Can Leopard Geckos Eat Fruit?
Leopard geckos are popular pets with unique personalities, but are they able to chow down on the occasional fruity snack? Additionally, is the nutritional value of fruits worth the trouble of including them in a leopard gecko’s diet?
The Basics of Leopard Gecko Nutrition
Leopard geckos are insectivores. In the wild, they feed mostly on a diet of crickets, mealworms and waxworms. Captive leopard geckos can thrive on a diet comprised of commercial leopard gecko food supplemented with insects. Commercial food typically contains all of the trace nutrients and vitamins the reptile needs; these include calcium and Vitamin D3 supplements which ensure a healthy immune system and soft, flexible skin.
Can Leopard Geckos Eat Fruits?
Leopard geckos can safely eat a wide variety of fruits. However, the nutritional value isn’t particularly noteworthy, so feeding fruits should be done as a rare treat. Here are some safe fruits to consider adding to a leopard gecko’s diet:
- Apples: Apples are a great source of Vitamin A.
- Bananas: Bananas are a rich source of potassium and Vitamin B-12.
- Berries: Berries provide Vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe is an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
- Mangoes: Mangoes are a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and iron.
- Papayas: Papayas are a great source of dietary fiber and Vitamin C.
When feeding fruit to a leopard gecko, it is important to wash it thoroughly and also to remove any seeds or pits as they can be choking hazards. The fruit should then be chopped into small, bite-sized pieces and presented to the leopard gecko in shallow dishes.
Final Thoughts
Fruits can make for a tasty, nutrient-dense treat for your leopard gecko, but it is important to remember that this should only be done occasionally. For the majority of your leopard gecko’s diet, insects and commercial food should provide all the nutrients and vitamins the reptile needs to stay healthy.
