Do Geckos Eat Vegetables?
The short answer is — yes! Geckos of all kinds are in fact omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal products. As such, they have much wider dietary requirements than your stereotypical lizards.
What Do Geckos Generally Eat?
The vast majority of geckos enjoy a diet consisting of:
- Insects and other small invertebrates (e.g. mealworms, wax worms, etc.)
- Fresh, leafy greens (e.g. spinach, kale)
- High-protein fruits and vegetables (e.g. squash, apples)
- Occasional treats (e.g. honey, mealworm larvae)
Geckos that are kept as pets often have diets that resemble those of wild geckos. However, pet owners should always ask their pet’s veterinarian what specific dietary requirements they have — just like any other pet, each gecko’s nutritional needs are unique to them.
Can Vegetables Alone Satisfy a Gecko’s Dietary Needs?
No. While vegetation can make up a sizable portion of a gecko’s diet, they require proteins from insects and other sources as well. To ensure they stay healthy, geckos should never only be fed vegetables.
How Often Should Geckos Be Fed Vegetables?
Most geckos should be given fresh, leafy greens at least several times a week. However, as a rule of thumb, owners should give their pet only as much food as they can consume within 10-15 minutes. If the gecko doesn’t finish all of its food, the leftover food should be removed and not given again until the following day.
Conclusion
Geckos, like any other pet, need a balanced diet in order to stay healthy. While insects should always make up the majority of their diet, geckos will most definitely benefit from the addition of vegetables to their meals. Make sure to always ask your pet’s veterinarian what specific dietary requirements they have, and feed accordingly.
