Crested geckos are omnivores and require a diet rich in fruit. Additionally, they require protein from insects for survival, which can often be provided by these creatures.
Crested geckos can be given fruits, vegetables, insects, worms and other treats as a reward. While they don’t need to eat every day, it is recommended that they are fed at least three times a week.
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Fruits
Fruits provide an occasional treat for crested geckos and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Figs in particular are beneficial, as they contain sorbitol which aids calcium absorption by the gecko.
Figs are an excellent source of fiber and can aid your gecko’s digestive health. Offer them in small pieces several times a week as an addition to the usual insect diet.
Grapes can be an ideal food choice for your pet crested gecko, as they contain vitamin C and potassium which are important for their bone health. Unfortunately, too much grape intake over a prolonged period may lead to metabolic bone disease (MBD) in your gecko.
Other fruits to avoid include citrus fruit which contains oxalic acid which binds with calcium and prevents absorption into the body. Nectarines should also not be fed to your gecko as they have a high phosphorus ratio and should be given less frequently than fruits with a moderate or low Ca:P ratio.
Insects
Crested geckos are frugivores (fruit eaters). In the wild, they consume a wide range of fruits; in captivity they can also be fed different types of fruit.
Feeder insects are an integral part of most reptile diets. You can select from a wide range of insects for your crested gecko, but make sure that only small-sized creatures are used as this will reduce the risk of impaction.
Crickets are the go-to feeder insect for most gecko keepers. These bugs come in a variety of sizes and can be bought at most pet stores.
However, it’s essential to gut load the insects you choose before feeding them to your gecko. Doing this will guarantee that it gets all of the necessary nutrients from its insect meal.
Vegetables are another nutritious choice for your crested gecko’s diet. Vegetables provide essential calcium and vitamin C, so offer them three to four times a week as part of its meal.
Premixed Diets
A varied diet of fruits, veggies and insects can provide your crested gecko with a balanced nutritional blend. Some fruits can be mashed or blended into smoothie-like consistency while harder fruits like apples or pears must be cut or mash into small pieces that your crestie can easily chew.
Some keepers feed live crickets to their crested geckos, but these should only be offered a few times a week. Offering these insects helps diversify your crested gecko’s diet and encourages hunting behavior as well.
Commercial crested gecko diets come in powdered form and come with various flavors. Some, such as Repashy and Pangea, are specially formulated by gecko experts with essential vitamins, minerals and calcium for healthy bones, strong muscles and excellent egg production.
Baby Food
Geckos typically feed on insects, but fruit can also provide them with essential nutrition. Remember that geckos require approximately 50% insect protein in their diet and the remainder should come from fruit, vegetables or other plant matter.
To feed your crested gecko optimally, consider using a commercial food mix like Zoo Med or Pangea. These recipes are prepared with various fruits and include added calcium as well as probiotics for optimal growth.
Apples, peaches and kiwis make excellent occasional treats for your cresties. Just be sure to remove the seeds and thoroughly mash them with a fork before serving them to your pups.
