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Feeding A Leopard Gecko: Supplementation
  Background Information
  Most of the nutritional problems seen in captive leopard geckos, typically result from a variety of factors including:

Various vitamins and minerals (such as calcium) are typically added to the diets of leopard geckos to increase the nutritional quality of the insects themselves.  Most feeder insects tend to have a relatively poor Calcium: Phosphorus ratio for example.

Just as vitamin and mineral deficient diets can lead to serious health problems in leopard geckos, many fat-soluable vitamins and trace minerals can be toxic in large quantities.  A fine balance must be struck when developing the most appropriate supplementation regime for your particular leopard gecko.

The keys to proper nutrition include: 

  • Proper supplementation regime.
  • Proper gut-loading of the feeder insects.
  • Providing a well-balanced and nutritional diet.
Click here to learn about vitamin and mineral deficiencies and excesses.
  How To Use Supplements
  Please note that certain vitamins decompose when exposed to light or moisture.  Most commercial supplements actually only have a shelf life of a couple of months after it was manufactured so its important to read your labels carefully!
  • Store your commercial supplements in a cool, dark place.

  • Never use a supplement that does not have an expiration date on the label.

  • Never use an expired supplement.

  • Usually its best to buy smaller amounts of a given supplement.

  • Always seal the supplement container tightly after each use.

Supplements are typically offered to leopard geckos in a couple of ways:

  • A small dish (ie a jar lid) of pure calcium or calcium with vitamin D3 is typically available at all times in the enclosure itself.

  • Insects are also dusted according to the appropriate supplementation regime below.  This is achieved by placing the insects in a jar or bag and then introducing a small amount of the supplement.  Gently swirl the jar so the insects are coated with the supplement.  This is also known as the Shake-n-Bake technique.

A lot of supplement can be worn off either through movements or grooming of the insect itself, thereby decreasing the amount available to the leopard gecko itself.  This is why it is often recommended that you feed your gecko on a regular schedule so the prey items are hunted down immediately after being introduced to the enclosure.
  Supplementation Schedule
  It is important that you discuss your leopard gecko's nutritional and supplement needs with your veterinarian, especially if your gecko is experiencing any health problems.  Younger leopard geckos are typically supplemented more often that adults because of their higher rates of growth and dietary needs.  Supplementation needs decrease as the geckos ages - although breeding females may require more supplements than adult males for egg production.

 Below is the most common supplementation schedule used with many leopard geckos:

Hatchlings and Juveniles

  • Pure calcium offered 2 times per week.
  • Calcium with vitamin D3 offered 2 times per week.
  • Multi-vitamin offered 1 time per week.
  • Small dish of pure calcium in the enclosure at all times.

Adults

  • Pure calcium offered 2 times per week.
  • Calcium with vitamin D3 offered 1 time per week.
  • Multi-vitamin offered 1 time per week.
  • Small dish of pure calcium in the enclosure at all times.

  • Females during breeding season are often offered insects dusted at every feeding with either calcium or calcium and vitamin D3.

   Click here to learn about vitamin and mineral deficiencies and excesses.
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