A practical feeding guide by age, size, and appetite

Dubia roaches are one of the most popular staple feeders for leopard geckos—and for good reason. They’re nutritious, easy to digest, and far less messy than many other feeder insects.

But one question comes up again and again:

How many dubia roaches should you feed a leopard gecko?

The answer depends on age, size, and feeding frequency. Below is a clear, keeper-friendly guide to help you feed confidently—without underfeeding or overdoing it.

Why Dubia Roaches Are a Great Feeder Choice

Compared with crickets or mealworms, dubia roaches offer several advantages:

• High protein, moderate fat

• Soft bodies that are easy to digest

• Less odor and noise

• Won’t climb smooth enclosure walls

When properly sized and gut-loaded, they can form a reliable part of a leopard gecko’s regular diet.

How Many Dubia Roaches to Feed (By Age)

🐣 Baby Leopard Geckos (0–4 months)

• How often: Daily

• Amount: 3–5 small dubia roaches per feeding

• Size rule: No longer than the space between the gecko’s eyes

Young geckos grow quickly and burn energy fast, so frequent, protein-rich meals are essential.

🦎 Juvenile Leopard Geckos (4–10 months)

• How often: Every other day

• Amount: 4–7 appropriately sized dubia roaches

This is a key growth stage. Watch body condition closely—healthy juveniles should look full but not bloated.

🦖 Adult Leopard Geckos (10–12+ months)

• How often: 2–3 times per week

• Amount: 5–8 medium dubia roaches per feeding

Adults need maintenance, not rapid growth. Overfeeding at this stage can easily lead to obesity.

Size Matters More Than the Exact Number

A common keeper rule still applies:

One feeding session = what your gecko can safely eat in about 10–15 minutes

Dubia roaches should always be:

• Smaller than the width of the gecko’s head

• Offered in controlled numbers

• Removed if uneaten after feeding time

This helps prevent stress, accidental bites, or roaches hiding in the enclosure.

Feeding Method: Dish or Tongs?

How you offer dubia roaches matters almost as much as how many you feed.

Using a Feeding Dish

A smooth-sided feeding dish:

• Prevents roaches from escaping

• Keeps feeders off the substrate

• Makes portion control easier

Many keepers prefer a low, stable feeding bowl placed near the warm side of the enclosure, where geckos naturally hunt.

WildPalz feeding dishes are designed with smooth inner walls and a natural, grounded shape—helping keep dubia roaches contained while blending seamlessly into naturalistic setups.

Using Feeding Tongs

Feeding tongs are especially useful if:

• Your gecko is shy or selective

• You want to monitor exactly how much it eats

• You’re feeding supplements or medication

A good pair of soft-tip feeding tongs allows precise control without risking injury to your gecko’s mouth.

WildPalz feeding tongs are sized for small reptiles, making it easier to offer dubia roaches safely while keeping your hands out of the enclosure.

Supplementing Dubia Roaches

Even though dubia roaches are nutritious, they should still be:

• Gut-loaded before feeding

• Lightly dusted with calcium (and D3 if needed)

Typical schedule:

• Calcium without D3: most feedings

• Calcium with D3: 1–2 times per week (depending on UVB use)

• Multivitamin: 1 time per week

Signs You’re Feeding the Right Amount

A well-fed leopard gecko should have:

• A plump but not swollen tail

• Clear eyes and alert behavior

• Steady weight without sudden gain

If the tail becomes overly thick or the gecko appears lethargic, reduce portion size or feeding frequency.

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Offering dubia roaches that are too large

• ❌ Leaving loose roaches in the enclosure overnight

• ❌ Feeding adults every day

• ❌ Ignoring weight gain

Balanced feeding is about consistency, not maximum quantity.

Final Thoughts: Feed With Intention, Not Guesswork

There’s no single “perfect number” of dubia roaches for every leopard gecko—but there is a correct range based on age, size, and lifestyle.

By:

• Choosing properly sized dubia roaches

• Controlling portions with a feeding dish or tongs

• Adjusting frequency as your gecko matures

you create a feeding routine that supports long-term health—not just short-term appetite.

Thoughtful tools and mindful feeding habits go a long way in caring for these remarkable little reptiles. 🦎