Crested geckos are a popular pet, but do they eat strawberries? The answer is yes, and no. You can feed your crested geckos with strawberries but in moderation to avoid the relatively high amounts of phosphorus to calcium in these fruits. Otherwise, strawberries are a healthy treat for pet lizards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crested geckos can eat strawberries as long as it isn’t the only thing they’re eating in their diet. Supplement the strawberries with other foods such as insects or supplements to provide the crested gecko with a balanced diet. A sliced strawberry once a week is enough for the gecko.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are strawberries good for crested geckos?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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In the wild, the diet of crested geckos is made up of insects (49.6%), fruits (11.7%), pollen (10.3%), fruit nectars (7.52%), and seeds (1.8%). Given that strawberries rarely grow in the world, we first need to establish their qualities in relation to the nutritional needs of the crested gecko as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nutritional value<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The nutritional value of strawberries is as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A good Ca:P ratio for pet reptiles is between two parts calcium to one part phosphorus (2:1) and equal parts of calcium and phosphorus (1:1). The ratio of these minerals is important in order for the pet to stay healthy and prevent metabolic bone disease, a condition that causes skeletal deformities or lesions on bones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For strawberries, the Ca:P ratio is 1:1.5 as shown in the table below. This isn’t a bad ratio since it’s within the required limits. It shows that strawberries aren’t bad for your crested geckos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This ratio is calculated as shown below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The benefits of calcium in crested geckos include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stronger bones and teeth.<\/li>
Prevents bone disease, such as metabolic bone disease.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, phosphorus benefits crested geckos in several ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prevents calcium deficiency.<\/li>
Increases energy levels and kidney function.<\/li>
Helps to metabolize sugars in the body (needed for carbohydrate metabolism).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
There are a lot of benefits that come with eating strawberries, but it’s important to keep them at an appropriate level. It is possible for phosphorus intake to be too high as well, which can cause metabolic bone disease or other problems such as obesity. So, make sure you monitor how many strawberries your gecko eats so they don’t get sick later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amount of oxalic acid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Strawberries have 2mg of oxalic acid per serving which is a safe amount to give to your crested geckos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oxalic acid is a natural component of many plants, especially those in the nightshade family. The amount varies widely from species to species and even within a plant’s fruit depending on factors such as variety or season. For example, levels can be high in some varieties of green beans but low in others; they are high in immature potatoes but lower when the potato is mature enough for harvest (pink spuds).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, oxalic acid is known to inhibit the absorption of calcium in animals including crested geckos. A low calcium level will lead to a number of potentially serious problems including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and calcification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your gecko is eating a large quantity of strawberries then it’s possible that they may be deficient in calcium which could lead to other health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After assessing the nutritional value, Ca:P ratio and amount of oxalic acid in strawberries, you should feed your crested geckos strawberries but not as a main meal. Rather, feed them as an occasional treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n