Crested geckos are primarily insectivores and are happy to dine on a wide variety of foods.
The more you know about the dietary habits of your pet, the better prepared you’ll be to keep it healthy and happy.
A healthy diet is essential to maintaining a happy, active pet with a strong immune system.
A balanced diet also helps keep them from getting diseases like obesity or nutrient deficiencies such as calcium and vitamin A deficiency.
Also remember that vegetables don’t have much fat or protein but they do have important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and K, Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Iron.
This brings us to the question – can crested geckos eat lettuce or not? Here’s what you need to know.
Can You Feed Crested Geckos Lettuce?
Yes, you CAN feed lettuce to your crested gecko.
However, you should also know that there is a delicate balance between healthy foods that provide good nutrients and those that are potentially harmful.
While lettuce is a healthy choice as a side item or as part of a balanced diet, too much of it is harmful.
Lettuce is almost completely water and has no fat and protein.
This should be served in addition to other meals to provide the mineral or vitamin portion.
Nutritional Value of Lettuce
2 Lettuces You CAN’T Offer To Crested Geckos
Some types of lettuce may pose a health risk for your crested gecko.
Iceberg lettuce, for example, is not a great choice for your pet. It has no nutritional value, which could lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
But there are also lettuce varieties that contain toxic alkaloids that can kill crested geckos.
So, you should avoid feeding your pet with the following lettuce varieties:
Lactuca or wild lettuce
The leaves of this wild lettuce species are creamy-white with a blue tinge and have a mild, milky flavor.
But they’re also a member of the lettuce family and could pose health risks for your crested gecko.
Iceberg lettuce
Iceberg lettuce is low in nutrients and has little flavor.
It also gives off a lot of water and can cause health issues.
2 Lettuces You CAN Offer To Crested Geckos
Here are lettuces you can offer to your crested gecko:
Romaine lettuce
Romaine lettuce is a variety-packed with minerals and nutrients.
Rich in potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. Your crested gecko won’t lack the essential minerals.
Butterhead or Boston lettuce
Butterhead lettuce, such as Bibb or Boston lettuce, has fairly shallow leaves, with low water content.
This lettuce type is rich in Potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.
What Other Leafy Vegetables Can Crested Geckos Eat?
Lettuce isn’t the only green you can feed your crested gecko.
Below are a few greens packed with vitamins and minerals that can be served to your crestie.
Watercress
Watercress is a leafy green vegetable that is commonly found in streams, rivers, and lakes.
This nutritious vegetable is extremely high in Iron and Potassium, making it a great option for captive-bred geckos.
Many people feed this to their geckos as a treat or as a salad.
Turnip
This is a root vegetable that belongs to the sunflower family. It is a rich source of Vitamins A and C, Potassium, and many other minerals.
You can feed this to your gecko as a treat or as a part of his daily diet.
Dandelion
This is a low-growing herb with small yellow flowers.
It belongs to the aster family and is commonly found near streams and on roadsides.
This is a very healthy vegetable and has high levels of Vitamins A, C, B2, and B6.
You can give your pet a dandelion as a treat or as part of his daily diet.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are very nutritious and have high levels of Vitamins A, C, and K.
Summary
Some types of lettuce may pose a health risk for your crested gecko. But there are also other leafy greens that you can feed your crested gecko.
As long as you feed your crested gecko the safe greens. It will grow healthy and strong.
