Mealworms are a commonly fed insect to many pet owners, but they should only be used occasionally. Mealworms contain high levels of fat and calcium and have a hard exoskeleton (made from chitin), which could lead to impaction in the digestive tract.
Instead, provide crested geckos with a balanced diet that includes live insects and fruits. Doing so will help them grow properly and prevent obesity.
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Commercial Food
Commercial gecko diets are an excellent choice for cresties since they come in powdered form that you simply add water to. Some even contain vegetables to make it a complete food mix for your pet.
Fruits are an important food source for crested geckos, accounting for 60% to 70% of their diet. However, it should be noted that not all fruits are suitable; pits, large seeds and skins should all be removed prior to feeding your pet.
Mealworms are a popular treat for crested geckos, but should only be offered as a treat. Mealworms contain high amounts of fat and have an indigestible exoskeleton that may prove challenging to digest for your pet.
If you decide to feed mealworms to your pet gecko, they should be kept in a temperature-controlled container at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. They also need access to light and ventilation through ventilation so that mold or fungi cannot grow on them.
Live Insects
Some reptile owners may be reluctant to feed live insects as mealworms for crested geckos, but they do have a role in maintaining a healthy diet. Feed two or three times a week along with calcium supplement dusting and Vitamin D3 powder supplement, these pests can make all the difference for your reptile’s wellbeing.
When feeding your crested gecko a daily diet, it is important to provide him with various fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, and grapes.
Fruits are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is vital for your pet’s wellbeing. However, be wary of citrus-citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines as these contain high amounts of oxalic acid which could prove hazardous to a gecko’s wellbeing.
If you decide to feed your pet live insects, make sure they are only wild-caught and that you know their expiration date. Otherwise, the insects could be contaminated with pesticides or other hazardous chemicals which could be toxic for your pet.
Dried Insects
Feeding your crested gecko dried insects may seem tempting, but it could pose health risks. Dried insects are less nutritionally dense than live ones and much tougher for your lizard to chew through.
Dried mealworms are especially detrimental for your lizard, since they cannot be chewed properly. Furthermore, dried insects are difficult for geckos to swallow and may lead to digestive issues.
If you’re uncertain of which insects your gecko should consume, consult with your veterinarian. They can provide customized recommendations tailored to meet the individual needs of your pet.
One of the best bugs for feeding your crested gecko is dubia roaches, which can serve as both a staple and treat. Dubia roaches make excellent primary food too as they’re highly nutritious and low in fat. You could also try nutrigrubs, super worms, mealworms or silkworms as more protein-rich alternatives; silkworms also provide plenty of protein that should be fed several times a week.
Other Foods
One of the best and cheapest sources of insect prey for your crested gecko is crickets. While these are a staple in most pet store insect diets, you can also try super worms, Phoenix worms, mealworms, wax worms or silkworms to supplement their cricket intake.
Maintaining your crested gecko’s health and happiness requires feeding them insects as a main component of their diet. Insects should make up at least 85% of their food, with the remainder coming from fresh fruits and vegetables.
Some crested geckos enjoy eating a variety of fruits, such as mangos, raspberries, pears, peaches, nectarines, apples, kiwis and bananas. These are high in vitamin C which provides antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Be sure to remove the skins or seeds before feeding these items to your gecko for maximum nutritional value.
