Feeding Crested Geckos
Crested geckos are one of the most popular pets available. These lizards not only offer their owners a unique pet, they are also relatively simple when it comes to diet. As with any animal, it is important to understand what food is safe for your crestie to consume. Here, we’ll look at what vegetables a crested gecko can eat.
Safe Vegetables for Crested Geckos
When feeding your crested gecko, it is important to provide the right balance of nutrients. Most of these lizards’ diet should consist of commercial products designed for them. However, you can also supplement their diet with fresh foods. Here are some of the best vegetables for cresties:
- Peas: Peas are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Just make sure to puree them before feeding to make it easier for your gecko to digest.
- Carrots: Carrots are packed with vitamins and minerals and can be grated, mashed, or diced for your gecko.
- Squash: Squash is easy to digest, low in fat, and high in nutrients. It makes a great addition to your crestie’s diet.
- Greens: Greens such as kale, dandelion, and collard are all great options. Make sure they are free of pesticides and other toxins.
- Fruits: Fruits are also great, but only in moderation. Apples, bananas, pears, and mangoes are all good options, but be sure to remove the peels and seeds before feeding them.
Vegetables to Avoid
Just as it’s important to know what vegetables your crested gecko can eat, it’s also important to know what veggies to avoid. Here are some that are best left off the menu:
- Corn: Corn is not a good source of vitamins and minerals and is high in carbohydrates, which can cause obesity in your pet.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are high in acid, which can lead to digestive problems if consumed in large quantities.
- Peppers: Peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which can be dangerous to reptiles in high levels.
- Cucumbers: Cucumbers are low in nutritional content and contain a compound that can be damaging to the liver.
When feeding your pet crested gecko, it is important to do your research and make sure the food you’re offering is safe and nutritious. While it’s OK to include a few vegetables in your gecko’s diet, make sure it is only a small part of their overall diet. A mix of commercial crested gecko food and fresh fruits and vegetables should be enough to keep your pet healthy and happy.
