Can crested geckos eat grapes? You probably wouldn’t see a wild crested gecko eating grapes.
However, in captivity, it is possible to feed them grapes from time to time as part of a healthy balanced diet.
Fruits are a good source of vitamins and essential nutrients; however, too much fruit can lead to diarrhea and other issues.
It’s best to keep the portion sizes small and only offer grapes occasionally.
This article will answer that question, as well as cover the pros and cons of feeding this fruit to your gecko.
Can Crested Geckos Eat Grapes?
Geckos do indeed eat grapes, and they should be an occasional part of their diet. Unfortunately, many owners make the mistake of feeding grapes exclusively.
Grapes are high in sugar, which can cause obesity in geckos, and they don’t provide the necessary calcium for growth.
If you feed your gecko grapes exclusively, or even as a large part of their diet, you could end up with an overweight gecko or one with growth issues.
Grapes are a treat, not a staple, so keep their amount small.
Do Grapes Cause Problems For Crested Geckos?
It depends on how often you feed grapes to them.
Feeding grapes regularly will cause health problems for your gecko. However, serving them as a treat won’t cause any health problems or nutrient deficiencies.
3 Steps on How To Feed Crested Gecko Grapes
Grapes need to be mashed before being fed to your gecko.
Also, overripe grapes are recommended since geckos feed on fruits almost on the verge of rotting.
- Wash the grapes.
- Mash the grapes up into a pulp or cut them into smaller pieces.
- Feed them to your crestie.
How Many Grapes Should You Feed To It?
Adult and juvenile crested geckos should get 5 grapes, and a baby crested gecko should get 2-3.
Grapes can be fed as a nutritious treat and a way to provide necessary vitamins and minerals, but they shouldn’t be fed too often.
How Many Times in a Day, Week or Month Should You Feed It Grapes?
Once every week or two is more than enough to feed your crested gecko grapes.
What is The Ratio Of Calcium To Phosphorus in Grapes?
The ratio of calcium to phosphorus in grapes is 1:2. This indicates that there is twice as much phosphorus as calcium in the grapes.
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 Grapes
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 15.1mg:30.2mg. Dividing through by 15.1 (calcium). The ratio becomes 1:2.
How Does Oxalic Acid in Fruits Affect Crested Geckos?
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 grapes to get rid of the oxalic acid. However, this is not proven to be effective.
Oxalic Acid Level in Grapes
Grapes have an oxalic acid level of about 0.4%, which is low.
This can be fed to your crested gecko. However, not too much because grapes have a Ca:P ratio of 1:2.
Summary
Grapes are a nutritious treat you can feed your crested gecko a few times a week but don’t overdo it.
Keep the portion sizes low and avoid feeding them if your gecko is calcium deficient or has diarrhea.
Grapes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, but they should be only a small part of your gecko’s diet.
