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Crested geckos thrive on a combination of insect protein, veggies, and fruits that mimic their natural diets. But finding out exactly what they can have is a bit more challenging, especially when it comes to fruit.
The best fruits for crested geckos are figs, apricots, apples, and papaya, among others. Find out the full list of fruits that are good for your crested gecko, as well as some that you should avoid.
The 9 Fruits Crested Geckos Can Eat
The majority of the crested gecko’s diet should come from insect protein and some veggies, but fruits are a good occasional treat and source of essential vitamins and minerals.
- Mango
- Banana
- Fig
- Apricot
- Watermelon
- Apple
- Strawberry
- Plum
- Blueberries
You can mash up these fruits to put them in your gecko’s food dish, rather than feeding larger pieces that can result in choking. The general rule is to keep fruit pieces smaller than the space between your gecko’s eyes, but the smaller, the better.
The Worst Fruits for Crested Geckos
Disproportionate Calcium-to-Phosphorous Ratio
Crested geckos thrive on fruits with a wide calcium-to-phosphorous ratio. Nectarines, for example, have a disproportionate amount of phosphorous to calcium, which makes them unsuitable for geckos.
If you give your gecko too much phosphorous, it can impact their mineral balance. They need a good ratio of calcium or phosphorous in foods, or else their body will draw from the calcium in their bones. This can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease, a condition that weakens the bones and makes geckos more prone to getting fractures.
Though juveniles are more likely to get Metabolic Bone Disease, it can occur at any age with improper diet.
Fruits that are high in phosphorous include currants, avocado, nectarine, blackberry, peach, jackfruit, grapes, grapefruit, mango, and orange. Citrus fruits and banana also limit calcium intake and should be avoided.
Fruits With Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is safe in small doses, but too much can harm your gecko. It’s found in vegetables like spinach and fruits like raspberries and dates, as well as citrus fruits, so it’s easy to accidentally overdo it.
Pre-Mixed Fruit
If you prefer to play it safe, you can limit fruit intake and use a pre-mixed food to supplement your gecko’s meal. Fruit mix or fruit mix with insects will have a proper balance for your crested gecko and some added vitamins and minerals, taking guesswork out of the equation.
Be sure to thoroughly evaluate any pre-mixed food options and check ingredients and reviews before giving it to your gecko, however.
Crested geckos, like other exotic reptiles, have only been kept as pets for a few decades. They don’t have standard commercial diets like dogs, cats, and livestock, and keepers and breeders often disagree about care information.
If you have any doubts about safe foods for your crested gecko, speak to your vet.
Conclusion
Crested geckos are easy pets to care for and a favorite for both beginner keepers and veterans alike. Though their diet should be mostly appropriate insects and veggies, you can add a little fruit to the mix to provide additional vitamins and minerals and a treat. The fruits listed here are generally safe for geckos in small portions, though you should always check with your vet.
Featured Image Credit: Jeff McGraw, Shutterstock
