The Pangea Gecko Diet: Growth & Breeding Formula™ is a meticulously crafted nutritional solution designed to meet the specific needs of crested geckos during their growth and breeding phases. This formula is distinguished by its elevated protein content derived from insect sources, combined with a taste that is highly appealing to geckos, ensuring palatability and encouraging a strong feeding response.
Key Features and Benefits
This diet boasts several key highlights that make it an excellent choice for reptile enthusiasts:
- High Protein and Fat Content: Sourced primarily from insects like crickets and black soldier fly larvae, this formula provides the essential building blocks for rapid growth and robust breeding capabilities.
- Supports Breeding Success: The increased fat content is specifically formulated to promote healthy egg production and overall reproductive success in adult geckos.
- Maximum Calcium Levels: Adequate calcium is crucial for reptiles, especially breeding females. This diet is fortified to near-maximum levels, with the option to supplement if needed.
- Exceptional Feeding Response: A blend of bananas and apricots, similar to other Pangea formulas, ensures that geckos readily accept and consume the diet.
- Promotes Healthy Weight Gain: The nutrient-dense composition aids geckos in achieving and maintaining an optimal body weight.
- Suitable for All Life Stages: While designed for growth and breeding, this formula is also an excellent choice for geckos of all ages, providing balanced nutrition.
Nutritional Advantages
Beyond these highlights, the Pangea Gecko Diet: Growth & Breeding Formula™ offers advantages for a variety of gecko species. It is particularly beneficial for species requiring higher levels of calcium and insect-based protein, such as the New Caledonian giant gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus), gargoyle geckos (R. auriculatus), chameleon geckos (Eurydactylodes spp.), and mossy prehensile-tailed geckos (Mniarogekko chahoua). While crested geckos thrive on this formula, occasional feedings of live, dusted insects (once or twice a week) are still recommended to provide variety and stimulate natural foraging behaviors.
The primary sources of fat and protein are crickets and black soldier fly larvae, ensuring a natural and bioavailable nutrient profile. The fruit blend of bananas and apricots not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the diet’s overall appeal. The elevated fat levels are instrumental in maintaining strong egg production throughout the demanding breeding season.
Calcium Supplementation and Feeding Schedule
The calcium content in this formula is optimized for gecko health, approaching the maximum levels suitable for a complete diet. For breeding females that may experience calcium depletion, it is advisable to monitor their condition and potentially offer additional plain calcium in a separate dish. Further details on calcium supplementation can be found in Pangea’s informative article on the topic.
To maximize the benefits of this diet during the breeding season, fresh food should be offered at least every other day. This approach supports the gecko’s metabolism better than infrequent, large meals, which can lead to overeating. While live insects are optional, they can be offered periodically to add diversity to the diet and provide mental stimulation.
Preparation and Storage
Directions: To prepare, mix one part Pangea Gecko Diet powder with 2.5 parts water. Adjust the water ratio to achieve the desired consistency. Prepared food is best kept refrigerated and will remain good for up to 7 days. Unprepared dry mix can be stored at room temperature for 6 months, or refrigerated for up to 1 year. The expiration date is marked on the packaging for unopened products.
Life Stage Feeding Recommendations
- Growth: Feed 3-4 times per week, alternating with insect feedings.
- Breeding: Feed at least 4-5 days per week, supplemented with additional insect feedings.
Important Notes and Ingredients
This particular mix has a tendency to adhere to geckos’ tails and toes if they walk through it. This is easily remedied with a gentle rinse or a short sauna session. It is also common for geckos to not completely empty their bowls with this richer formula, unlike with lower-fat options. The diet is formulated with a shorter expiration date to ensure the highest potency of protein and vitamins.
Ingredients:
Banana Flake, Apricot Powder, Dried House Cricket, Dried Milk Protein (Micellar Casein), Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Vegetable Fat, Xanthan Gum, Flax Meal (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Salt, Choline Bitartrate, Maltodextrin, Natural Guava Flavor, Dried Kelp, Magnesium Oxide, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Gluconate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Ferric Pyrophosphate, Manganese Citrate, Copper Gluconate, Niacin Supplement, Rice Bran, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Mineral Oil, Sunflower Lecithin, Folic Acid.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: Min 21%
- Crude Fat: Min 5.7%
- Crude Fiber: Max 8%
- Moisture: Max 6%
- Ash: Max 8%
This comprehensive formula provides a foundation for healthy growth and successful breeding in geckos, supporting their well-being at every life stage.
