Do Geckos Eat Vegetables?
Geckos are incredibly interesting creatures, not just thanks to their adorable appearance their culture, but also thanks to their unique diet. While some of us may think of reptiles as being carnivorous, geckos are actually omnivores; meaning they both plant-based and animal-based foods.
What Plants Do Geckos Eat?
Geckos are mostly insectivores so they consume a wide variety of mainly insects, but they may also supplement that with small amounts of vegetation. Common vegetables that geckos eat include:
- Leafy greens: Examples of leafy greens that geckos may eat include lettuces, spinach, and kale.
- Fruits: Geckos may consume small amounts of soft, ripe fruits like apples, bananas, and strawberries.
- Vegatables: They may also eat a small selection of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and squash.
It’s important to be mindful of the amount and type of vegetables you provide for your gecko. Leafy greens tend to be the most beneficial since they are full of vital nutrients that help the creature thrive. Soft fruits and some cooked, soft vegetables should also make it into your reptile’s diet. However, most experts agree that these items should only make up a small part of your gecko’s overall feed.
Can Geckos Survive On A Vegetable-Only Diet?
Unfortunately, a gecko’s body needs more than the nutrition that vegetables and fruits can provide in order to survive. Geckos need a variety of things like fat, proteins, vitamins, and amino acids that are found in other sources like crickets, worms, mealworms, or waxworms. A vegetable-only diet is simply not enough to sustain them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while geckos are omnivores and do eat a variety of plants, they should not be relied upon as their main source of nutrition. A varied diet of mostly insects supplemented by occasional vegetables is the best way to go. If you want to learn more about keeping healthy geckos, be sure to do your research and consult an expert.
