How to Prepare Live Food for Leopard Geckos

Feeding your leopard gecko the right way goes beyond tossing a few crickets into its terrarium. Proper preparation of live food ensures your gecko gets the nutrition it needs while staying safe from harmful bacteria or parasites. Let’s explore how to prepare live food for leopard geckos the right way.

Why Preparation Matters

Live insects are essential for leopard geckos, providing protein, vitamins, and essential minerals. However, offering unprepared insects can lead to malnutrition or even health issues like impaction or infections. Proper preparation ensures your gecko receives safe, nutrient-rich food every time.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Insects

Not all insects are suitable for leopard geckos. Here’s a breakdown of the best live feeders:

1. Crickets
   • High in protein and easy to digest.
   • Active, encouraging natural hunting behavior.
2. Mealworms
   • A reliable staple but should be rotated with other feeders.
   • Keep mealworms in a refrigerator to slow down their life cycle.
3. Dubia Roaches
   • Nutrient-rich and less smelly than crickets.
   • Slow-moving, making them easier to manage.
4. Waxworms (Use as Treats)
   • High in fat, ideal for occasional treats only.
5. Superworms (For Larger Geckos)
   • Great for adult geckos but should be offered sparingly due to their hard exoskeleton.

Step 2: Gut-Loading the Insects

What Is Gut-Loading?
Gut-loading means feeding your insects highly nutritious food before offering them to your gecko. This process transfers essential nutrients from the feeders to your pet.

Best Gut-Loading Foods:

• Vegetables: Carrots, kale, collard greens.
• Fruits: Apples, oranges, and berries (remove after a few hours).
• Commercial Insect Diets: Designed specifically for gut-loading.

Tip: Gut-load your insects for at least 24-48 hours before feeding.

Learn more about gut-loading insects.

Step 3: Dusting Insects with Supplements

Dusting ensures your gecko gets essential vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium and vitamin D3. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Choose the Right Supplements:
   • Calcium Without D3: Use daily if you provide UVB lighting.
   • Calcium With D3: Use 2-3 times a week if there’s no UVB light.
   • Multivitamins: Dust once a week for balanced nutrition.
2. How to Dust:
   • Place the insects in a small container or plastic bag.
   • Add a pinch of supplement powder.
   • Gently shake the container until the insects are lightly coated.

Read our guide on vitamins and supplements for leopard geckos.

Step 4: Offering the Insects

Feed your gecko in the late afternoon or evening when they’re naturally active. Here’s how to set up a safe feeding session:

1. Use a Feeding Dish:
   Prevent insects from escaping by using a shallow dish with smooth edges.
2. Hand-Feeding (Optional):
   If your gecko is shy, use feeding tongs to offer insects one at a time.
3. Free-Range Feeding:
   Release a few insects into the terrarium to stimulate natural hunting behavior.

Step 5: Cleaning Up After Feeding

Leftover insects can cause stress, bite your gecko, or introduce bacteria. Here’s how to clean up:

• Remove Uneaten Insects: Check the enclosure after 15-20 minutes.
• Wipe Feeding Areas: Use a damp cloth to clean the feeding dish and surrounding area.
• Sanitize the Terrarium: Perform deeper cleaning weekly to maintain hygiene.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

1. Skipping Gut-Loading: Insects without gut-loading are nutritionally empty.
2. Overfeeding Fatty Insects: Limit waxworms and superworms to prevent obesity.
3. Feeding Insects That Are Too Big: Choose insects no longer than the space between your gecko’s eyes.
4. Using Expired Supplements: Check expiration dates to ensure your gecko gets effective nutrients.

Final Thoughts

Preparing live food for your leopard gecko is simple when you follow these steps. By gut-loading, dusting, and offering the right insects, you’ll keep your gecko healthy, active, and happy.

Looking for more feeding tips? Explore our Feeding Guides and ensure your gecko gets the nutrition it needs every time!