For your animal s comfort and maximum health a completely balanced diet is recommended. Insects tend to work for young crocodilians. They can be found at pet stores or acquired outside in pesticide-free areas. Be warned that the hard shells of certain insects may damage the sensitive digestive organs of young alligators and caimans. Finely chopped or ground prey items also work for juveniles.
Feed is available commercially.
If you are considering offering live animals to your pet alligator consider their relative size as they will put up a fight to avoid being eaten. In terms of the physical feeding several things need to be considered. Caimans and alligators are quite capable outrunning horses for short distances, jumping, and worst of all mistaking a hand as being part of the food it holds. Feeding time is the single most dangerous, mostly due to human error. Depending on your set up and your pet's disposition you will need to make adjustments accordingly.