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Feeding a reptile or amphibian isn’t just about filling a bowl — it’s about reproducing a diet that keeps scales shiny, skin moist, and energy high. The wrong food can lead to slow growth, metabolic bone disease, or a picky pet that refuses to eat. Choosing the right food helps your cold-blooded buddy thrive, whether you’re caring for a bearded dragon, leopard gecko, corn snake, or a tree frog.
There are plenty of places to source food and supplies, from big-box retailers to specialist online shops. Some are great for convenience, others for selection and live-feeder quality. Below I cover the most reliable retailers where you'll typically find everything from staple pellets and freeze-dried prey to live crickets, roaches, and specialty supplements.
Petco is everywhere, which makes it a go-to for quick runs: premade diets, heat-tolerant pellets, and an on-shelf selection of live feeders in many stores. If you want to pick up calcium powder, a few bags of gut-loaded crickets, or a starter reptile food pack while you’re out, Petco is a convenient stop.
PetSmart usually mirrors Petco in selection but often runs sales that make stocking up cheaper. They carry many of the major brands like Zoo Med and Exo Terra, and you can often find frozen feeder options and basic habitat supplements in-store or online.
Chewy has become a favorite for pet owners who want large selection, customer reviews, and reliable shipping. It’s especially useful for buying multi-pack foods, specialty brands like Repashy and Fluker’s, and recurring shipments so you never run out.
Amazon advantage is sheer variety. You can find everything from commercial pellets to freeze-dried insects and exotic live-feed suppliers through third-party sellers. Look for trusted sellers and good reviews, and be mindful of shipping conditions if you’re ordering live or frozen prey.
LLLReptile focuses strictly on reptiles and amphibians, with a deep catalog of live feeders, premade diets, and specialty supplements. If you’re into breeding or keeping large collections, LLLReptile’s range and expertise can be a huge plus.
Underground Reptiles is known for premium live feeders and a selection of specialist items for collectors. They’re a go-to for hobbyists seeking high-quality roaches, exotic feeder insects, and specific nutritional products tailored to more demanding species.
Reptile Basics serves hobbyists looking for reliable, no-fuss products. Expect staple brands and practical supplies — good for newcomers who want quality without the overwhelm of boutique specialty catalogs.
Understanding the different food types helps you match products to your pet’s needs. Most diets fall into three categories: commercial prepared diets (pellets and gels), live feeders (insects and rodents), and frozen or freeze-dried prey. Each has pros and cons depending on species, age, and keeper preference.
Pellets and powdered diets (like gecko or bearded dragon gels) are convenient and often formulated to deliver balanced nutrition. Look for reputable brands that list calcium levels and AAFCO-like guidelines. These are great for busy keepers or species that accept prepared diets readily.
Live feeders are the most natural option and critical for many carnivorous reptiles and amphibians. Crickets in sizes from 1/4 inch to 1 inch, dubia roaches, mealworms, and black soldier fly larvae all play roles. Live feed stimulates hunting behavior and provides enrichment, but you must gut-load feeders and dust them with supplements for best nutrition.
Frozen prey (mice, rats, octopi for some species) and freeze-dried insects offer convenience and lower the risk of live feeder escape or injury. They’re excellent for snakes and some amphibians, though freeze-dried options often need rehydration and may be less nutritionally complete than live, gut-loaded insects.
Dusting and gut-loading aren’t optional for many reptile species. Supplements prevent deficiencies and support bone health, especially for rapidly growing juveniles. A good supplement routine can be the difference between a healthy adult and a pet with lifelong problems.
Calcium powders come with and without vitamin D3. Use D3-inclusive powders when exposure to natural UVB is limited, but carefully follow dosing. For many species, alternate between a plain calcium and a D3 calcium to balance absorption without overdosing.
Multivitamin powders provide broader nutrition, but they’re supplements — not replacements for balanced food. Use them weekly or per manufacturer guidelines, and choose products from reputable brands designed for reptiles or amphibians.
Different reptile and amphibian species have very different nutritional needs. Below are high-level feeding approaches for common pets so you can match food choices to biology rather than guesswork.
Bearded dragons benefit from a mix of vegetables, commercial pellet diets, and live insects. Juveniles eat mostly insects while adults shift to 60–80% vegetables and 20–40% insects. Offer vegetables chopped into 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch pieces, and feed insects sized no bigger than the space between the dragon’s eyes to avoid choking.
Leopard geckos thrive on a live-insect diet like crickets, roaches, and mealworms. Feed adults every other day with appropriately sized insects (about 1/2 inch to 1 inch). Gut-load feeders and dust with calcium regularly, especially for breeding females and growing juveniles.
Corn snakes and many pythons prefer whole-prey rodents. Sizes range from pinky to adult mice and rats; match prey size to the snake’s girth, not length. A good rule: feed rodents no wider than the snake’s widest body part. Young snakes feed weekly, adults every 1–2 weeks, using frozen-thawed rodents for safety.
Amphibians like motion-driven live prey: crickets, small roaches, and worms. Many frogs need very small prey — think 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch depending on species. Keep prey humid and fresh, and avoid overly dry freeze-dried options unless rehydrated properly.
Turtles and tortoises vary widely: tortoises lean heavily on grasses and leafy greens, while aquatic turtles eat more protein like fish and pellets. For land tortoises, offer chopped greens in pieces about 1/2 inch to 1 inch and high-fiber, low-protein commercial diets as supplements.
Feeding isn’t a one-size-fits-all activity. Juveniles need more frequent, calorie-dense meals; adults eat less often. Observe body condition: a healthy reptile should have a rounded, not sunken, body. Use small, frequent feedings for young animals and adjust quantities by eye while tracking weight in ounces or pounds, especially for snakes and large reptiles.
Not all brands are created equal. Look for companies that publish ingredient lists, calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, and feeding guidelines. Brands like Zoo Med, Repashy, Exo Terra, and Fluker’s have a track record. For live feeders, suppliers with fast shipping and clear husbandry guidelines produce healthier insects and roaches.
You don’t need to buy every premium product, but skimping on basics can cost you later. Save on bulk staples like dry pellets or freeze-dried insects if you have secure storage and good rotation practices. Splurge on high-quality live feeders, UVB lighting, and trusted supplements — these directly affect long-term health and can prevent expensive vet visits.
Storage matters. Keep dry foods in airtight containers to avoid pests and moisture; store frozen prey at consistent temperatures and use within manufacturer timelines. Live feeders should be kept in ventilated containers with proper food and humidity. Label boxes with purchase dates in inches or ounces of weight capacity if you’re stocking up.
Combine convenience stores for emergencies with specialist shops for long-term nutrition. Use Petco or PetSmart for quick runs, Chewy and Amazon for supplies and repeat orders, and LLLReptile or Underground Reptiles for high-quality live feeders and in-depth options. That combo keeps your pets well-fed without sacrificing health.
Avoid feeding prey that’s too large, skipping supplementation, and relying solely on freeze-dried foods. Don’t assume a product is balanced because it’s labeled “natural.” Read ingredient lists, compare calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, and check for added vitamins — these details separate good diets from potentially harmful ones.
Choosing the right reptile and amphibian food is a balancing act of species needs, budget, and reliability of suppliers. Whether you swing by Petco for a last-minute bag, order specialty diets from Chewy, or source premium live feeders from Underground Reptiles, prioritize nutrition and safe handling. With the right food, supplements, and feeding routine, your scaly or slimy friend will be active, healthy, and full of personality — and that’s what makes the hobby so rewarding.
| Reptile & Amphibian Food | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Aquatic Turtle Uvb & Heat Lighting Kit | $ 65,- |
