🦎 Introduction
One of the biggest questions for new Crested Gecko owners is:
❓ “What do they eat, and how often?”
Good news: Crested Geckos are among the easiest reptiles to feed. They thrive on a commercial powdered diet (CGD) and only need live insects as an occasional treat.
This guide covers:
- What to feed
- When and how often
- Best brands of CGD
- How to supplement insects
- Feeding tips for picky eaters
🥣 Main Diet: CGD (Crested Gecko Diet)
Crested Geckos don’t need insects every day.
Instead, they thrive on powdered diet formulas mixed with water into a fruit-smoothie texture.
✅ Top CGD Brands:
| Brand | Notes |
|---|---|
| Pangea | Most popular, great flavors |
| Repashy | High quality, vet-approved |
| Zoo Med | Budget-friendly starter option |
Mix 1 part powder to 2 parts water. Should be yogurt-like. Discard uneaten after 24 hours.
🍽️ Feeding Schedule
| Age | CGD Frequency | Insects Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchling–3 mo. | Daily | Optional (1–2x/week) |
| Juvenile (3–12 mo.) | Every 24–36h | 1–2x/week (dusted) |
| Adult (1 yr+) | Every 2–3 days | 1x/week or less (optional) |
🕗 Best time to feed: At night (geckos are nocturnal)
🐛 Insects as Treats (Optional but Enriching)
Insects aren’t essential, but they provide:
- Mental stimulation
- Protein boost
- Hunting activity
Safe Options:
- Crickets (gut-loaded)
- Dubia roaches
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Waxworms (high-fat, occasional only)
Always dust insects with calcium + D3 before feeding!
💊 Supplement Schedule
| Supplement | How Often |
|---|---|
| Calcium + D3 | Every time you offer insects |
| Multivitamin | 1x per week if feeding insects |
| No supplements? | OK if feeding only CGD |
🧊 Tips for Picky Eaters
- Try different CGD flavors (e.g., watermelon, fig, mango)
- Warm the diet slightly to release aroma
- Offer insects sparingly to avoid addiction
- Ensure tank temps are warm enough (low temps = slow appetite)
- Mist enclosure in the evening (hydration encourages eating)
🚫 Foods to Avoid
Never feed:
- Citrus fruits (too acidic)
- Baby food
- Wild-caught insects
- Cat or dog food
- Human snacks or sweets
🧼 Feeding Hygiene Tips
- Use shallow feeding cups
- Remove uneaten CGD within 24 hours
- Clean cups with hot water (no soap)
- Never reuse insect escapees
🐾 Conclusion
Feeding a Crested Gecko is easy, clean, and low-effort—no need for live crickets every night!
Just use a trusted powdered diet, sprinkle in occasional insects, and you’ll have a healthy, happy gecko that thrives for years.