What to Feed a Pet Gecko

Feeding Your Gecko: A Culinary Guide

So, you’re wondering what to put in your gecko’s food bowl? It’s more than just tossing in a bug! Understanding your gecko’s dietary needs is key to their health. We’ve found that a varied, species-appropriate diet keeps them vibrant and happy.

Geckos have diverse diets, so the first step is knowing your specific gecko species. Some love insects, others enjoy fruit, and a few even eat plants. For most common pet geckos, though, insects are the main course. Think of them as nature’s tiny protein bars for your scaly friend.

The Insect Buffet: What Bugs Are Best?

Most pet geckos are insectivores. This means their primary food source is insects. Offering a variety of live insects is usually the best approach. It mimics their natural diet and provides essential nutrients.

Staple Feeder Insects

Certain insects are considered staples because they are readily available and nutritious. These should make up the bulk of your gecko’s insect diet.

• Crickets: These are a popular choice for many gecko species. They’re relatively easy to find and gut-load. Just make sure they are the right size for your gecko!
• Mealworms: Another common option, mealworms are small and easy to store. However, they are higher in fat and phosphorus. They should be offered in moderation.
• Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL): Often called “phoenix worms,” these are highly nutritious. They have a good calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which is important for bone health.
• Dubia Roaches: These are an excellent food source. They are nutritious and relatively easy to care for if you choose to breed your own feeders. They are also less likely to bite or jump than crickets.

Treat Feeder Insects

These insects can be offered occasionally as a treat. They might have a different nutrient profile or be less readily available.

• Waxworms: These are high in fat and are like candy to geckos. Offer them very sparingly, perhaps once or twice a month, as too many can lead to obesity.
• Superworms: Similar to mealworms but larger, superworms can be a good treat for larger gecko species. Again, they are high in fat.

The Importance of Gut-Loading Feeder Insects

Just feeding insects isn’t enough. You need to make sure those insects are packed with nutrients before your gecko eats them. This process is called gut-loading. It’s like feeding your gecko a healthy meal by proxy!

The idea is simple: feed the feeder insects a nutritious diet for 24-48 hours before offering them to your gecko. This transfers those nutrients directly into the insects. We found that this step significantly boosts the nutritional value of the feeder insects.

What to Feed Your Feeder Insects

You can use commercial gut-loading diets, or create your own. Good options include:

• Oats or whole-grain cereal
• Vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens (kale, collard greens)
• Commercial gut-load formulas available at pet stores

Always provide a source of moisture, like a piece of fruit or a damp sponge. Remove uneaten food daily to prevent mold. Many experts suggest that consistent gut-loading is one of the easiest ways to ensure your gecko gets essential vitamins and minerals (NCBI).

Supplementation: Adding the Extra Boost

Even with gut-loaded insects, you’ll likely need to supplement your gecko’s diet. This is especially true for calcium and vitamins.

Calcium and Vitamin D3

Calcium is vital for strong bones and preventing metabolic bone disease (MBD). Many insects have a poor calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. This is why dusting feeder insects with a calcium supplement is often necessary.

Vitamin D3 helps your gecko absorb calcium. Most geckos need a calcium supplement that also contains Vitamin D3. However, the amount and frequency depend on your gecko’s species and whether they have access to UVB lighting. We found that dusting insects lightly 2-3 times a week is a common recommendation for many species.

Multivitamin Supplements

A good quality reptile multivitamin can provide other essential vitamins and minerals. These can be used in rotation with calcium supplements. Too much of any vitamin can be harmful, so follow product instructions carefully. We found that using a multivitamin once or twice a week is usually sufficient.

How to Dust Feeder Insects

Place your feeder insects in a bag or container. Add a small amount of powdered supplement. Gently shake the bag to coat the insects. Then, offer them to your gecko immediately.

Species-Specific Diets: Not All Geckos Are the Same!

It’s crucial to remember that not all geckos eat the same thing. Their natural habitats and evolutionary paths have shaped their diets.

Insectivorous Geckos

These are the most common pet geckos. They rely almost entirely on insects. Examples include Leopard Geckos, Crested Geckos (though some will take fruit), and Tokay Geckos. For these, focus on a varied insect diet as discussed above.

Frugivorous/Omnivorous Geckos

Some geckos, like the Crested Gecko and Gargoyle Gecko, are considered omnivores or frugivores. They eat insects but also require a significant portion of their diet from fruits and specialized commercial diets. You can offer pureed fruits like banana, mango, or berries as occasional treats. However, a high-quality commercial gecko diet formulated for their species is essential for balanced nutrition.

Many experts recommend a commercial diet as the primary food source for these species, supplemented with insects. We found that these prepared diets provide a broad spectrum of necessary nutrients.

Herbivorous Geckos

These are less common in the pet trade. They eat plants and vegetables. If you have one of these, research their specific needs carefully. Their diet might include leafy greens, vegetables, and flowers.

Age and Life Stage Considerations

A young, growing gecko has different nutritional needs than a mature adult.

Hatchlings and Juveniles

Young geckos need a lot of protein to fuel their rapid growth. Offer smaller feeder insects more frequently. For insectivorous species, this might mean feeding daily. For omnivorous species, ensure their commercial diet is appropriate for juveniles.

Adult Geckos

Adult geckos still need a balanced diet, but their feeding frequency might decrease. They need adequate calcium and vitamins to maintain their health. Avoid overfeeding fatty treats, which can lead to obesity.

Water: The Essential Drink

Never forget the simplest, yet most critical, dietary component: fresh water. Always provide a shallow, easily accessible water dish. Clean and refill it daily.

Some geckos prefer to drink from droplets. Misting their enclosure lightly can encourage drinking, especially for species that evolved in humid environments. We found that some geckos rarely drink from a bowl, so misting is essential for them.

What NOT to Feed Your Gecko

It’s just as important to know what to avoid. Some common human foods are toxic or unhealthy for geckos.

• Wild-caught insects: These can carry pesticides or internal parasites.
• Avocado: Toxic to many reptiles.
• Onions and garlic: Can be harmful in large amounts.
• Certain houseplants: Many are toxic. Always research before putting plants in an enclosure.
• Cooked foods: Geckos cannot digest cooked food.

When in doubt, stick to commercially available feeder insects and species-specific diets. Many reputable sources like the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) advise against feeding wild insects due to health risks.

Quick Checklist for a Healthy Gecko Diet

• Offer a variety of gut-loaded feeder insects.
• Dust insects with calcium and vitamins as recommended.
• Provide a species-appropriate commercial diet if needed.
• Always ensure fresh, clean water is available.
• Avoid feeding wild-caught insects or toxic foods.
• Monitor your gecko for signs of good health and adjust as needed.