What to Feed Crested Geckos: A Culinary Adventure for Your Tiny Dinosaur

What to Feed Crested Geckos: A Culinary Adventure for Your Tiny Dinosaur

Crested geckos, those adorable little reptiles with their eyelash-like crests and expressive eyes, have become increasingly popular pets. But when it comes to feeding these tiny dinosaurs, many owners find themselves in a culinary conundrum. What exactly should you feed your crested gecko to ensure it thrives? Let’s embark on a gastronomic journey to uncover the secrets of a balanced crested gecko diet, while also exploring some whimsical and slightly offbeat ideas that might just make your gecko the most sophisticated diner in the reptile world.

The Basics: A Balanced Diet for Crested Geckos

Crested geckos are omnivores, which means they enjoy a varied diet of both plant and animal matter. In the wild, they feast on a mix of fruits, insects, and even the occasional small vertebrate. In captivity, replicating this diet is key to keeping your gecko healthy and happy.

1. Commercial Crested Gecko Diets

The foundation of any crested gecko’s diet should be a high-quality commercial crested gecko food. These powdered diets are specifically formulated to provide all the essential nutrients your gecko needs. Simply mix the powder with water to create a smooth, pudding-like consistency, and serve it in a shallow dish. Brands like Repashy and Pangea are highly recommended by reptile enthusiasts.

2. Fresh Fruits

While commercial diets are convenient, fresh fruits can be a delightful treat for your crested gecko. Offer small pieces of soft fruits like bananas, papayas, mangoes, and peaches. Avoid citrus fruits and anything with a high oxalate content, such as spinach, as these can interfere with calcium absorption.

3. Insects: The Protein Powerhouse

Insects are an excellent source of protein for crested geckos. Crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms are popular choices. However, it’s important to gut-load the insects (feed them nutritious foods) before offering them to your gecko, and to dust them with a calcium supplement to ensure your pet gets the necessary nutrients.

The Gourmet Experience: Elevating Your Gecko’s Diet

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some more creative and slightly unconventional feeding ideas that could turn your gecko’s mealtime into a gourmet experience.

1. Fruit Smoothies for Geckos

Why not blend up a fruit smoothie for your crested gecko? Mix together some of their favorite fruits with a bit of water or commercial gecko diet to create a nutrient-packed drink. Serve it in a shallow dish or even a tiny gecko-sized bowl for a touch of elegance.

2. Insect Sushi Rolls

For a fun twist, try making insect sushi rolls for your gecko. Use a small piece of fruit as the “rice” and wrap it around a gut-loaded cricket or roach. Not only is this a creative way to present their food, but it also encourages natural foraging behaviors.

3. Gecko Salad Bar

Create a mini salad bar for your crested gecko by offering a variety of chopped fruits and vegetables. Include options like diced strawberries, shredded carrots, and small pieces of leafy greens. This allows your gecko to pick and choose their favorites, making mealtime more engaging.

4. Seasonal Treats

Just like humans, crested geckos can enjoy seasonal treats. In the fall, offer small pieces of pumpkin or squash. During the summer, try watermelon or cantaloupe. These seasonal fruits can add variety to your gecko’s diet and keep them excited about mealtime.

The Importance of Hydration

While we’re on the topic of food, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of hydration. Crested geckos get most of their water from their food, but it’s still essential to provide a shallow dish of fresh water at all times. You can also mist their enclosure daily to maintain humidity and allow them to drink water droplets from the leaves.

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when feeding your crested gecko. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Overfeeding

Crested geckos have small stomachs and can easily become overweight if overfed. Stick to a feeding schedule of 3-4 times a week for adults, and daily for juveniles.

2. Ignoring Calcium and Vitamin Supplements

Calcium and vitamin D3 are crucial for bone health. Make sure to dust insects with a calcium supplement and consider using a UVB light to help your gecko synthesize vitamin D3.

3. Offering Inappropriate Foods

Avoid feeding your crested gecko foods that are high in oxalates, such as spinach, or foods that are toxic to reptiles, like avocado. Stick to safe, gecko-friendly options.

Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure Awaits

Feeding your crested gecko doesn’t have to be a mundane task. By offering a variety of foods, from commercial diets to fresh fruits and insects, you can create a culinary adventure that keeps your gecko healthy and entertained. And who knows? With a little creativity, you might just discover that your crested gecko has a refined palate and a taste for the finer things in life.


Q: Can crested geckos eat vegetables? A: While crested geckos primarily enjoy fruits, they can occasionally eat small amounts of soft vegetables like carrots or squash. However, vegetables should not make up a significant portion of their diet.

Q: How often should I feed my crested gecko insects? A: Insects should be offered as a supplement to their diet, about 1-2 times a week for adults. Juveniles can be fed insects more frequently, up to 3-4 times a week.

Q: Is it safe to feed my crested gecko wild-caught insects? A: It’s generally not recommended to feed wild-caught insects to your crested gecko, as they may carry parasites or pesticides. Stick to commercially bred insects that are safe for reptile consumption.

Q: Can crested geckos eat baby food? A: While some owners use baby food as an occasional treat, it’s not a suitable replacement for a balanced crested gecko diet. Baby food often contains added sugars and preservatives that are not ideal for your gecko’s health.

Q: How do I know if my crested gecko is eating enough? A: Monitor your gecko’s weight and overall health. A healthy crested gecko should have a plump tail and be active and alert. If you’re concerned about their eating habits, consult a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles.