Crested Gecko Diet
(Made Simple) 💙
Everything you need to know about feeding your crested gecko — without the overwhelm.
At YetiGex, I keep diet simple on purpose: consistent, balanced, and beginner-proof. If you can mix a smoothie and rinse a dish, you can feed a crested gecko like a pro.
🍽️ The Big Picture
Crested geckos are omnivores — in the wild they eat fruit, nectar, and insects. In captivity, the easiest way to feed them is:
✅ Staple Diet (Main Food)
High-quality Crested Gecko Diet (CGD) powder mixed with water. This is a complete, balanced diet made specifically for them.
🍌 Optional Add-ons
- Insects (great for enrichment and extra protein)
- Occasional fruit treats (rare, tiny amounts, not necessary)
If you only do CGD consistently, you are already doing great.
💙 What We Recommend
Quality CGD Foundation
Includes the right balance of protein, vitamins, calcium, and fruit-based energy.
"Set it and forget it" feeding.
Consistency Over Perfection
Your gecko doesn't need a new menu every day. They thrive when food is predictable.
Different Than a Dog or Cat
They eat small amounts at night. You're not looking for an empty bowl — look for signs they're thriving.
📅 Feeding Schedule
Your exact schedule can vary, but here's a reliable baseline.
Hatchlings / Juveniles
Offer CGD most nights (3–4×/week).
They're growing fast and benefit from frequent access to food.
Subadults / Adults
Offer CGD 3 nights per week.
Some adults prefer every other night. Some every 3rd night. Both are normal.
Insects (Optional)
Juveniles: 4–6 bugs 1–2×/week
Adults: 4–6 bugs 1×/week or less
Insects are a bonus, not a requirement.
🥣 How Much & How to Mix
More is not better — fresh is better. A small scoop, mixed fresh, served in a clean dish, replaced regularly.
Goal texture: ketchup / smoothie / applesauce vibes.
Not watery like juice. Not thick like peanut butter.
Quick mixing method:
- Put a small amount of powder in a cup
- Add water slowly
- Stir thoroughly (no dry pockets)
💡 Tip: Many mixes thicken after sitting. Start slightly thinner than your final goal.
🔄 When to Replace Food
Even if they didn't touch it, replace it regularly for freshness.
- Remove and replace within 24–48 hours
- If it smells off, looks crusty, separated, or dried out — toss and refresh
😟 "My Gecko Isn't Eating"
This is the most common new keeper worry. Here's the truth:
✅ Totally normal reasons they may eat lightly:
- They just moved in (new home stress is real)
- They're night eaters and you're missing the action
- They're picky about flavor
- They eat small amounts (licking vs. chomping)
- Seasonal slowdowns happen
Quick things to check:
- Temperature is in a safe range
- Humidity spike + dry-out cycle is right
- They feel secure (foliage + hides)
- Food is fresh and mixed well
- Dish placement is easy to reach
- You're not handling too much the first week
If you're ever unsure, I'm here — but most of the time, it's just an adjustment period.
👅 Flavor Tips
Yes — they have opinions. Try this if your gecko is ignoring food:
- Rotate between 2–3 flavors (not 10)
- Give each flavor a fair shot for a few feedings
- Stick with a "safe favorite" and one rotation flavor
- Try mixing two flavors together occasionally
- Make sure texture isn't too thick or too watery
Got a Picky Eater? 🍽️
Our Picky Eater Bundle includes the most popular flavors you just mix all together for an irresistible dish.
Shop Picky Eater Bundle →💡 Pro tip: Some geckos prefer smoother texture, slightly thicker mix, or slightly warmer room temps (within safe range).
🦗 Insect Feeding (Optional but Fun)
If you offer insects, keep it simple and safe.
Best starter insects:
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches (where legal)
- Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL)
Basic rules:
- Appropriately sized (not too large)
- Avoid wild-caught bugs
- Remove crickets after 24hrs
- Insects should be clean & healthy
CGD is still the main diet — bugs are enrichment.
🍬 Treats
Treats are optional. Your gecko does not need fruit treats to thrive. If you do offer them: tiny amounts, rarely, never replacing CGD.
❌ Avoid:
- Citrus fruits
- Anything processed or sugary
- Honey "lick treats" or reptile jello cups
- Dairy
- Anything with seasoning or spices
When in doubt: skip it. CGD is safer and complete.
💧 Water
They drink droplets from misting, but many also use a dish.
- Provide fresh water in a small dish
- Keep the dish clean
- Refresh regularly
Clean water + clean dishes = simple health wins.
🥚 Egg-Laying Females
Females producing eggs have special calcium needs.
Watch the video above to learn how to properly support egg-laying females and prevent calcium deficiency.
🧊 Storage Tips
Gecko food is only "perfect" when it's stored well.
✅ Best storage:
- Keep powder in an airtight container
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Avoid humidity getting into the bag
- Always use a dry scoop
Can I pre-mix and store it?
Yes — but mix only what you need. If you pre-mix, refrigerate immediately and use within 7 days. Toss if it looks separated, smells odd, or gets slimy.
Moisture is the #1 enemy of powder freshness.
🧹 Serving Tips
Prevent mold and mess with clean feeding habits.
- Clean dish every feeding
- Don't overfill
- Place dish where it won't get drenched
- Wipe food smears when you notice them
- Remove dried/old food promptly
Clean feeding + fresh enclosure = healthier gecko.
🔧 Quick Troubleshooting
"My gecko won't eat insects."
Totally fine. Many cresties don't care about bugs. CGD is complete.
"My gecko only likes one flavor."
Normal. Let them have their favorite and rotate occasionally.
"I never see my gecko eat."
Also normal. They're midnight snackers. Check for lick marks and monitor weight.
"How do I know they're okay?"
Steady weight, normal poop, alert at night, good body condition, consistent behavior.
If anything feels off, reach out — I'd rather you ask early than worry alone.
📦 Never Run Out
Our food subscription delivers fresh CGD right to your door.
- Choose your frequency (every 3 or 6 months)
- Fresh, quality gecko diet — automatic
- No hassle, no last-minute pet store runs
- Never worry about running out
The YetiGex Feeding Philosophy 💙
You don't need to be perfect. You just need a simple system.
- ✓ Use CGD as the foundation
- ✓ Offer fresh food on a steady schedule
- ✓ Store powder properly
- ✓ Keep dishes clean
- ✓ Ask questions when you need reassurance
You're doing great — and your gecko is lucky to have you.