Can Crested Geckos Eat Apricot? Safety, Prep & Frequency

Apricot flesh is safe for crested geckos in very small amounts but its high sugar content and phosphorus-heavy calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (≈0.56:1) mean it should be offered no more than once a month. The pit is toxic and must always be discarded.

How to Prepare

1. Remove the pit entirely — apricot stones contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside that can release hydrogen cyanide during digestion.
2. Peel or scrub the skin under running water to eliminate pesticide residue; organic apricots can be offered unpeeled after washing.
3. Dice the flesh into pieces no larger than a pea (roughly 5 mm) to prevent choking and portion-control sugar intake.
4. Offer the piece alone or mixed into a CGD (crested gecko diet) feeding — never as the primary meal — and remove any uneaten fruit within 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Warnings

• Apricot pit (stone) is toxic: contains amygdalin which metabolizes to hydrogen cyanide — remove completely before offering any piece.
• High natural sugar (~9.2 g per 100 g fresh weight) can contribute to obesity and hepatic lipidosis if fed too often.
• Phosphorus-dominant Ca:P ratio (~0.56:1) can impede calcium absorption over time; always maintain proper calcium supplementation through feeder dusting and CGD rotation.
• Dried or canned apricots are too concentrated in sugar and often contain preservatives (sulfites) — use only fresh, ripe fruit.
• Juvenile and gravid females have elevated calcium demands; skip apricot entirely during these life stages and prioritize higher-Ca foods.

Nutrition Facts

FAQ

Is apricot safe for crested geckos?

The flesh of a fresh apricot is not toxic to crested geckos. The danger lies entirely in the pit, which contains amygdalin — a compound that breaks down into hydrogen cyanide. As long as the stone is removed and portions are small, apricot flesh poses no acute toxicity risk. The main concerns are its high sugar content and unfavorable Ca:P ratio, which is why it belongs in the 'rare treat' category rather than a staple. See our full [crested gecko diet](/crested-gecko-diet) guide for a ranked list of safe fruits.

Can crested geckos eat dried apricots?

No. Dried apricots are roughly five times more sugar-dense than fresh (up to 53 g sugar per 100 g) and often contain sulfite preservatives that are harmful to reptiles. They also lack the hydration benefit that fresh fruit provides. Stick exclusively to fresh, ripe apricot in pea-sized amounts.

How often should I offer apricot to my crested gecko?

Once a month at most, and only to healthy adults. Fruits with better Ca:P ratios — such as fig, papaya, or mango — make far better regular rotation choices. For a complete feeding schedule and fruit frequency chart, refer to the [crested gecko fruits](/crested-gecko-fruits) page.

What fruits are better than apricot for crested geckos?

Figs (Ca:P ~2.5:1), papaya (~1.7:1), and mango (~1:1) all offer superior calcium-to-phosphorus profiles and are widely accepted as staple fruit options in professional herpetoculture. Apricot can supplement variety but should never displace these higher-value choices. The [crested gecko care](/crested-gecko-care) guide covers enclosure and dietary fundamentals in detail.

Can baby crested geckos eat apricot?

It is best avoided for juveniles under six months. Hatchlings and fast-growing juveniles have elevated calcium demands relative to body mass; a phosphorus-heavy fruit like apricot can subtly tilt the dietary balance at a critical developmental window. Restrict juveniles to a quality CGD and calcium-dusted insects until they reach sub-adult size.

More Crested Geckos Foods

• Can crested geckos eat grapes?
• Can crested geckos eat strawberries?
• Can crested geckos eat blueberries?
• Can crested geckos eat apples?

Sources

• USDA FoodData Central — Apricots, raw (FDC ID 171697)
• Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) — Nutrition resources