The best lizard food depends on the species, because insect eaters such as leopard geckos need live or prepared insects, while bearded dragons and crested geckos need a mix of insects, greens or a complete powdered diet. Our overall pick is the Zoo Med Insect Lizard Food, a handy insect based option for many common pet lizards.
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Picks were chosen by product type, covering insect, pellet, mealworm, cricket, calcium and complete lizard foods. We compared the formats stated in each listing, with no stock, review or testing claims.
Which Lizard Food Suits Your Species?
The right lizard food depends on if your lizard is an insect eater, an omnivore or a fruit and nectar feeder. Leopard geckos are insect eaters and need gut loaded live insects such as crickets, locusts and mealworms. Bearded dragons are omnivores, so lizard food for bearded dragons changes with age; young dragons eat mostly insects, while adults need a large share of leafy greens and vegetables plus some insects. Crested and gargoyle geckos do well on complete powdered diets mixed with water, with occasional insects. Uromastyx and blue tongued skinks have their own needs again. Check the species named on the pack before buying, and avoid general foods that do not list your lizard. A useful comparison is to look at whether each product is a complete diet or a supplement, because many insect tins and pellets are meant to be used alongside live food and greens rather than on their own.
How Do These Lizard Foods Compare?
The table shows who each lizard food suits and the type stated in its listing. Check your species first, then whether the food is a complete diet or an extra.
| Product | Good Choice For | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Zoo Med Insect Lizard Food | Back up feeds | Prepared insects |
| Zoo Med Pellet Lizard Food | Adult omnivores | Pellet food |
| Exo Terra Mealworm Lizard Food | Fussy feeders | Mealworm food |
| Exo Terra Cricket Lizard Food | Travel and emergencies | Cricket food |
| ProRep Calcium Lizard Food | Growing lizards | Calcium powder |
| ProRep Lizard Food | Occasional extras | Lizard food |
| Komodo Lizard Food | Matching routines | Lizard food |
| Repashy Lizard Food | Crested geckos | Complete diet |
| Komodo Pellet Lizard Food | Herbivores and omnivores | Pellet food |
| Repashy Cricket Lizard Food | Long shelf life | Prepared crickets |
Are Dried or Live Insects Better Lizard Food?
Live insects are the better staple for most insect eating lizards, because movement triggers feeding and fresh insects carry more moisture, while dried insects suit as an occasional extra or a back up. Many lizards ignore food that does not move, and dried insects can be low in water, which matters for small or young lizards. Tinned and freeze dried lizard foods are useful when live food runs out, during travel or for fussy eaters being tempted, and some lizards accept them from tongs if wiggled gently. Gut load live insects for 24 hours before feeding with fresh vegetables or a commercial gut load, so they pass on more nutrition. When comparing products, look at whether insects are whole, soft bodied or hard shelled, and choose sizes no wider than the space between your lizard’s eyes to reduce the risk of choking or impaction.
Do Lizards Need Calcium and Vitamin Supplements?
Most pet lizards need calcium dusted onto their food, and many also need a vitamin supplement a few times a week, because insects alone are low in calcium. Without enough calcium and vitamin D3, lizards can develop metabolic bone disease, which weakens bones and jaws. A UVB lamp suited to the species is also needed so the lizard can make vitamin D3 and use the calcium it eats. Young, growing lizards and egg laying females usually need dusting more often than adults. Put a small amount of powder in a bag or tub, add the insects, shake gently and feed straight away. Check the pack for whether the calcium contains D3, and follow a schedule from a reptile vet or a reliable care sheet for your species. Comparing supplements is easiest by checking the ingredient list for calcium carbonate, D3 and any added vitamins.
How Do You Gut Load Insects for Lizard Food?
Gut loading means feeding insects a nutritious diet for about 24 hours before offering them to your lizard, so the insects carry more nutrition. Keep crickets, locusts or mealworms in a ventilated tub with a shallow dish of fresh food such as carrot, sweet potato, squash or leafy greens, or a commercial gut load powder. Fresh vegetables also provide moisture, which helps insects stay healthy and stops them nibbling each other. Remove old food daily so it does not go mouldy. Avoid citrus, onion and anything sprayed with pesticides. Just before feeding, dust the insects with calcium or a vitamin powder as advised for your species, then offer them straight away so the powder does not rub off. Feed only as many insects as your lizard eats in about 10 to 15 minutes, removing leftovers, because loose crickets can bite sleeping lizards. Buy live food in amounts you can use within a week or two, and store tubs somewhere warm but not hot.
Next, see our guide to pet food storage containers, then the fish foods guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Lizard Food Do Pet Lizards Eat?
Pet lizards eat different foods depending on species: insect eaters need live insects, omnivores such as bearded dragons need insects plus greens, and crested geckos thrive on complete powdered diets. Always check a care sheet for your lizard.
How Often Should a Lizard Be Given Food?
Young lizards usually eat daily, while many adults eat every two to three days, depending on species. Watch body condition and weigh your lizard monthly, adjusting portions if it gains or loses weight.
Does Lizard Food Need Calcium Dusting?
Most insects fed as lizard food should be dusted with calcium, often at most feeds for young lizards and a few times a week for adults. A UVB lamp is also needed so the calcium can be used properly.
Can Lizards Eat Dried Insect Food?
Lizards can eat dried insects as an occasional extra, but live insects are better as the main food for most species. Dried insects are low in moisture and often ignored because they do not move.
Which Lizards Eat Vegetables Alongside Insect Food?
Bearded dragons, blue tongued skinks and uromastyx eat vegetables and leafy greens, and adult dragons need greens as a large part of their diet. Leopard geckos are insect eaters and do not eat vegetables.
Last reviewed: 23 October 2026.
Lizard Foods to Compare
Zoo Med Insect Lizard Food
A tin of prepared insects suits keepers needing a back up when live food runs short.
Zoo Med Pellet Lizard Food
Pellets suit omnivores such as adult dragons, offered alongside fresh greens and some live food.
Exo Terra Mealworm Lizard Food
Soft prepared mealworms suit fussy feeders that need gentle tempting from tongs before they accept a meal.
Exo Terra Cricket Lizard Food
Crickets are a classic staple, and this prepared version suits travel or emergency feeds.
ProRep Calcium Lizard Food
Calcium powder suits keepers who dust insects at most feeds for growing lizards.
ProRep Lizard Food
A general option suits keepers wanting a simple extra in the cupboard for occasional use.
Komodo Lizard Food
Keepers who already use this brand’s supplements may like a matching food for their routine.
Repashy Lizard Food
Complete powdered diets suit crested and gargoyle geckos when mixed with water.
Komodo Pellet Lizard Food
Pellets suit herbivores and omnivores that accept dry food alongside fresh vegetables.
Repashy Cricket Lizard Food
Prepared crickets suit keepers who want an insect option with a long shelf life.