Baby Leopard Geckos<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBaby leopard geckos must be fed daily unless they are stressed or sick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mealworms make up most of a baby leopard gecko’s diet. Unlike many other animals, the fact that leopard geckos are insectivorous allows them to feed primarily on mealworms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Baby leopard geckos must be given between 5 to 7 mealworms in each meal, daily. You must do this until the baby geckos are four inches in size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After that, larger food e.g. you can offer larger insects and mealworms due to the improved ability to swallow and the development of the digestive system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adult leopard geckos<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt would be wrong to assume adult leopard geckos can eat anything as long as it’s moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First off, the mealworm exoskeleton is harder to digest compared to other insects and worms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the mealworms escape from a leopard geckos feeding dish, it’s possible to burrow and can be hard to retrieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mealworms are not very active, and most adult leopard geckos consider them a less stimulating item to prey on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, since they love the taste of mealworms you can feed adult leopard geckos six to seven big-size mealworms twice or thrice a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can add them directly to their feeding dish or mix them with other insects and worms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In case your leopard gecko isn’t eating mealworms as expected, check for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Stress<\/li>
- Impaction<\/li>
- Sickness<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Nutritional Facts of Dried Mealworms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Although dried mealworms are not as nutritious as live ones, they still have an acceptable amount of nutrients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dried mealworms have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Crude Protein<\/li>
- Crude Fat<\/li>
- Crude Fiber<\/li>
- Moisture content<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Crude protein 50% minimum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Crude protein is an excellent source of amino acids. It is easier to digest than most other proteins e.g. those found in grains or fruits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is easy for leopard geckos to break down the crude proteins into individual amino acids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crude fat 25% minimum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fat is a crucial nutrient for leopard geckos. When broken down and absorbed in the body, it provides your pet with energy, insulation, and cushioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, it is necessary to monitor the amount offered in dried mealworms to prevent your leopard gecko from becoming obese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crude fiber 9% maximum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fiber has been successfully used constantly in pet foods. Fiber helps with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Managing weight<\/li>
- Preventing diabetes mellitus<\/li>
- Preventing diarrhea<\/li>
- Dealing with constipation.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Fiber that ferments slowly is heavy on the stomach and helps pets feel full and satisfied for an extended period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moisture content 6%<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Moisture content is vital in helping your leopard gecko to stay hydrated. Hydration increases proper body functioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adequate moisture content increases the chances of absorption of nutrients for your pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While dried mealworms contain some nutrients, you cannot compare them to the benefits derived from live mealworms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is, therefore, better to stick to live feeder insects and worms for your leopard gecko.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Precautions when using dried mealworms <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dried mealworms are less nutritious. They are also hard to swallow and digest for your leopard geckos. Therefore, they are not recommended. Although they are more readily available in stores, they cannot substitute live mealworms in any way.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nHowever, if you choose to go the dried mealworm way, you must observe the following precautions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Ensure they are not moldy or haven’t gone bad. The best thing about live mealworms is that you are sure they are fresh.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Ensure you do not feed baby leopard geckos dried mealworms because they may be too hard for them to swallow and digest.<\/li>
- Dried mealworms are not good enough nutritionally. Ensure you dust them with supplements to increase the nutritional value of dried mealworms.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n