About feeding a crested gecko
Crested geckos are arboreal geckos that became hugely popular partly because they can thrive on a powdered complete diet — no live insects strictly required. That convenience is real, but portioning and supplementing insects for variety still matter.
How much should a crested gecko eat?
Reptile feeding depends far more on life stage and diet ratio than on a single calorie number. The schedule below shows how the insect-to-plant ratio and feeding frequency change as the animal grows.
| Life stage | Diet ratio & feeding frequency |
|---|---|
| Hatchling / baby (under 10g) | Feed CGD daily, plus insects 2× per week |
| Juvenile (10–25g) | CGD every other day, insects 2–3× per week |
| Adult (25g+) | CGD 3× per week, insects 1–2× per week |
What to feed
Crested geckos are omnivores fed primarily a commercial complete crested gecko diet (CGD) mixed with water, supplemented with occasional gut-loaded, calcium-dusted insects and a little fruit. A quality CGD alone can meet their needs, which is why they're so beginner-friendly.
How often to feed
Fresh CGD is offered every one to two days (removed before it spoils), with insects offered once or twice a week as enrichment for those who provide them. Juveniles eat more frequently than adults.
Common feeding mistakes
- Letting CGD sit and spoil in a humid enclosure.
- Feeding baby food or fruit as a staple instead of complete CGD.
- Insects too large or fed without calcium dusting.
- Overfeeding fruit, which is high in sugar.
Weight & health
Crested geckos can become obese on overly rich diets or too many insects, and can develop metabolic bone disease if fed unbalanced homemade diets without calcium. Sticking to a complete CGD prevents most problems.
Frequently asked questions
What do crested geckos eat?
Primarily a commercial complete crested gecko diet (CGD) mixed with water, plus occasional calcium-dusted insects and small amounts of fruit. A good CGD can be the sole diet.
How often should I feed a crested gecko?
Offer fresh CGD every one to two days, removing it before it spoils. Insects can be given once or twice a week as enrichment.
Do crested geckos need live insects?
Not strictly — a complete CGD meets their nutritional needs. Many keepers still offer occasional gut-loaded, calcium-dusted insects for variety and enrichment.
Can crested geckos eat baby food or fruit?
Only as an occasional treat. Fruit and baby food are too sugary and unbalanced to be a staple; a formulated CGD should be the base of the diet.