Key Takeaway:
- Crested geckos feed on insects, but a varied diet is necessary for their optimal health.
- Crested geckos can eat overripe apples, which have a Ca:P ratio of 1:1.83.
- Ca:P ratio affects the gecko’s growth, metabolism, and health, and a balanced ratio is necessary.
- Apples have low oxalic acid levels, making them good for crested geckos.
- Apples should only be given as treats, and a balanced diet rich in calcium is necessary for the gecko’s health.
- To feed a crestie apple, mash it into a fine paste and serve it in small portions in a feeding bowl.
Crested geckos feed on insects like crickets and mealworms but these may not be sufficient for their diet. You will have to complement their diet with other foods to maintain optimal health.
Can crested geckos eat apples? Yes, they can eat apples. In fact, there are many benefits of feeding your gecko apples.
Because in the wild geckos eat fruits. But not fresh apples. Apples need to be overripe (almost rotten) and soft before a crested gecko can eat them.
This means that in captivity you have to ‘prepare’ the apple before feeding it to your gecko.
In this article, we will talk about the pros and cons of feeding your gecko apples along with other food recommendations for them.
Ratio Of Calcium To Phosphorus Among Apples
The ratio of calcium to phosphorus in apples is 1:1.83. This indicates that there is almost twice as much phosphorus as calcium in the apple.
Crested geckos should eat a diet that has a Ca:P ratio of 2:1, 1:1 or 1:0.5. The ratio you decide to feed your gecko can affect their growth, metabolism, and health.
If the gecko consumes calcium above what it needs, it is excreted in its urine.
If they consume too much phosphorus, they store it in their bones and teeth, which can lead to problems like kidney stones and metabolic bone disease.
Nutritional Value of an Apple
How To Calculate Ca:P Ratio
You can figure this out by calculating the Ca:P ratio using the formula given below.
According to the nutritional content, the Ca:P ratio is 7.50mg:13.75mg.
Dividing through by 7.50 (calcium). The ratio becomes 1:1.83.
Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is not a nutrient or essential dietary component and it is not required for normal growth or health.
When oxalic acid is consumed, it binds to the calcium and magnesium in the body and prevents them from being absorbed.
This can lead to calcium deficiency which can be harmful to your pet. Crested geckos are strict insectivores and may not benefit from the oxalic acid in the food and may not be able to digest it.
Some people recommend soaking and rinsing the apples to get rid of the oxalic acid. However, this is not proven to be effective.
Oxalic Acid Level Of Apples
Crested geckos should eat foods that have a low oxalic acid level. Apples are one of the best fruits that you can feed to crested geckos, especially Golden Delicious varieties.
They have a very low oxalic acid level and should not cause any health issues for your pet.
Are Apples Good Or Bad For Crested Geckos?
Apples are a rich source of calcium, making them a suitable food for your crested gecko. This makes them good for the gecko, and you can feed them apples.
Crested geckos have a diet that is high in phosphorus and low in calcium. You have to feed them foods that are high in calcium while low in phosphorus.
You can feed them apples, carrots, or broccoli to increase their calcium intake. You can also feed them dried figs, raisins, or prunes as they are rich in calcium, too.
How Many Apples Can You Feed?
A single apple is enough to feed a crested gecko for a few days.
How Many Times To Feed Apples?
This greatly depends on the size and age of the crested gecko. Baby crested geckos can be fed apples as many times a day. Juveniles should be fed 2-3 times a day.
Adults should be fed apples once a day. Adding powdered meal supplements is a great way to boost the nutrition of the apple.
How Do You Feed Crested Gecko Apples?
Crested geckos do not have strong jaws so require the apple to be prepared into a fine paste or puree before being fed.
- Wash the apple.
- Peel, slice, and mash the apple into a fine paste. You can also cook the apple to further soften it for your crestie.
- Fill the feeding bowl with small portions of the fine apple paste.
Summary
Apples should only be given as treats and not be substituted for the main diet. Alternatives to apples are blueberries, Dubai roaches, blackberries and bananas.
A balanced diet rich in calcium is the best way to go for if you want a healthy crested gecko.
