Use this alongside a reliable care guide for your animal. It is not an individual veterinary assessment.
Does my animal need livefood?
Start with the species, not the shop category. Some reptiles eat insects, some need a mixed diet and others should not routinely be fed insects. Even among insect-eating animals, young and adult diets can differ. For example, bearded-dragon guidance and leopard-gecko guidance are not interchangeable.
Species examples: RSPCA: bearded dragon care ↗; RSPCA: leopard gecko care ↗.
Which feeder, and what size?
Choose a feeder your animal can catch and swallow safely. Product labels describe the feeder, not the size of pet it must suit. Ask for help when unsure, particularly for hatchlings or animals with feeding difficulties.
A varied choice of suitable feeders is usually more useful than relying on a favourite alone. Fat-rich treats such as waxworms should not become the default staple. Use the recommendations for your species rather than a universal head-width rule.
Example guidance: RSPCA: leopard gecko care ↗.
What is gut-loading?
Gut-loading means feeding the feeder insects a suitable nutrient-rich diet before offering them to your pet. RSPCA guidance recommends an appropriately formulated gut-loading food for 24–72 hours beforehand. It is different from simply keeping insects alive, and it does not replace your animal’s overall care plan.
Source: RSPCA: gut-loading live food ↗. See also livefood care & storage.
Do I need calcium or vitamins?
Many captive insect-based diets need planned supplementation. The product, amount and frequency depend on the species, age, diet and lighting. Follow a suitable care plan and the manufacturer’s directions; more powder is not automatically better.
Where dusting is advised, prepare the feeders shortly before feeding. Follow the supplement schedule recommended for your animal; do not add vitamins to drinking water as a substitute for proper dosing guidance.
Source: RSPCA: food supplements ↗.
How many, and how often?
There is no single number of insects or feeding interval that fits every reptile, amphibian or invertebrate. Start with species-specific guidance and review age, body condition, growth and normal activity. A Food Pack is a shopping bundle, not a prescription for one meal.
Record what you offer and what is eaten. A change from your animal’s usual appetite is often more useful information than comparing it with somebody else’s pet.
What about leftovers or a refused meal?
Supervise feeding and remove uneaten insects as advised for your animal; do not leave loose feeders to trouble a resting reptile. Check the enclosure conditions against the species care plan when appetite changes.
Repeated refusal, weight loss or other signs of illness need advice from a reptile-experienced vet. Do not force-feed or make large husbandry changes from a general online guide.
Practical species reference: RSPCA: leopard gecko care ↗.
Keep food preparation hygienic
Wash hands with soap and water after handling reptiles, feeders or their equipment. Keep feeder containers and utensils away from human food preparation areas, and supervise children. Reptiles can carry germs even when they look healthy.
A repeatable feeding routine
- Check the animal’s species-specific plan and today’s condition.
- Choose suitable feeder types and sizes, prepared with the recommended gut-loading and supplements.
- Offer the meal safely, watch the response and remove leftovers.
- Record what was eaten, then clean equipment and wash hands.