Insects in a Gecko's Diet – Everything You Need to Know

Insects in a Gecko's Diet – Everything You Need to Know

Frugivorous geckos don’t eat only fruit – that’s a myth that can harm your pet. In their natural habitat, alongside nectar and ripe fruits, insects and other invertebrates play an essential role. Their presence in the diet provides not only protein, but also a range of micronutrients vital for health. Today, I’ll explain why insects are essential in a gecko’s diet and how BioGecko Food uses them in a thoughtful way.

🐞 What do geckos eat in the wild?

In New Caledonia, Madagascar (Phelsuma), and other tropical regions where geckos from the genera Correlophus, Rhacodactylus, and Phelsuma are found, their diet includes:

• Ripe fruits and nectar

• Insect larvae, crickets, termites, spiders

• Pollen and plant sap

Even typically “fruit-eating” species regularly hunt insects, as they are a natural source of complete protein and calcium.

🧬 What do insects provide in a gecko’s diet?

Insects are not just protein. They are a complex source of nutrients rarely found in plants:

🐛 Why are BSF larvae and crickets the best choice?

At BioGecko Food, we use two proven sources of insect protein:

1. Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larva meal

• Rich in calcium – ideal Ca:P ratio

• Highly digestible

• Excellent amino acid profile

• Eco-friendly and safe alternative to fish meal

2. Cricket meal

• Natural source of chitin

• Complete protein

• Well accepted by geckos

• Provides B vitamins and iron

Both meals are dried and standardized – free from parasites and contaminants.

❗ What to avoid?

Some homemade or commercial diets include:

• Soy or gluten as cheap protein sources

• Dairy proteins (e.g. casein) – poorly absorbed and unsuitable for reptiles

• Low-quality animal meals with no certification

You won’t find any of these ingredients in BioGecko Food. All proteins come from natural plant and insect sources – in line with gecko physiology.

✅ BioGecko Food – insect-based diet in ideal proportion

Insects in BioGecko Food make up 21% of the blend (BSF + crickets). This closely mirrors the natural diet but without the risks of live prey:

• no Salmonella spp

• no uncontrolled deficiencies

• high palatability

• convenience and ease for the keeper

🦎 Can I offer live insects alongside the diet?

Yes! Although BioGecko Food contains everything a gecko needs, live insects can be a behavioral enrichment – once or twice a week. However, avoid overfeeding – the diet should remain the staple.

🔎 Frequently Searched Questions:

Is a fruit-only diet enough?

No. It lacks protein, calcium, and micronutrients – which can lead to serious deficiencies.

Are BSF larvae safe?

Yes – they are natural, calcium-rich, and widely used in reptile nutrition worldwide.

Does BioGecko Food contain enough insects?

Yes – the formula was designed to replicate natural proportions.