Crested Geckos

Most crested gecko diets today are built around a complete powdered crested gecko diet (CGD) mixed with water — it covers their core nutrition on its own. Live insects aren't required, but most geckos relish them as enrichment and extra protein, especially during growth or breeding.

What They'll Eat

Small Dubia roach nymphs are the best fit — soft-bodied, easy to catch, and sized to a crested gecko's smaller mouth. Avoid mealworms and superworms for this species — their harder exoskeleton is difficult to digest and carries a real impaction risk, so dubia nymphs are the reliable choice instead.

How Often to Feed

• Juveniles: 1–2 small dubia nymphs, once or twice a week, alongside daily CGD.
• Adults: 1–2 dubia nymphs once a week as a supplement, not a replacement for CGD.

Supplements & Gut-Loading

Since insects supplement rather than replace CGD — which already contains calcium and D3 — a light dusting with a D3-free calcium powder is all that's needed. See our gut-loading guide for what goes into our roach colonies before they ship.

Tips & Cautions

Only offer insects your gecko can subdue easily — cresties are ambush feeders, not chasers, in a tall, densely planted enclosure. Remove anything uneaten after feeding to keep it from wandering the enclosure overnight.