Crested Gecko Food & Diet Guide UK

Crested geckos are one of the easiest reptiles to feed in captivity — but getting their diet right still matters. This guide covers everything UK keepers need to know about crested gecko food, from choosing the best complete gecko diet (CGD) to building a feeding schedule that keeps your gecko thriving.

What Do Crested Geckos Eat?

In the wild, crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) eat a mix of ripe fruit, nectar, and small invertebrates. In captivity, this diet is replicated almost perfectly by complete meal replacement powders (MRP), commonly called crested gecko diet (CGD).

A quality CGD provides everything your gecko needs: protein, calcium, vitamins, and energy — all in one mixed powder. The vast majority of crested geckos kept in the UK are raised successfully on CGD alone, with optional live insect supplementation for enrichment and additional protein.

CGD vs. fruit purees vs. live insects

CGD (meal replacement powder) — The gold standard. Nutritionally complete, convenient, and widely available in the UK. Use as the primary diet.
Fruit purees / baby food — Not nutritionally complete. Not recommended as a staple. Only ever as an occasional treat.
Live insects — Excellent supplementary protein. Crickets and dubia roaches work well 1–2× per week, dusted with calcium. Not a replacement for CGD.

Best Crested Gecko Food: CGD Brands Compared

All three of the major CGD brands below are nutritionally sound and trusted by keepers and breeders worldwide. The best choice often comes down to your gecko's preference — so rotation and variety are both valid strategies.

Gecko Nutrition

A newer but rapidly respected brand formulated specifically for Correlophus and Rhacodactylus species. Gecko Nutrition diets are highly palatable with clean ingredient lists and strong uptake rates, making them an excellent first CGD to try for picky geckos. Available exclusively at Gecko Pantry in the UK.

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Pangea Fruit Mix Complete

One of the most popular CGD brands globally, with a wide range of flavours to encourage variety in your gecko's diet. Pangea diets are protein-rich and highly palatable, and many keepers rotate two or three flavours throughout the week. Banana & Papaya and Watermelon are perennial favourites.

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Repashy Crested Gecko MRP

The original CGD, developed by Allen Repashy — the breeder who pioneered the modern crested gecko diet concept. Repashy MRP remains a trusted staple with a loyal following among experienced keepers. Its slightly thicker consistency when mixed makes it a good option for arboreal feeding ledges.

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Which brand should you choose?

There's no single "best" brand — every gecko has preferences. A good starting approach for new keepers:

Pick one brand and introduce it over the first 2–3 weeks.
Once accepted, introduce a second brand 1–2× per week.
Over time, rotate across all three brands to provide dietary variety and reduce the risk of flavour fixation.

Crested Gecko Feeding Schedule

Crested geckos are nocturnal, so always offer food in the evening when they're naturally active. A simple, reliable feeding schedule for adults:

Day	Food	Notes
Monday	CGD (Brand A)	Offer in a shallow dish or on a feeding ledge
Tuesday	Remove & clean dish	Discard uneaten CGD after 24–48 hours
Wednesday	CGD (Brand B)	Rotate to a different brand or flavour
Thursday	Remove & clean dish
Friday	CGD + live insects	2–5 calcium-dusted crickets or dubia roaches
Saturday	Remove & clean dish
Sunday	CGD (Brand C or A)	Continue rotation

Juveniles (under 6 months): Feed every night or every other night. Young geckos grow fast and need consistent nutrition. Keep CGD available at all times.

Fresh water: Always keep a shallow water dish available and mist the enclosure lightly each evening.

Live Feeders & Protein Supplementation

While CGD alone is nutritionally complete, offering live feeders 1–2× per week provides enrichment, stimulates natural hunting behaviour, and boosts protein intake — particularly useful for breeding females and growing juveniles.

Best live feeders for crested geckos

Crickets — Readily available, accepted by most geckos. Gut-load before feeding.
Dubia roaches — Higher protein-to-fat ratio than crickets, longer-lived, and less noisy. Excellent choice.
Waxworms / mealworms — High in fat. Use sparingly as occasional treats only.

Always dust live feeders with a calcium supplement (without D3 for enclosures with UVB, with D3 for enclosures without). Feed insects that are no larger than the space between your gecko's eyes.

Feeding Tips & Common Mistakes

Don't panic if your gecko doesn't eat immediately. Crested geckos often eat at night after lights out. Check the dish in the morning — you may be surprised.
Discard CGD within 24–48 hours. Mould and bacterial growth happen quickly, especially in warm enclosures.
Mix CGD to the right consistency. Aim for the texture of ketchup or a thick smoothie — not too watery, not too stiff. Roughly 1 part powder to 2 parts water by volume is a good starting point.
Avoid citrus and acidic fruit. These can cause digestive upset. Stick to CGD and appropriate live feeders.
Don't over-rely on one flavour. Geckos can become fixated on a single diet and refuse others. Introduce variety early.
Weigh your gecko monthly. Steady weight gain in juveniles and stable weight in adults is the clearest sign their diet is working.

Shop Crested Gecko Food at Gecko Pantry

We stock the UK's best selection of crested gecko diets, with all three major CGD brands available for fast UK delivery. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your rotation, we've got you covered.