Crested geckos are frugivores and can be fed a variety of live foods as part of their diet. Fruits are especially popular as they provide essential vitamins, minerals and fiber.
On average, two servings of fruits should be provided per week. Avoid feeding whole fruits as these are too large for crested geckos to chew and digest; instead, offer them in small pieces, mashed or blended form.
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Feeder Insects
Feeder insects make an excellent addition to a crested gecko’s diet. Not only do they provide essential protein, but they can also aid in increasing growth rates among young geckos and fatten up thin creatures as well.
Crickets are the most common feeder insect for crested geckos. Not only are they affordable and accessible at most pet stores, but make sure the crickets you offer are small enough for your gecko to eat – no larger than the space between their eyes.
Mealworms are another option to consider as they’re high in fat and an excellent source of calcium. While mealworms can be fed as a treat, it should be blended with other foods to prevent intestinal impaction.
Waxworms make an excellent treat for crested geckos, but should only be given as a treat. Since these insects contain high fat levels and may be difficult to digest, cresties should be given a calcium supplement in order to correct their calcium:phosphorus ratio.
Mealworms
Mealworms are an essential food for crested geckos as they provide them with essential protein and fat. Feed them once or twice a month for optimal health benefits.
Mealworms, along with crickets and roaches, make for a nutritious addition to your gecko’s diet. They come in various sizes so you can easily find one that meets their specific requirements.
They should be dusted with calcium powder to provide your gecko with essential nutrients for digestion. You can also offer them alongside other foods like fruit or veggies to ensure your gecko receives a well-rounded diet.
Mealworms should never be given as a primary feeder for your crested gecko, as their larvae can cause serious issues. Once fully grown, mealworms produce benzoquinone which is toxic to crested gecko.
Waxworms
Crested geckos are a popular pet reptile due to their relatively easy care requirements and docile personality. In the wild, these reptiles eat various fruits and insects; thus, many keepers opt for feeding their pets an equivalent diet.
Crested geckos typically feed on crickets and roaches, but can also be offered other insects from time to time. Phoenix worms, super worms, mealworms and waxworms are all acceptable foods you can provide your gecko with.
However, they should only be fed once or twice a month as they are high in fat and not particularly nutritious. Be sure to provide your crested gecko with live worms rather than dried or dead ones.
Commercial Diets
Commercial diets are tailored to your crested gecko’s dietary needs and available from Repashy and Pangea. These menus range from soft fruit-based recipes to more complex protein-enriched formulas.
Crested geckos in the wild feed on insects and other arthropods for protein. To provide their pets with a diverse diet of nutrients, many crested gecko keepers provide feeder insects of various kinds to ensure they get an array of proteins.
Crickets are a widely beloved feeder insect and contain high levels of protein. Unfortunately, they can be difficult to manage so some pet owners may opt to forgo them altogether.
Mealworms are a popular feeder insect, but should only be given in small amounts and blended. Mealworms have an exoskeleton which makes them difficult for geckos to digest; furthermore, mealworms have the potential for impaction so should only be fed occasionally throughout the month.
