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My leopard gecko is always hungry. What's the best feeding plan?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Gecko | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 2 months old

Hiya, i own a leopard gecko and i feed him once a week but and i read theyre only supposed to have 8-10 mealworms, but hes always hungry ... should i feed him more or leave it ? not sure if this is a vet questions but there are not vets in hong kong who look at leopard geckos so i don't have anyone else to ask and im worried hes not eating enough

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on February 25th, 2020

Thanks for reaching out about Norman. Geckos should be offered food every other day at least. Mealworms are not a complete meal. A wider variety of insects need to be offered and they need to be gut-loaded. Heat needs to be in the POTZ (Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone) for the species. UVB exposure is necessary for vitamin D synthesis and calcium metabolism.
Good luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on March 3rd, 2018
Feed Yuca as many crickets as he will eat in 10-15 minutes. The crickets should be no bigger than the space between his eyes. Freshly molted mealworms can be provided in a bowl to be eaten at will.
Be sure to gut load all prey for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize nutritional value. Supplement with a calcium powder as well as a multivitamin. This is typically accomplished by dusting prey.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 20th, 2017
Offer two appropriately sized insects for every inch of a leopard gecko’s total length. A meal every other day is fine. Example: a 4-inch-long gecko would receive eight mealworms three to four times a week. I

Make sure to gut-load and dust the insects with calcium and vitamin powder before feeding.

Here is a great video on how to feed your gecko:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqcGMIqZgo4

Hope this helps. Best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why won't my rescued leopard gecko eat after a diet change?

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