{"id":11596,"date":"2026-02-20T09:06:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T09:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spiderzoon.com\/animals\/?p=11596"},"modified":"2026-02-20T09:06:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T09:06:10","slug":"what-do-crested-geckos-eat-complete-feeding-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spiderzoon.com\/animals\/what-do-crested-geckos-eat-complete-feeding-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"What Do Crested Geckos Eat? Complete Feeding Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Crested geckos are one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world\u2014and for good reason. They\u2019re hardy, relatively low-maintenance, and incredibly charming. But one of the most important aspects of keeping a crested gecko healthy is proper nutrition. If you\u2019re wondering what crested geckos eat, this complete guide covers everything you need to know, from commercial diets to live insects and feeding schedules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Do Crested Geckos Eat in the Wild?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) are native to New Caledonia, a group of islands in the South Pacific. In the wild, they are omnivores<\/strong>, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their natural diet typically includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Soft fruits
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Nectar
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Pollen
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Insects
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Small invertebrates
    <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    They are opportunistic feeders and consume what\u2019s available in their environment. This varied diet is important because it provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Captive diets aim to replicate this natural nutritional balance as closely as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Best Food for Pet Crested Geckos<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    In captivity, crested geckos thrive on a combination of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Commercial crested gecko diet (CGD)<\/strong>
      <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Live insects<\/strong>
      <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Occasional fresh fruit (as a treat)<\/strong>
      <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Let\u2019s break down each category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Commercial Crested Gecko Diet (CGD)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      For most owners, high-quality commercial crested gecko diet powder is the foundation of proper nutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Why It\u2019s Recommended<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Commercial diets are specially formulated to provide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Balanced protein
        <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Essential vitamins and minerals
        <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio
        <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Fruit-based carbohydrates
        <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        These powdered diets are mixed with water to create a smoothie-like consistency. They are designed to be a complete food source, meaning your gecko can live a healthy life eating primarily this diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How to Prepare It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • Mix powder with water (usually 1 part powder to 2 parts water).
          <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Aim for a ketchup-like consistency.
          <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
          <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Replace uneaten food after 24 hours.
          <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Most adult crested geckos should be fed CGD every 2\u20133 days<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Live Insects for Crested Geckos<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
          \"Live<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Although commercial diets are complete, feeding live insects provides enrichment and additional protein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Safe Insects to Feed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • Crickets
            <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Dubia roaches
            <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Black soldier fly larvae
            <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Mealworms (occasionally)
            <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Silkworms
            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Insects should be appropriately sized\u2014generally no larger than the space between your gecko\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Gut-Loading and Dusting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Before feeding insects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            1. Gut-load<\/strong> them with nutritious foods for 24 hours.
              <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Dust<\/strong> them lightly with calcium powder (with or without vitamin D3 depending on your UVB setup).
              <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              This ensures your gecko gets essential nutrients, especially calcium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              How Often to Feed Insects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              • Juveniles: 2\u20133 times per week
                <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Adults: 1\u20132 times per week
                <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                If your gecko eats insects, you can slightly reduce CGD frequency but never eliminate it entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Can Crested Geckos Eat Fruit?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                \"Can<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Yes\u2014but fruit should only be an occasional treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                In the wild, crested geckos consume ripe fruit. However, too much fruit in captivity can cause nutritional imbalance due to high sugar content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Safe Fruits (Mashed or Pureed)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                • Mango
                  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Papaya
                  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Banana (sparingly)
                  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Peach
                  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Apricot
                  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Figs
                  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Fruits to Avoid<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                  • Citrus fruits (too acidic)
                    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Avocado (toxic)
                    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Rhubarb
                    <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Offer fruit no more than once every 1\u20132 weeks<\/strong>, and only in small amounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Feeding Schedule by Age<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    Crested geckos have different nutritional needs depending on their age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Hatchlings (0\u20136 months)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                      \n
                    • Feed CGD daily
                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Offer small insects 2\u20133 times per week
                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Ensure frequent calcium supplementation
                      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Juveniles (6\u201312 months)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      • Feed CGD every other day
                        <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Offer insects 2\u20133 times per week
                        <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        Adults (12+ months)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                          \n
                        • Feed CGD every 2\u20133 days
                          <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Offer insects 1\u20132 times per week
                          <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                          Monitor weight and body condition regularly. A healthy gecko has a plump tail base and good muscle tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Do Crested Geckos Need Supplements?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          If you use a high-quality commercial diet, most vitamin and mineral needs are already covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          However:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          • Calcium dusting<\/strong> is essential when feeding insects.
                            <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • If you do not provide UVB lighting, you may need calcium with vitamin D3.
                            <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • With UVB lighting, use calcium without D3 to avoid overdosing.
                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            Always avoid over-supplementation, as too much vitamin D3 or calcium can be harmful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Foods Crested Geckos Should Never Eat<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                            \"Foods<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            Some foods are dangerous or unsuitable for crested geckos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Avoid:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            • Wild-caught insects (may carry pesticides or parasites)
                              <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Fireflies (toxic)
                              <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Citrus fruits
                              <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Avocado
                              <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Dairy products
                              <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Processed human foods
                              <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Dog or cat food
                              <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                              Stick to reptile-safe foods and commercially prepared diets for safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Hydration and Water Needs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              Crested geckos don\u2019t usually drink from water bowls. Instead, they lick water droplets from leaves and enclosure walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              To keep them hydrated:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \n
                              • Mist the enclosure once or twice daily.
                                <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Provide a shallow water dish as backup.
                                <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Maintain humidity between 50\u201370%.
                                <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                Proper hydration supports digestion and overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Signs of Nutritional Problems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                Poor diet can lead to health issues such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                Caused by calcium deficiency. Symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n
                                • Soft jaw
                                  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Weak limbs
                                  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Tremors
                                  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Difficulty climbing
                                  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                  Obesity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  Overfeeding insects or fruit can lead to excessive weight gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Malnutrition<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  Signs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \n
                                  • Thin tail
                                    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Lethargy
                                    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Poor shedding
                                    <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                    If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a reptile veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Tips for Encouraging a Picky Eater<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                    \"Tips<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    Some crested geckos can be selective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Try these strategies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \n
                                    • Offer food at night (they are nocturnal).
                                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Rotate between flavors of CGD.
                                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Warm the food slightly (room temperature only).
                                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Reduce handling during feeding days.
                                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Try tong-feeding insects for stimulation.
                                      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                      Patience is key\u2014avoid constantly switching diets too quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      Can crested geckos live without insects?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      Yes, they can live on a high-quality commercial crested gecko diet alone. However, insects provide enrichment and extra protein, which can improve growth and activity levels. While not strictly required, occasional insects are highly recommended for optimal health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      How often should I feed my crested gecko?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      Hatchlings should eat daily, juveniles every other day, and adults every 2\u20133 days. Insects can be offered 1\u20133 times per week depending on age. Always monitor body condition and adjust feeding frequency accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Can crested geckos eat mealworms?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      They can eat mealworms occasionally, but they are not ideal as a staple insect. Mealworms have a harder exoskeleton and higher fat content. Offer them sparingly and ensure they are properly gut-loaded and dusted with calcium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Do crested geckos need water bowls?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      While they primarily drink from misted surfaces, a shallow water dish is still recommended. It acts as a backup hydration source and helps maintain enclosure humidity. Fresh water should be available at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Is fruit necessary in their diet?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      Fruit is not necessary if you are feeding a complete commercial diet. It can be offered occasionally as a treat but should not replace balanced gecko food. Too much fruit can lead to excess sugar intake and nutritional imbalance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                      Crested geckos are one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world\u2014and for good reason. They\u2019re hardy, relatively low-maintenance, and incredibly charming. But one of the most important aspects of keeping a crested gecko healthy is proper nutrition. If you\u2019re wondering what crested geckos eat, this complete guide covers everything you need to know,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11641,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11596","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gecko"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/spiderzoon.com\/animals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11596","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/spiderzoon.com\/animals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/spiderzoon.com\/animals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spiderzoon.com\/animals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spiderzoon.com\/animals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11596"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/spiderzoon.com\/animals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11596\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11647,"href":"https:\/\/spiderzoon.com\/animals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11596\/revisions\/11647"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spiderzoon.com\/animals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11641"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/spiderzoon.com\/animals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11596"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spiderzoon.com\/animals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11596"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spiderzoon.com\/animals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11596"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}