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Yogurt is a staple drink in several cultures worldwide. Many people can’t do without a cup of yogurt or two several days a week. And some pet owners love to include yogurts in their animals’ diet. But if you currently own a crested gecko, you’ve got to be cautious before offering anything. That’s why several owners of reptiles always ask – can crested geckos eat yogurt?
Crested geckos can eat yogurt and several owners prefer it as a great source of dairy. Yogurt, especially soy yogurt, is low in lactose and helps ease digestion, even in humans. Including sugar-free yogurt in your gecko’s diet could help your reptile combat indigestion and receive an awesome source of vitamins.
Now that you know your geckos can eat yogurt, it’s easier to make digestion much easier for your reptile. And through this article, you’ll get more info on what benefits your crested gecko.
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Why Should Crested Geckos Avoid Yogurt?
Dairy products carries high amount of lactose. Lactose is a type of sugar found in dairy products which can easily be digested by humans. But lactose can be difficult for geckos to digest. When crested geckos fail to break down lactose, this can lead to diarrhea and bloating.
Diarrhea can lead to acute dehydration, which could in turn lead to death. In this way, we can clearly see that failure to digest lactose can be harmful to crested geckos. But if dehydration does occur, there are several ways to manage it.
Read More: Baby Crested Gecko Care Guide!
Signs of Dehydration in Crested Geckos
If you feed your crested geckos with too much yogurt, it may become dehydrated. Some of these signs could be obvious among dehydrated crested geckos:
- Sunken eyes
- Pale looking skin
- Wavy tail
- Protruded hips and ribs
- Swollen limbs
- Darkened hide
If you notice any of these symptoms, make the smart move and contact your vet immediately.
What Else Can Your Crested Gecko Eat?
Apart from yogurt, crested geckos can have several fruits, insects, herbs, etc. Here’s a look at some of the top foods your crested geckos can eat:
Insects and worms
Some insects like crickets and dubia roaches are regular feeders, while others like waxworms and butterworms are treats.
You can dust insects and worms with powdered vitamin and calcium supplements before feeding them to your gecko. NEVER feed your crested geckos insects wider than the space between its eyes to avoid choking hazards.
If you’re offering crickets to your crested geckos, be sure to put them in the tank one at a time. Some crickets may bite your crested gecko, especially if they’re too many in the tank.
Commercially made gecko food
These are made specifically for geckos nutrition. They are highly nutritional as well. They serve as the main alternative diet choice for many pet geckos.
Crested gecko food usually comes as meal replacement powders or pellets. Some gecko breeders opt for commercially made gecko feeds only, without incorporating insects or fruits. Although each breeder gets to decide what’s best for their crested gecko, a mixed diet is highly recommended.
Fruits
When giving fruits, it is important to check the calcium and phosphorous levels. Fruits high in calcium and low in phosphorous are healthy for your crested gecko. Citrus fruits should be given in small quantities and on rare occasions due to the high acid content. If you can, avoid offering citrus to your crested geckos.
Veggies
Some lettuce variants and other kinds of greens like dandelion, mustard greens, etc. are great for crested geckos. Don’t feed your crested geckos veggies with high water content, as your reptiles can get water from other foods.
Is It Healthy to Mix Fruit and Baby Food for My Crested Geckos?
Some owners opt to feed their crested geckos baby food mixed with fruit, chicken, and meat. Baby food is bad for your crested gecko, as such products contain large amount of sugar and preservatives.
FAQs
Can crested geckos have yogurt?
Crested geckos can eat yogurt as it aids digestion through its bacteria culture. Yogurts in a crested geckos diet should have low lactose and offer alternative source of dairy to your reptiles.
What treats can I feed my crested gecko?
What human food can crested geckos eat?
Geckos can eat several fruits and nectar humans enjoy. Wild crested geckos usually have a massive banquet of fruits and insects to enjoy. However, captive crested geckos make do with whatever fruits their owner offers. Consider providing your gecko pureed formula to supplement its nutritional requirements.
Can crested geckos eat smoothie?
Crested geckos can enjoy occasional smoothies made from a mix of fruit and veggies. Crested geckos also need a good amount of gut-loaded, calcium-dusted insects in their diet. However, these foods may need supplements added to provide a full nutritional template to your geckos.
Final Thoughts: Can Crested Geckos Eat Yogurt?
Can crested geckos eat yogurt? Yes, they can.
Crested geckos can benefit from the low lactose content of yogurt and its potential to digest easily. Digestion is an important part of your geckos’ diet. Since yogurt has an active culture, digestion is a lot easier for your reptiles to achieve.
Apart from offering your gecko yogurt, ensure it gets correct foods in its diet. Offering your gecko a complete set of meals adds a lot to their overall development across all stages.
Keep your reptiles healthy. Provide them the right mix of insects, herbs, fruits, and veggies for a balanced, nutritious meal every time. Your geckos will be better off and live healthier, active lives.