Crested geckos feed on an assortment of insects and fruit in the wild. Although earthworms may occasionally be consumed as food sources, this should not become their mainstay source.
Mealworms are easy to raise and can be easily found at many pet stores. Not only are they abundant sources of protein and minerals, they’re also an excellent food source that geckos love eating! Before giving them to them as food sources they can also be gut-loaded with various fruits and vegetables for further enrichment before feeding to geckos.
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They are high in protein
Crested geckos are omnivores and may switch between being frugivorous or feeding on various insects for nourishment, but for optimal growth it’s essential that their diet remains well-balanced. Mealworms contain high protein levels as a nutritious supplement for your crested gecko and contain essential vitamins and minerals – but remember not to overfeed; otherwise your crested gecko may develop gastrointestinal or impaction issues from eating too frequently.
These problems can be avoided by feeding your pet mealworms in moderation, which are available online from various suppliers. They should only be fed as treats.
Cresteed geckoes should only be fed mealworms on an occasional basis and not daily, since it is more important that their diet includes fruits, vegetables, and live insects. Commercial crested gecko die is available with multiple vitamins available for their wellbeing.
They are high in fat
Crested geckos should only receive mealworms occasionally due to their high fat content and hard exoskeleton, combined with their low moisture content which may lead to dehydration in your pet. Before offering to your crested gecko, mealworms should first be hydrated properly before dousing with supplements to ensure they get all of the essential vitamins they require for good health.
Mealworms can also burrow deep into substrate, making removal difficult. Furthermore, they produce slime which tastes offensive and depresses appetite in pets. When pupae or fully grown beetles emerge they produce chemicals which may be toxic to both people and animals alike.
Crested geckos in the wild feed on insects, nectar, fruits, and some vegetables; therefore they should be provided a similar diet in captivity. Worms or any insects with internal parasites should be avoided to ensure your pet maintains an appetite; otherwise veterinary help will likely be required for their treatment.
They are low in calcium
Mealworms contain a tough exoskeleton that may be hard for crested geckos to digest, leading to intestinal impaction that may be life-threatening and fatal for their pet. Furthermore, they contain high phosphorous levels while being low on calcium content which disturbs their normal calcium/phosphorous ratio in their diets.
Dust feeder insects with high-grade calcium powder to ensure fresh food remains available to crested geckos for 24 hours before needing to be dusted again. It may also be beneficial to provide them with fruits that contain vitamins C and A such as papaya or kiwi fruit as these will benefit them immensely.
Crested geckos in the wild consume insects and fruits, so their diet in captivity should emulate this natural balance. Instead of feeding dried mealworms that lack essential nutrition and can cause intestinal problems, offer your pet live prey, vitamin-rich fruits or even veggies such as squash or kale to ensure maximum health in captivity.
They are high in chitin
Crested geckos enjoy mealworms as treats, not as part of their regular diet. Mealworms contain hard exoskeletons made of chitin that may lead to digestive issues for crested geckos if fed too frequently; excessive ingestion could even cause impaction of their intestinal tracts. Earthworms, crickets and dubia roaches are safe options that contain less chitin.
Waxworms make an excellent alternative, providing protein, fat and calcium at high concentrations – but should only be fed once or twice every week to get maximum benefit from their nutrients.
A healthy crested gecko diet should consist of fruit, vegetables and feeder insects. Commercial foods are available that can be ready for feeding to your pet by simply adding water – perfect if you are short on time or have picky eaters!
