Crested Gecko Diet Guide: CGD, Insects, and Fruit
Complete crested gecko diet guide covering CGD brands (Pangea vs Repashy), insect feeding, fruit treats, and feeding schedules for hatchlings through adults.
Crested geckos are omnivores in the wild, eating a mix of overripe fruit, nectar, pollen, and small invertebrates found on the forest floors and canopies of New Caledonia. In captivity, their diet has been simplified by the development of commercial crested gecko diets (CGDs), which are powdered meal replacements that provide balanced nutrition when mixed with water. This guide covers everything you need to know about feeding your crested gecko, from choosing the right CGD brand to supplementing with insects and fruit.
If you are new to crested gecko keeping, the single most important takeaway is this: a quality CGD mixed fresh every 24-48 hours is the foundation of a healthy diet. Everything else, including insects, fruit, and supplements, is a bonus on top of that foundation.
The Pangea vs Repashy debate is one of the longest-running conversations in the hobby, and the honest answer is that both brands produce thriving geckos. The real differences come down to protein content, ingredient sourcing, and which flavors your individual gecko prefers.
Published 2026-05-05.
TL;DR
- A commercial crested gecko diet (CGD) should be the foundation of every crestie's nutrition. Pangea and Repashy are the two dominant brands, and both produce healthy geckos.
- Insects are a supplement, not the main course. Offer appropriately sized crickets or dubia roaches 1-2 times per week for adults, dusted with calcium + D3.
- Fruit is a treat, not a meal. Mashed banana, papaya, or mango can be offered occasionally but should never replace CGD.
- Hatchlings eat the same CGD as adults but need food swapped every 24 hours and should not be offered insects until they weigh at least 5 grams.
- Picky eaters are common. Rotate CGD flavors, try a different brand, and ensure humidity and temperature are correct before assuming the gecko has a feeding problem.
Frequently asked questions
What do crested geckos eat?
Crested geckos eat a commercial powdered diet (CGD) as their primary food, supplemented with live insects (crickets, dubia roaches) 1-2 times per week and occasional fruit treats. Pangea and Repashy are the two most popular CGD brands.
Is Pangea or Repashy better for crested geckos?
Both produce healthy geckos. Pangea tends to have more flavor variety and a smoother consistency, while Repashy Grubs & Fruit has higher protein content (24% vs 20-21%). Many breeders rotate between both brands for nutritional variety.
How often should I feed my crested gecko?
Offer fresh CGD every 24 hours for hatchlings, every 24-48 hours for juveniles, and every 48 hours for adults. Supplement with live insects 1-2 times per week for juveniles and adults. Remove uneaten CGD before it dries out.
Can crested geckos eat fruit?
Yes, crested geckos can eat small amounts of mashed banana, papaya, mango, and fig as occasional treats. Fruit should never replace CGD as the primary diet because it lacks adequate protein, calcium, and complete vitamins.
Do crested geckos need insects?
Insects are beneficial but not strictly required if you are feeding a high-quality CGD. However, most keepers and breeders recommend offering crickets or dubia roaches 1-2 times weekly for additional protein and enrichment.
What insects can crested geckos eat?
Crickets and dubia roaches are the most common feeders. Black soldier fly larvae are also excellent. Avoid mealworms as a primary feeder due to their high chitin content. Always dust insects with calcium + D3 before feeding.
Canonical URL: https://geckinspect.com/blog/crested-gecko-diet-guide
Geck Inspect is the professional platform for crested gecko
(Correlophus ciliatus) breeders and keepers, collection
management, breeding planning, AI-powered morph identification,
multi-generation lineage tracking, and a verified community.
Enable JavaScript to use the full interactive app, or
create a free account.