Geckos have different dietary requirements depending on their species, age, and activity level. However, most geckos feed primarily on live, moving insect prey. Here are some guidelines for feeding geckos:

• Insects: The best insects to feed geckos are crickets and mealworms, but they can also be fed waxworms, butterworms, silkworms, tomato hornworms, beetles, sow bugs, and cockroaches. Insects should be lightly dusted with a phosphorus-free calcium powder before feeding. Additionally, prey items should be fed a high-quality diet (“gut-loaded”) for at least 24 hours prior to being fed to your gecko. Commercial cricket diets are available, but fresh greens (e.g., turnip greens, collard greens, parsley, carrot tops/slices, broccoli, cauliflower) can also be fed to crickets and mealworms to improve their nutritional value when fed to your gecko.

• Fruits: Some geckos, such as frugivorous geckos, can be fed fruits like grapes, apricots, and apples. The fruit should be pureed or chopped into pieces that are smaller than the space between your gecko’s eyes.

• Water: Clean, fresh water should be provided in a shallow container and changed daily. A shallow dish containing calcium powder should also be provided, so geckos always have access to calcium, an essential mineral for proper nutrition.

Its important to note that geckos do not generally do well eating pre-packaged kibble or prepared food. The amount of food that your gecko needs will vary based on its age and activity level. Feed it as much as it will eagerly eat within a few minutes, but avoid putting too many insects in its cage, as they may escape, die and rot, or tempt your gecko into overeating.