A guide to feeding fruit to your crested gecko

Last Updated: January 25, 2023

Feeding your crested gecko healthy foods is a big part of taking good care of it. Fruit can be part of that diet, but not all fruit is safe for cresties. What fruits can a crested gecko eat?

Crested geckos can be fed fruits with enough calcium and are low in phosphorous and oxalic acid. Crested geckos eating a meal replacement gecko diet should only be fed fruit as a treat. Some fruits are dangerous and can harm your pet.

Most commercial meal replacement powders are well-balanced and contain all the nutrients a crested gecko needs. From a purely nutritional perspective, you don’t need to provide fresh fruit.

However, many keepers want to give their pets fruit. Fruit served this way serves as enrichment and creates a special moment for both the person and the pet. Serving fresh fruit is fine when done correctly.

Keep reading to learn the basics of fruit in a crested gecko diet, what fruits are safe, and which ones to avoid. You’ll also learn guiding principles on how to prepare and serve fruit in general.

By the end of the article, you will know everything you need about the fruit crested geckos can eat!

Background Info

What Fruit Do Crested Geckos Eat in the Wild?

Many keepers want to know what an animal eats in their natural habitat so they can copy it. Fruit is a staple part of a wild crested gecko’s diet, but which ones?

New Caledonia is a group of isolated islands with unique plants and animals. Studies estimate nearly 75% of the plant species here are not found anywhere else in the world! That’s a lot to study! With all that flora, it’s not always obvious which things each animal eats.

Some of the fruit from here is related to things we might buy in our local stores. Mangoes, coconuts, passion fruit, bananas, figs, and papaya are plentiful.

Others, like the soursop and custard apple, are less familiar to many of us.

That seemingly simple question, “what fruits do crested geckos eat in their natural habitat?” is difficult to question to answer.

Even if we did know the answer, it is unlikely we could get use the info as most of us intend. Most of these plants only grow on those islands.

Even though we can’t match their natural diet, we can learn from it.

And just because a wild crested gecko couldn’t get the fruits you can buy doesn’t mean they aren’t safe or healthy for your pet.

What Makes a Fruit Good or Bad for a Crested Gecko?

So, when we don’t know what they would eat in the wild, how do we know what is good for them? We analyze the nutrients in the food, of course!

Nutritional Quality of Fruits

We can consider the nutritional quality of fruits a crested gecko might eat. What is most important?

Most fruits are nutritious, so we aren’t worried about empty calories or too much fat. But each is different. Some are a great source of Vitamin C, while others have antioxidants. We want a wide range of fruits to promote a balanced diet.

Some of those vitamins and minerals can cause problems for reptiles when they are out of balance. Calcium, phosphorous, and oxalates are the potential danger spots.

The Calcium-to-Phosphorous Ratio

Calcium (Ca) is a mineral that is vital for healthy bones and body functions. It is the main component of bones and gives the skeleton its strength and structure.

A body gets calcium from its food. If it doesn’t get enough that way, it can take some from bones, but doing so weakens them. Doing this too often leaves it without enough calcium to function properly.

Many pet reptiles, including crested geckos, struggle to get enough of this essential element. Getting enough Ca is especially important for hatchlings and juveniles as they grow and for females producing eggs.

Pet reptiles that do not get enough calcium from their diet develop Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).

Another factor for MBD is the presence of phosphorous. Phosphorous (P) gets in the way of calcium absorption. The more phosphates that are present, the less calcium can be absorbed. This calcium-phosphate homeostasis is tricky to manage.

Unfortunately, both Ca and P are present in most fruits.

Calculating the Calcium to Phosphorous Ratio

The ideal calcium-to-phosphorous ratio for reptiles is 2:1. This means there should be twice as much Ca as P in every bite.

We calculate the Ca:P ratio by dividing the amount of Ca by the amount of P. In this way, every one of these ratios shows the P as a “1” while the Ca value changes.

For example, raw mangos have 11 mg of calcium and 14 mg of phosphorous. Eleven divided by fourteen is 0.7857, which we round up to 0.8. We talk about mangos having a 0.8 to 1 Ca-P ratio.

For ease, we’ve done the math for you and put it into one table.

Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in many fruits and vegetables. In small amounts, it is harmless. The problem is that it blocks some nutrients, including calcium, from being used.

Unlike P, there is no ideal ratio. We try to keep the oxalic acid content as low as possible by avoiding foods with a medium or higher level.

The reported oxalate content of fruits varies widely. Why? The isn’t one standard method to measure it. That explains why you might find differing opinions about some fruits. (I’m looking at you, raspberries.)

We use data from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Safe Fruit in a Crested Gecko Diet

Keepers give their crested geckos all sorts of fruits, but some are better than others. The best fruits are ones with a high level of calcium and a low level of phosphorous and oxalic acid.

Fruit is a treat. Once you feed a crested gecko fruit, you should wait until the recommended amount of time passes before giving them any other fresh fruits.

Top Fruit Recommendations

Here are our top recommendations on what fruits to feed a crested gecko.

Papayas are the best fruit we found for crested geckos. They meet all our criteria – high in Ca, low in P, and low in oxalic acid. They are an excellent source of other vitamins and minerals, too. No other option we looked at is quite as good for crested geckos. Need more? One study showed young crested geckos grew more eating fresh papaya and dubia roaches than on a commercial diet. Papaya can be fed to crested geckos weekly under the right conditions.
Blueberries are the best berry for cresties. They have roughly the same Ca as P, which is lower than ideal. They are also high in antioxidants and taste delicious. Still, they shouldn’t be on the menu every week. Fresh blueberries can be a once every two weeks treat at most.
Pears beat out their cousin, the apple. They are a rich source of a few nutrients, including copper, and promote healthy digestion. From a crestie perspective, pears are good but not great. Their Ca-to-P ratio is moderate, and they are low in oxalates. Crested geckos can eat pears as an every-other-week food.
Mangos, like papaya, are native to New Caledonia. They have so many different vitamins that they fall into the “superfood” category. Mangoes Ca:P ratio and amount of oxalic acid are very close to pears, so serve whichever fruit your crested gecko prefers. Feed your crested gecko mango no more than once per two weeks.
Watermelon is a good choice for cresties. This summer fruit does a great job keeping you hydrated, making it an excellent pick in the heat. Even though the Ca-to-P isn’t ideal, the total amount is low, and it is so sweet that your pet can get addicted. Serve watermelon to a crested gecko no more than once every two weeks.

Good, But Not Great, Fruit Options

Most people talk about feeding cresties fruit as a treat once a month. Why? Most fruits have a Ca:P ratio that is considered ‘moderate.’ Those fruits are only safe as a monthly food for crested geckos.

Strawberries are a favorite of many cresties. The fruit is very nutritious and packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. It also has high amounts of Ca and P. The ratio is (nearly) the same as watermelon, but the volume makes a difference. Strawberries can be a once-in-a-month treat.
Apples are the poster child of healthy foods. We’ve been saying, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ since the 19th century. Apples are considered nutrient-dense fruits and a good source of fiber. They also make you feel full! Apples have a similar Ca:P makeup to watermelon. Serve apples as a goody no more than once a month.
Grapes have been part of human diets for centuries and are a good source of antioxidants and vitamin K. Unfortunately, both green and red grapes have too much P (or too little Ca) to make them a more frequent choice. Grapes are in the ‘monthly treat’ category.
Peaches are a stone fruit with fuzzy skin. While they taste delicious, peach’s poor Ca:P ratio and mediocre nutritional content put them low on this list. You can feed crested gecko peaches once a month, but there are many fruits with better Ca:P ratios to consider.
Bananas have a lot going for them, but they are high in P and low in Ca. They are the primary ingredient in many CGDs! Mixing bananas with a commercial gecko diet does make them a healthier option that cresties enjoy. Limit feeding fresh bananas to a crested gecko no more than once a month.
Pineapple is sweet, juicy, and tropical. Even though it shares a lot in common with them, pineapple is not a citrus fruit. It is acidic, though, and many cresties won’t touch it if offered to them. If your crestie like eating it, only feed pineapple once a month.

If these details are too much to juggle, you can always follow the general guidance of ‘any of the fruits covered so far are a once-a-month treat.’

Dangerous Fruits for Crested Geckos

Citrus Fruits

All citrus fruits have a high concentration of oxalic acid. This substance binds with calcium, blocking absorption.

What makes something a citrus fruit? These plants have the same genus and share characteristics of a thick rind, segmented flesh, and seeds in the center. Other fruits like pineapple and kiwi might taste similar but are not in the citrus family.

Oranges have a lot of calcium, which would be great if it weren’t for all that oxalic acid! Citric acid can be hard on a lizard’s stomach, and oranges have a lot of it! Avoid feeding oranges to crested geckos.
Grapefruits have less oxalic acid than oranges, but it is still way too much to be safe. Do not feed grapefruit to crested geckos.
Lemons don’t have a taste that appeals to crested geckos, so this isn’t much of a problem. Still, lemons aren’t good for them, so keep them away from crested geckos.
Limes follow the same trend as lemons and have the same advice. Limes are not healthy for cresties to eat.

Problematic Non-Citrus Fruits

Kiwis might be small, but they pack a lot of vitamin C, fiber, and calcium! Sadly, they also have quite a bit of oxalic acid, making them an unsafe choice. For best results, keep kiwifruit away from pet crested geckos.
Raspberries are high in oxalates. They are the highest of any fruit on this list! Some websites include raspberries as one of the options you can safely feed to crested geckos, but the numbers don’t add up. We do not recommend raspberries be part of your crested gecko’s diet, even as an occasional treat.
Avocados are a surprise on this list because many of us don’t even realize it is a fruit! Avocado contains the chemical Persin and is toxic to rabbits, mice, and caged birds. While there aren’t good studies on lizards, the general advice is to avoid feeding avocados to captive reptiles.

Feeding Fruit to Your Crested Gecko

Which fruit do I choose?

After considering the info above, deciding which fruit you want to serve is a personal preference.

One approach is to find fruits you both like. Why? When it is fresh, it doesn’t keep for long, and your crestie will only eat a tiny amount. Why not get something to share?

Where to get the best fruit?

For many of us, finding fresh fruit is easy. We have access to grocery stores with plentiful options.

When you can, buy local produce. Fruits and vegetables lose nutrients over time. Less time being picked and eaten preserves the nutrients.

Farmer’s markets and produce stands are great places to pick up locally-grown food. You can taste the difference!

How often can I serve fruit?

For most crested gecko owners, fruit supplements a diet of CGD.

Some gecko owners prepare a diet exclusively of live insects, fresh fruit, and vitamin supplements, but this process requires careful study and measurement. Today, there are plenty of high-quality commercial diet options available.

If you are a new crested gecko owner and don’t have experience making a balanced crested gecko diet, your pet will benefit the most from eating a diet of CGD with fruit as a treat once or twice a month.

How much fruit should I serve?

The amount of food to give to a crested gecko is relative to the size of the lizard.

Compare several smaller teaspoons (1/8, 1/4, 1/2, etc.) to the space between your crested geckos’ eyes. Whichever spoon is about the same size as the width is the proper amount.

How do I best prepare it?

Different fruits require distinct preparation. However, there is some universal guidance.

Wash the fruit. The peel or skin may have pesticides or bacteria on it. It’s always best to wash the fruit just before you use it. Why? Because leaving fruit and vegetables damp speeds up how fast they spoil by encouraging bacteria growth. Start by washing your hands with hot, soapy water. Then, rinse the fruit in cold water. Scrub fruit with a harder rind with a brush or gently rub softer produce with your hands. Keep the food away from soap or bleach. Once you have washed it, pat the clean fruit dry.
Remove the inedible parts. Many fruits have a peel, skin, rind, or seeds that aren’t safe for a crested gecko. Since crested geckos lick or swallow their food instead of biting and chewing it, we want to avoid giving them anything they could choke on. We also want to pay attention to things that might be toxic. Apple seeds, for example, have a small amount of cyanide. Cyanide is a fast-acting poisonous chemical that can kill a person in a high enough dose. Eating a few apple seeds is safe for people because of our size. We never want to take unnecessary risks with our pets, so removing toxic pits and seeds is vital when preparing fruits. See our articles on each fruit to learn more about what you need to remove.
Soften the fruit. In the wild, crested geckos prefer fruit that has started to spoil. Why? As fruit spoils, it gets very soft. They use their tongues and not their teeth or jaws to eat. When we serve our cresties, we want to mash up the fruit or cut it into tiny pieces. You can puree it by hand or with a food processor until it has a consistency like CGD.

What is the best way to store fresh fruit?

Timing fruit can be tricky. You want to buy it at peak freshness and serve it just after it has become ripe.

Leave it on the countertop at room temperature if you plan to serve it within a day or two.

But once it ripens, fruit goes bad quickly. Putting it in the fridge will extend its lifespan by a few days.

You can put most fruit in the freezer to keep it for a few months, but the consistency will change once it thaws out. Not all cresties like the thawed texture, so try it out before banking on a freezer of fruit treats for your pet.

Should I buy organic or conventionally grown fruit?

Crested geckos, like most lizards, are sensitive to chemicals and pesticides. Eating fruits with residue from spraying can make them sick.

Not all fruits are the same. Fruit with thick rinds, like melons, or with skins we remove, like avocados, doesn’t have the same problems. Most treatments to keep fungus and insects away from fruit are sprayed-on. While rinsing will remove some of this, not eating the outer part is an even better solution.

However, this isn’t an option for all fruit. Berries don’t have an outside to remove. Some fruits, like apples and pears, have more porous skins which can be removed but allow chemicals to pass through them.

Offering organic produce to your pet reduces its exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

Conclusion

Fruit is a valuable addition to what you feed your crested gecko.

When deciding what fruit to feed your pet, you must consider the calcium-to-phosphorous ratio and the oxalic acid content. Most fruits do not contain the recommended amounts of those nutrients. Overfeeding most fruits can deplete a crested gecko’s calcium, which can contribute to the development of serious medical issues.

There are a lot of upsides to fresh fruit. Fruits are incredibly healthy and packed with vitamins and minerals. Even more important, fresh fruit stimulates cresties and improves their quality of life.

Helping crested geckos live the best life is one of the best things a Pet Lizard Person can do!