Read This Before Feeding Your Reptile These Potentially Harmful Fruits!

Some reptiles (such as Crested Geckos) are specialized fruit eaters known as Frugivores (also sometimes considered frugivorous omnivores, or omnivorous frugivores!). Fruit makes up a large part of a Frugivores diet; Fruits can sometimes be offered as treats to other Non-Frugivorous reptile species, but not all fruits are safe. Some fruits contain compounds that can be harmful, cause digestive issues, or lead to long-term health problems. Here are the top fruits you should avoid:

1.

Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Grapefruit)

Citrus fruits are highly acidic and can irritate your reptile’s digestive system. The acid may cause mouth sores, stomach irritation, and long-term health issues.

2.

Rhubarb (including the leaves and stalks)

Rhubarb contains high levels of oxalic acid, which binds to calcium in the body and can lead to calcium deficiency, kidney issues, or even death.

3. 

Fruit Seeds & Pits (Apple seeds, Cherry pits, Peach pits, etc.)

Many fruit seeds and pits contain cyanogenic compounds that release cyanide when digested. While the fruit itself may be safe in moderation, always remove seeds and pits of these fruits before feeding!

4.

Bananas (in excess)

Bananas themselves aren’t toxic, and are found in many prepared gecko diets, but they are very high in phosphorus. Too much phosphorus can disrupt the calcium-to-phosphorus balance, leading to metabolic bone disease (MBD) in reptiles. Fresh bananas should only be offered rarely. 

Note: Commercially made gecko foods containing banana is balanced with other vitamins to correct the phosphorous ratio, meaning you can offer your reptile commercially made reptile foods containing banana without the same concerns!

✅ Safe Practice: Always do research before offering your reptile new foods. Offering a rotating variety of foods is the best way to ensure your reptile is getting a balanced diet and not too much of anything. It is also important to note that fresh fruit is not a complete diet and should be offered as a treat only, even to fruit-eating species. Commercial balanced diets should make up the majority of your fruit-eating reptile's diet! Remember—many reptiles don’t require fruit in their diet at all!