geckos love the chase. Be sure to buy crickets from a reputable source and gut-load them (feed them nutrient-rich food like leafy greens or commercial cricket diets) 24 hours before offering them to your gecko. Dusting crickets with calcium or vitamin D3 powder helps support bone health and prevent metabolic bone disease, especially in young or growing geckos.
Mealworms: A Hearty Treat
Mealworms are another popular option, though they’re a bit higher in fat and can be harder to digest due to their thicker exoskeleton. They’re best offered as a supplement to your gecko’s main diet, not as the only food source. Like crickets, they should be gut-loaded and occasionally dusted with calcium or multivitamin powder. Some geckos love them, while others might be pickier, so offer them in moderation and see how your pet responds.
Small Dubia Roaches: A Nutrient-Packed Option
Dubia roaches are highly nutritious, lower in fat than mealworms, and easy to digest. Many gecko owners prefer them because they don’t chirp, smell, or jump like crickets. Make sure to choose the right size roach, nothing larger than the space between your gecko’s eyes. Smaller dubia roaches are ideal for young, small, or picky eaters and are often well-tolerated by geckos of all ages.
Fruit Flies: Great for Juvenile Geckos
If you’re caring for a hatchling or very young gecko, fruit flies are a safe and manageable food option. They’re tiny, easy to eat, and offer enough protein to help your gecko grow strong and healthy. Flightless fruit flies are available at many pet stores and are simple to culture at home if needed.
No Salads, Please
Unlike bearded dragons or iguanas, geckos aren’t built to digest leafy greens, fruit, or vegetables. Their digestive systems are designed for insects, not plant matter so skip the salad bar and stick to live bugs for a healthy, happy gecko. If you have any questions, contact Critters Pet Shop of South Elgin.