🍽️ Introduction
Feeding your crested gecko the right diet is essential for its growth, energy, and longevity. These unique reptiles are omnivorous and thrive on a balanced combination of commercial diets, fruits, and occasional insects. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from meal frequency to the best foods available.
🥣 What Do Crested Geckos Eat?
Crested geckos primarily eat:
- Commercial powdered diets (Pangea, Repashy, etc.)
- Fruits like mashed mango, banana, and papaya
- Insects like crickets or small dubia roaches (as treats)
✅ Tip: Powdered diets are complete and should form the base of their meals.
🕒 Feeding Frequency
Juvenile (0–6 months):
- Every day: powdered diet + occasional insects
Adult (6+ months):
- 3–4 times per week: powdered diet
- 1–2 times per week: small amount of insects or fruit
💡 Avoid overfeeding insects—too many can cause nutritional imbalance or obesity.
🧃 Preparing Powdered Gecko Diet
Most powdered diets require mixing with water at a ratio of 2:1 (powder:water).
Steps:
- Use a small bottle cap or feeder bowl
- Mix enough for one serving
- Replace uneaten food every 24 hours
🔄 You can refrigerate leftovers for 2–3 days, but always use fresh if possible.
🐛 Should You Feed Insects?
Yes—but sparingly. Insects provide protein and enrichment.
Best Options:
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Waxworms (high fat – treat only)
👉 Always gut-load insects 24 hours before feeding and dust with calcium powder.
🍌 Can You Feed Fruit?
Yes—but make it an occasional treat.
Gecko-safe fruits:
- Mango
- Papaya
- Banana
- Watermelon
- Figs
Avoid citrus fruits (acidic), grapes (oxalates), and fruit with seeds.
🧂 Supplements: Calcium and D3
Reptiles need calcium and vitamin D3 for bone health and proper shedding.
- Use calcium with D3 1–2 times a week
- If using UVB lighting, alternate with calcium without D3
🧽 Feeding Tips & Hygiene
- Feed during the evening or night (crested geckos are nocturnal)
- Always provide fresh water in a shallow dish
- Clean food bowls daily
- Use feeding ledges to encourage natural climbing behavior
❌ What NOT to Feed
- Insects from outside
- Baby food (often contains additives)
- Dog/cat food
- Human vitamins
- Meat or dairy
🧾 Feeding Checklist
✅ Commercial powdered diet
✅ Optional fruit and insects
✅ Calcium and D3 supplement
✅ Feeding bowl or ledge
✅ Water dish
✅ Evening feeding routine
🐾 Conclusion
Crested geckos are low-maintenance eaters when fed properly. Stick with high-quality powdered diets, supplement with occasional treats, and maintain clean feeding habits. A healthy gecko is a happy gecko!