
Geckos are fascinating insectivores, which means their diet primarily consists of live insects. However, their nutritional needs vary depending on the species, so understanding what to feed geckos is key to ensuring they live healthy, long lives. This detailed guide will walk you through the types of food that geckos should eat, how to properly feed them, and how to meet their specific dietary needs.
Types of Food for Geckos
1. Live Insects: The Staple of a Gecko’s Diet
Live insects form the bulk of most geckos' diets. Common options include crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, and superworms. These insects are rich in protein, fiber, and fats, making them an excellent food source for geckos. Here’s a breakdown of popular insect options:
Crickets: Easy to find and relatively inexpensive, crickets are an excellent source of protein for geckos. They can be gut-loaded (fed nutritious food) to enhance their value. Crickets are a great choice for geckos like leopard geckos, who thrive on a variety of insects.
Mealworms: These are another common feeder insect. Mealworms are a bit higher in fat, which makes them an excellent occasional treat. However, they should be fed sparingly to avoid obesity.
Dubia Roaches: Dubia roaches are considered one of the best feeder insects because they are highly nutritious and easy to digest. They also have a low odor, making them a convenient option.
Superworms: Superworms are larger than mealworms and packed with protein, making them a good choice for geckos that need a higher-fat diet. They should be fed less frequently due to their high-fat content.
2. Fruit and Nectar (for Certain Species)

Some geckos, like crested geckos, day geckos, and fig geckos, have a more varied diet that includes fruit and nectar. These geckos need a balance of protein, fruit sugars, and essential vitamins, making it crucial to offer them specialized food.
Crested Geckos: These geckos thrive on a combination of insect protein and fruit-based food. Commercial crested gecko diets (often powder mixes) are a convenient option, as they provide the right nutrients in one easy-to-serve package. Mixing the powder with water creates a paste that mimics the gecko's natural fruit and nectar intake.
Day Geckos: Day geckos are known for their vibrant color and active daytime behavior. They prefer fruits such as mango, papaya, and banana. While fruits are a great source of hydration and sugars, insects should also be included to maintain a balanced diet.
3. Supplements
Even though live insects provide much of the necessary nutrition, supplements are crucial for ensuring that geckos get the vitamins and minerals they need for optimal health. Most geckos require regular supplementation with calcium and vitamins.
Calcium: Calcium is essential for bone health and preventing metabolic bone disease (MBD), which is common in reptiles that are calcium-deficient. To ensure that geckos receive adequate calcium, it's important to dust their feeder insects with a calcium powder (preferably without vitamin D3 unless specified by a vet).
Vitamin D3: Geckos who are not exposed to adequate UVB lighting (e.g., nocturnal species like leopard geckos) need vitamin D3 to help absorb calcium. You can provide this vitamin in the form of supplements that can be dusted on insects.
Multivitamins: Multivitamin supplements should be provided 1-2 times a week. These supplements help ensure that the gecko gets all the micronutrients it needs for health, particularly those that may not be found in the insects or fruit.
How to Feed Geckos

1. Feeding Frequency
The feeding frequency will vary based on the gecko species, their age, and their overall health.
Juvenile Geckos (less than a year old) should be fed more frequently, typically every day or at least five times a week. They have higher energy needs as they are growing.
Adult Geckos (over a year old) can be fed less often, generally three to five times a week, as they are less active and their metabolic rate slows down.
2. Gut-Loading Insects
Before feeding insects to your gecko, gut-load them. This process involves feeding the insects a nutrient-rich diet for 24 hours before feeding them to your gecko. This ensures that the insects provide more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. You can gut-load insects with foods like leafy greens, carrots, and specialized commercial gut-load products.
3. Size of Food
It’s important to offer insects that are no larger than the space between your gecko’s eyes. This ensures that the food is the right size to be swallowed without causing any choking or digestive issues.
4. Hydration
While geckos primarily get their moisture from the insects they eat, offering a shallow water dish is also important. Some species, like crested geckos, may prefer to lick water droplets from the leaves or tank walls, so light misting can also be beneficial. Fresh water should always be available to geckos, especially after feeding.
What to Avoid Feeding Geckos

While geckos are insectivores, some foods should be avoided due to potential health risks.
Fireflies: These insects can be toxic to geckos, so it’s essential to avoid them.
Wild-Caught Insects: Insects from the wild may carry parasites, pesticides, or harmful bacteria. Always use farm-raised insects from reputable suppliers.
Larger Insects: Avoid feeding insects that are too large for your gecko to handle. Larger insects can cause choking or digestive blockages.
Feeding a gecko is not just about providing food—it’s about offering the right balance of nutrients and maintaining their health through appropriate supplementation. By feeding a varied diet of insects, fruits (for certain species), and supplements, geckos can thrive and remain active, healthy, and happy. Regularly monitor your gecko’s condition and adjust their diet as necessary to ensure they are getting everything they need to live their best life.
With careful attention to their dietary needs, geckos can enjoy a long, healthy life in captivity, making them rewarding and fascinating pets.
At Promeal, we know how important it is to give your pets a healthy and varied diet. That’s why we create high-quality, natural pet food to keep them happy and healthy.
Our specialty is premium live and dried insect-based feeds like mealworms, superworms, crickets, roaches, waxworms, and hornworms. These insects are grown on an organic diet, making them a nutritious and tasty treat for your pets.
Check out our "Shop" section to find the perfect food for your pets!
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