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Day Gecko Food Pyramid

The pyramid is a guide to feed your day gecko. You do not have to follow the schedule exactly (see special considerations). It is based off of research on the macronutrient and calcium requirements of various types of reptiles outlined in the Merck Veterinary Manual as well as individual scientific studies about wild day gecko diets. This pyramid is also based off of what experienced day gecko breeders have found to work for their animals.

The day gecko food pyramid is designed to be a user-friendly guide. The foods on the bottom are the most important, however all the food groups are necessary for a healthy day gecko. The key on the right side describes how many times to feed this food group per a week. When the pyramid level is broken in half, you can choose either food group. The larger the section, the more important it is.
Day Gecko Food Pyramid

Introduction:

This guide is made to combat the incomplete knowledge of day gecko nutrition. Many new owners are confused about what to feed their pets while experienced owners are looking for the best diet possible.

There is no such thing as a complete guide to day gecko nutrition because there is no realistic way for the in-home keeper to formulate a total diet. It is conventional wisdom that variety is key to combat an incomplete diet, but that isn’t always the case. For example, almost all the foods a day gecko is fed will be deficient in calcium and iodine. This is simply a product of commercial agriculture raising plants and insects so that they grow as cost effectively as possible.

This guide will get you as close as possible to a complete diet without expensive scientific testing. The most important thing in any animal’s diet is feeding appropriate foods in appropriate ratios in order to get the correct balance of protein fat and carbohydrates. It will also help you understand other nutrients how to get them too.
​

Key Food Groups:
​

Insects:

Insects are the protein source for day geckos. Most commercially raised insects are deficient in several nutrients, including calcium, thiamin (vitamin B1), vitamin A and vitamin E. It is necessary to feed the insects a high calcium and vitamin A diet before feeding to your day gecko. Gut loading is much more effective than dusting insects. The insects fed should also be low in fat content.

The actual evidence for what portion of the wild day gecko diet consists of insects is scarce. Gardner and Jasper (2015) only observed urban dwelling day geckos eating insects 2.6% of their feeding observations. However, it is likely this number is low for two reasons, most observations occurred in areas that were rich with other food sources, namely the kitchen of a home. It was also stated in this study that day geckos had been observed capturing insects attracted to artificial lights during the night. Most of the consuming of insects was therefor out of sight of the scientists. Day geckos in natural environments have been observed to move to each species of flowers as they produce nectar at different times of the day. Insects also followed these patterns and it is thought that geckos move to each species not only for nectar, but to consume the insects that follow (Murphy and Myers 1996). It is likely that insects are the larger portion of day gecko diets, it is just much more difficult to observe their insect eating behavior.

Ideal insects include crickets, roaches, hornworms and soldier fly larva (reptiworms). Insects that should be fed more sparingly due to their fat content include mealworms , superworms and waxworms.

Check out the nutritional analysis of some common feeder insects.

Fruit:

Fruit is an essential part of the captive day gecko diet. In the wild they mainly consume nectar and pollen, however in urban environments and captivity day geckos will readily consume fruit instead. The problem is almost all fruit you can buy in the store is heavily domesticated and has little relation to the nutritional content of its wild relatives.  Domestic fruits are lower in protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber while they are much higher in sugar content. Tropical fruits are generally a good choice, but are still much too sweet compared to their wild counterparts.

Because day geckos primarily consume their food as insects or nectar, it may be beneficial to "blend" fruit so that they can lap it up. Day geckos have been observed eating a variety of nectar type foods. They will milk honeydew off planthopper insects (Folling et al. 2010), eat honey and granulated sugar in urban environments (Gardner and Jasper 2015) and eat nectar from the mangrove tree (Taylor and Gardner 2014).


Some healthy fruits include berries, cantelope, dates, figs, guava, kiwi, mango, oranges, papaya and pineapple.

Vegetables:

This is the part of a day gecko’s diet that will bring in a diversity of nutrients and a ton of beta-carotene. Good vegetables are often bright in color and not too high in oxalates and phosphorus. Sometimes the healthiest foods are also the strangest, such as prickly pear leafs and hibiscus flowers. Day geckos may prefer to eat vegetables in a "smoothie" form blended with fruit. 

Vegetables are recommended in the diet to help replace the pollen that they naturally eat. Vegetables have many more nutrients and much less sugar than fruits, which is the same role that pollen plays in a wild day gecko's diet. Day geckos have been observed steeling pollen pellets directly from foraging bees (Clemencet et al. 2013). 

Some of the best vegetables include acorn squash, butternut squash, bell peppers, prickly pear leafs, hibiscus, common button mushroom, okra, and pumpkin.

Other good vegetables include asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrot, green beans, snap peas, tomato, yellow squash and cucumber.


Check out the nutritional analysis of vegetables.

Greens:

Greens are a powerful source of nutrition for day geckos. They have more calcium, vitamins and other minerals than the average vegetable. A healthy green must be rich in nutrients like calcium, low in phosphorus and low in anti-nutrients like oxalates and goitrogens. Day geckos may prefer to eat greens in a "smoothie" form blended with fruit. 

The best greens are escarole, endive, alfalfa and dandelion greens.

Other good greens are bok choy, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, watercress

Vitamin/Mineral Supplement:

Liberally sprinkle a vitamin supplement on the day gecko's food. A vitamin and mineral supplement is essential when feeding a home made diet to ensure no nutrients are missing, however there is quite a variety of supplements on the market. When looking for a supplement for a healthy day gecko, as outlined here, there are a few key nutrients one should consider. Most fruits and vegetables are low in magnesium, iron and iodine. Make sure your supplement provides these nutrients as well as ample amounts of B vitamins. Often iodide is provided using kelp as an ingredient. Additionally, vitamin A should be provided in a retinol form because it is not know if these animals can synthesize vitamin A retinol from beta-carotene.

Calcium Supplement:

Gut load all insects with calcium and liberally dust on other foods. 
A calcium supplement should be purchased separately from a vitamin and mineral supplement. This is because calcium needs to be supplemented in a much higher level than any other mineral. Most foods for day geckos are deficient in calcium and calcium is required more than any other mineral in reptiles. Also be sure that you have proper UVB lighting or access to direct sunlight (not through a window). Without UVB, day geckos cannot have enough vitamin D in their system to process the calcium they are eating. Supplementing calcium is useless without UVB lights as dietary vitamin D is not absorbed by most reptiles.

Sources:

​Clemencet, Johanna, Cyril Aubert, Doriane Blottiere, and Mickael Sanchez. Kleptoparasitism in the Endemic Gecko Phelsuma inexpectata: Pollen Theft from Foraging Honeybees on Reunion. Journal of Tropical Ecology. 29(3):251-254 (2013).

Folling, Markus, Christoph Knogge, Wolfgang Bohme. Geckos are Milking Honeydew-Prodcing Planthoppers in Madagascar. Journal of Natural History. 1(2):279-284 (2010).

​Gardner, Charlie and Louise Jasper. Diet of the Endemic Malagasy Day Gecko Phelsuma modesta leiogaster Mertens, 1970 in an Urban Environment. Herpetology Notes. 8:489-492 (2015).

Murphy, Tricha J. and Alan A Myers. The Behavioral Ecology of Phelsuma astriata semicarinata on Aride Island Nature Reserve, Seychelles. Journal of Herpetology. 30(1):117-123 (1996).

Taylor, Benjamin and Charlie Gardner. Nectar Feeding by the Day Gecck Phelsuma mutabilis (Squamata: Gekkonidae) on the Mangrove Tree Sonneratia alba (Lythraceae) in Southwest Madagascar. Herpetology Notes. 7:85-87 (2014). 


Special Considerations:
​

These dietary guidelines are designed for an average, healthy, day gecko. As with anything, if your reptiles are ill you need to consult a veterinarian for advice. That being said, there are some normal dietary considerations that apply to many day geckos. If your day gecko is sick, please check out our diagnostics page. 

Obesity:

Many captive animals of all kinds suffer from obesity. The best thing you can do for an obese day gecko is feed only lean insect species and exchange a portion of the fruit in the diet for vegetables. Obesity is deadly. It can cause liver failure and many other issues. Supplementing with a very small amount of omega 3 fish oil is also wise to prevent liver disease in obese animals.

Juveniles:

Young day geckos are growing fast and need more protein and calcium than older day geckos. It is wise to increase the amount of insects offered to them. Fatty insects are also a good source of energy for young animals. Make sure all insects fed are gut loaded with calcium and vitamin A.

Anorexia:
​
Not eating is a common occurrence with many pet reptiles. Usually the issue is with the temperature of the enclosure, or another husbandry problem. Ensure that your tank is up to standards and visit a
veterinarian. In the mean time, remember that eating any food is better than eating no food. Even if all your day gecko will eat is banana baby food this is better than not eating anything at all. Work on getting them to eat healthy foods, but again, unhealthy food is better than no food. For tips and tricks to get your animal to eat see our "appetite stimulation" page. ​

Key Nutrients:
​

 There are many key nutrients in a day gecko’s diet. Calcium is a particularly important nutrient that many beginner keepers do not offer enough of.  It is imperative to supplement your day gecko with calcium and provide proper UVB lighting.

The key nutrients are listed in alphabetical order.

Anthocyanin
Definition-natural plant flavonoid pigments that appear blue or purple
Function-a weak antioxidant that enhances color
Foods-acai, blood orange, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, purple grapes

Beta-carotene
Definition-a red-orange pigment in plants that can be converted by some animals to vitamin A
Function-A vitamin A supplement for omnivores and herbivores that cannot be overdosed as well as an antioxidant that enhances color
Foods-carrot, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach

Calcium
Definition-an abundant chemical element that essential for life
Function-building blocks for bones and teeth and an essential element for cell physiology
Foods-calcium carbonate supplement, prickly pear leafs, collard greens, oranges, soldier fly larva, mustard greens, bell peppers

Carbohydrates
Definition-a biological molecule made of chemically linked sugars. Carbohydrates include, sugars, starch and fiber
Function-simple energy source for animals
Foods-almost all foods, especially plants

Copper
Definition-a chemical element that is an essential mineral
Function-Copper has many functions, including collagen formation, enzyme cofactors, incorporating iron into red blood cells and generation of energy from carbohydrates. It is usually abundant in foods for day geckos and inhibits zinc uptake, so copper intake needs to be limited.
Foods-spinach, turnip greens. asparagus, beans, nuts, kale, mushroom, pumpkin

Fats (lipids)
Definition-a biological molecule that is found in plants and animals
Function- a dense energy source and an energy storage method
Foods-waxworms, superworms, mealworms, nuts, seeds

Fiber - Click Here for More Information
Definition-a type of complex carbohydrate in plants that cannot be digested
Function-Fibers add bulk to the stool and give food for gut bacteria
Foods- all vegetables and fruit

Goitrogens
Definition-substances that disrupt the production of thyroid hormones
Function-These anti-nutrients should be avoided in excess in order to maintain thyroid health of day gecko. They are less harmful when proper iodine supplementation is provided.
Foods-cassava, soy, peanuts, strawberries, spinach, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, kale, turnip

Iodine
Definition-a chemical element abundant in the ocean that is an essential mineral
Function-key component of hormones made by the thyroid
Foods-kelp, ocean fish, shrimp, spirulina, scallops, standard table salt

Macronutrient
Definition- A category of nutrients that makes up the bulk of foods. It includes protein, fat(lipids), carbohydrates and water.
Function-each macronutrient has a different function, but protein, fat(lipids) and carbohydrates can all provide energy. The ratios of these nutrients in a diet is extremely important.
Foods-all foods

Minerals (dietary)
Definition-a chemical element that is required by living organisms other than carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen
Function-builds bones, tissue, catalyzes biological reactions, transports oxygen and many more
Foods-all foods have some mineral content

Oxalates
Definition-a specific organic acid found in plants and animals
Function-binds with calcium to form kidney stones and prevent calcium from being used in the body
Foods-soy, nuts, beans, spinach, swiss chard, beets, collard greens, okra, blueberries, grapes, raspberries

Phytonutrients
Definition-chemicals naturally produced by plants that are not of conventional nutritional value
Function-functions vary but they are usually antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and promote liver health
Foods-plants, especially ones rich in color

Protein - Click Here for More Information 
Definition-a biological molecule made of chemically linked amino acids
Function-maintains the structure of the body and excess can be used as an energy source
Foods-all foods have some protein, with insects being especially high as well as a decent amount of protein in nuts and seeds

Phosphorus
Definition- an abundant chemical element that essential for life
Function-enables cell function and builds bones, but is easily 
consumed in excess in a day gecko’s diet. Excess consumption impairs calcium absorption and can cause muscle disorders.
Foods-asparagus, beans, soy, seeds, cricket, mealworms, mushroom

Vitamins
Definition-A vital organic compound that an organism cannot synthesize on its own. They can be divided into fat soluble and water soluble.
Function-each vitamin has its own function in the body
Foods-all foods

Vitamin A
Definition-a group of related fat-soluble nutrients (carotenoids and retinoids) that are essential for the body.

Function- Carotenoids come from plants and cannot be overdosed, so they are the safest form of vitamin A, however it is not known if day geckos can convert carotenoids to retinoids. Vitamin A is needed for immune responses, night vision and many other functions in the body.
Foods-silkworm, properly gut loaded insects

Vitamin D

Definition-a fat soluble vitamin derived from UVB light or dietary sources
Function- needed to absorb calcium and other minerals from food
Foods-UVB lighting should be provided for day geckos so that they can synthesize vitamin D, numerous studies have indicated that dietary supplementation is not an effective source of vitamin D in diurnal reptiles. 

Vitamin E
Definition-a fat soluble vitamin that acts as a powerful antioxidant
Function-protects against free radical damage, ageing and heart disease. It is especially crucial in a high fat diet. Most foods high in vitamin E are also high in fat, so a balance is difficult to achieve.
Foods-sunflower seeds, shrimp, greens. almonds, broccoli
​

Science Behind the Pyramid:
​
(jargon warning!)

​

The proportions of the pyramid are based on macronutrient balancing. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, omnivorous reptiles need a diet of 20-25% protein, 3-6% fat and 20-35% fiber on a dry matter basis.  To achieve these macronutrient ratios the pyramid recommends how often to feed a portion of insects, greens, fruits or vegetables. There is a total of 18 portions of these food groups fed each week.

1 greens portions/12 total portions=8.3% greens
2 vegetable portions/12 total portions=16.7% vegetables
4 fruit portion/12 total portions=33.3% fruit
5 insect portions/12 total portions=41.7% insects

The most important macronutrient is protein. The diet aims to achieve a 20-25% dry matter protein content. Greens, vegetables, fruit and insects are typically 20%, 10%, 5% and 50% protein, respectively. Multiplying the % of protein by the proportion of portions gives us:

.083x20% + .167x10% + .333x5% + .417x50%= 25.8% protein

Therefor this food pyramid provides an adequate amount of protein. Using this same method fat and fiber can also be calculated. Greens, vegetables, fruit and insects are typically 2%, 2%, 2% and 18% fat, respectively.  They are typically 25%, 25%,15% and 10% fiber, respectively.

.083x2% + .167x2% + .333x2% + .417x18%= 8.7% fat (goal 3%-6%)

.083x25% + .167x25% + .333x15% + .417x10%= 15.4% fiber (goal 20%-35%)​
​
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  • Home
  • Nutrition
    • Food Pyramids >
      • Bearded Dragon
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    • Food Item Analysis >
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    • Appetite Stimulation
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      • Protein
      • Fiber
      • Vitamin A
    • Diagnostics
  • Enclosures
    • How big should it be?
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      • The Reptile Shelf
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