Many owners of crested geckos opt for commercial crested gecko diets which have already been prepared and are ready for consumption, usually consisting of crushed and powdered feeder insects and fruits.
These include peaches, mangos, kiwis and strawberries – be sure to remove any fruit seeds as these could lead to impaction in crested geckos.
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Crickets
Crested geckos are omnivorous animals that require both protein and fruits for sustenance, so the best way to feed your crested gecko is using one of the many commercial crested gecko diets sold at most pet stores. These pre-mixed diets just need water added; their unique formula contains both feeder insects and fruits for maximum moisture.
Dubia roaches are a popular feeder insect option because of their high protein and low-fat content, and easy availability in most pet stores. Plus, they’re great alternatives to crickets which may carry parasites!
Other feeder insects you can give your crested gecko are hornworms, superworms, nutrigrubs and wax worms; however, be wary not to overfeed – too many insects could lead to digestive tract issues for the gecko and may not contain enough nutrition for its proper development and growth.
Mealworms
Crested geckos are omnivorous in nature but supplement their diet with fruit and feeder insects such as dubia roaches. Feeding your crested gecko a commercial crested gecko diet will ensure they receive all of the essential vitamins and minerals, but adding live food should only be done occasionally and within reason.
Crickets can be messy since they move around freely and any un-eaten portions can begin to smell quickly, while mealworms offer less messiness while still providing your crested gecko with ample protein sources. You may even be able to find precooked insect mixes at your local pet store that make feeding live insects much simpler for both of you!
Always wash any fruits that you feed to your crested gecko, as these could contain pesticides or compounds harmful to their health, such as oxalic acid. Give them an assortment of fruit such as mango (peel first!), bananas, kiwis, papayas and pears as healthy options.
Superworms
Beetle larvae are popularly fed to reptiles as food because they’re easy to keep, inexpensive and rich in nutrition. Crested geckos in particular will benefit from these foods because calcium levels increase. Unfortunately, due to their hard exoskeleton they should not be considered an everyday source of nutrition; only used occasionally.
Crestened geckos find mealworms an enjoyable supplement and should enjoy eating them, but their presence should not be used as a meal replacement solution; feeding too frequently increases their risk for obesity and its related health issues.
If you decide to feed superworms, be sure to gut load them like any other feeder insect before feeding – this will increase their nutrition and prevent digestive upsets or any health problems from arising. Mealworms are much easier than superworms to gut load; simply combine fresh fruits, veggies, oats and bran for best results.
Fruits
Crested geckos are frugivores and should rely on fruits like mangoes, peaches, berries, apples, and pears as part of their diet. Give these treats at least once every week: either whole (sans skins), cut into bite-size pieces, or mashed in a shallow food dish.
Avoid fruits high in vitamin C or oxalic acid as too much of these may lead to diarrhea and calcium deficiency in dogs. Other fruits you could offer as treats include bananas, papayas, figs and pomegranates.
If you don’t want the hassle and mess associated with feeding live insects and worms to your crested gecko, there are various commercially prepared diet mixes designed specifically to meet his or her dietary needs. Many pet stores and online retailers carry them; you can even find single-serve cups such as Exo Terra Crestie Mix with both insects and fruits that don’t require mixing!
