Leopard geckoWhat can a leopard gecko eat?
10 foods checked against vets’ sources: what’s fine, what only now and then, and what never.
Every day
Live insects (crickets, locusts, worms) no longer than its head and about half as wide: only as many as it eats in 15 minutes, then remove the rest. Feed the insects for 24 hours before offering them and dust them with calcium at least 3 times a week; twice a month use a multivitamin instead of calcium. Waxworms only now and then: they're fatty.
No food matches: if it isn’t on the list, ask your vet before giving it.
Never
Insects caught outdoorsNo
They may carry insecticides or other poisons.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Leopard gecko care
Pinky miceNo
They make leopard geckos obese.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Leopard gecko care
Only now and then, a little
Dandelion or nasturtium flowersA little
A washed flower now and then supplements the diet.
How much: Once a month.
WaxwormsA little
They're very fatty: only now and then.
How much: Now and then.
Fine
Calcium powderYes
Insects don't have enough calcium: dust them, and keep a little calcium for the gecko to lick at all times.
How much: Calcium on the insects at least 3 times a week; vitamins twice a month instead of the calcium (ARAV). Don't overdo vitamins.
CricketsYes
They're a staple live insect. Before feeding, they should be well fed themselves (gut loading) and dusted with calcium and vitamins.
How much: Insects no bigger than the gecko's head: juveniles daily, adults every other day (RSPCA); as much as it eats in 15 minutes (ARAV).
LocustsYes
Fine, in the right size (no bigger than the gecko's head).
How much: Insects no bigger than the gecko's head: juveniles daily, adults every other day (RSPCA); as much as it eats in 15 minutes (ARAV).
Mealworms and calciwormsYes
They're among the suitable insects, to rotate with others.
How much: Insects no bigger than the gecko's head: juveniles daily, adults every other day (RSPCA); as much as it eats in 15 minutes (ARAV).
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Leopard gecko care
Silkworms and farmed roachesYes
They're among the suitable live insects, farmed for the purpose.
How much: Insects no bigger than the gecko's head: juveniles daily, adults every other day (RSPCA); as much as it eats in 15 minutes (ARAV).
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Leopard gecko care
SuperwormsYes
They're among the suitable insects, if the right size.
How much: Insects no bigger than the gecko's head: juveniles daily, adults every other day (RSPCA); as much as it eats in 15 minutes (ARAV).
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Leopard gecko care
When to call the vet Emergency: who to call
What other pets can eat
Rabbit Guinea pig Hamster Pet rat Ferret Canary Budgies Cockatiel Lovebirds Tortoise Red-eared slider Bearded dragon Goldfish Betta fish Dogs and cats: can my pet eat it?
Sources
- RSPCA: How To Care For a Leopard Gecko (checked on October 14, 2026)
- Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Leopard gecko care (checked on October 14, 2026)