Crested geckos must be fed a variety of fruits, vegetables and insects for proper development. Zoo Med’s repashy crested gecko food can be fed both wet and dry and contains high amounts of calcium from black solider fly larvae and pea protein as well as probiotics for digestive health and paprika for color enhancement.
Contents
Fruits
Crested geckos are frugivorous reptiles, meaning they feed on fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals. You can provide your crested with homemade purees as needed or commercial diets like Pangea or Repashy; homemade purees should not exceed once every month due to citric acid/added sugar preservation practices that could harm their health.
Avoid feeding your crestie citrus fruit as its acidity makes digestion too acidic for them, and may contain oxalic acid which binds calcium absorption. Furthermore, ensure that any pits or large seeds from fruits like apples and berries have been removed prior to offering them to your crestie.
Zoo Med’s complete crested gecko food called Mulberry Madness features an irresistibly tropical mango flavor and provides your crestie with all of their nutritional needs, meeting both day and southwestern crested gecko needs. In addition, this product contains freeze dried crickets for gut loading – an important source of protein! This product can also help ensure optimal herp health!
Vegetables
Crested geckos in the wild tend to feed themselves whatever food sources they can find; but as pet owners we can regulate their diets to keep our gecko friends healthy and safe.
Fruit can be high in sugar content, yet still provide essential nutrition and moisture for their skin and gut. Bananas are especially great as they are soft enough for young crested geckos to easily chew and digest – try offering whole slices or blended into smoothies!
Avoid foods high in oxalic acid, which bind to calcium and prevent its absorption, such as figs, berries and plums.
Commercial crested gecko food mixes offer an ideal alternative to fresh fruits and vegetables for crested gecko species, with two of the most reputable being Pangea and Repashy; both brands boast excellent reviews from crested gecko owners alike. Some mixes feature both insects and vegetation while others focus more exclusively on fruits or vegetables.
Insects
Crested geckos thrive when fed insects that contain high moisture content and protein while being low in fat content, such as dubia roaches. However, to ensure your crested gets all of its necessary nutrition it’s essential that you provide various feeder insects.
Pet stores typically carry commercial crested gecko diets that are premixed and ready-to-feed, often consisting of powdered feeder insects and fruits combined with additional supplements like vitamins and minerals.
Pangea and Repashy are two premade crested gecko diets trusted by owners. Both contain ample amounts of protein and fat while differing slightly in terms of the amount of whey and egg proteins they provide.
Treats
Crested geckos are opportunistic feeders in nature and may take advantage of opportunities that present themselves to them in terms of eating something less-than-nutritious; that’s why it is crucial to offer them fruits and vegetables that provide balanced nutrition for maximum success.
Avoid foods containing excessive sugar or preservatives. Furthermore, citrus fruit should also be avoided due to its high content of oxalic acid which is harmful for reptiles.
Some pet owners make fruit smoothies using yogurt and fruit. If this is your choice, be sure to only use organic, unsweetened yogurt.
If you don’t feel up to cutting and mixing their food yourself, there are various commercial crested gecko diets you can choose from. Repashy and Pangea produce professionally formulated crested gecko foods which make feeding your gecko easy – these foods typically include insects and vegetables with added calcium as well as various supplements – coming in flavors such as Banana/Papaya/Watermelons / Mangos!
