Coconut Milk Benefits for Geckos

Why we use coconut milk for healthy gecko fats

Coconut milk offers a clean, plant-based fat that is highly digestible, rich in natural energy, and better aligned with the diet of a frugivorous reptile like the crested gecko. In the wild, crested geckos feed primarily on fruit, nectar, and insects. While some reptiles in nature may consume eggs, there is no evidence that crested geckos do — and certainly not as a regular dietary staple.

Coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), including lauric acid, which are rapidly broken down and used as energy. These fats are easier on the liver and less likely to be stored as excess body fat. As so many Crested Geckos in captivity are considered overweight, it was an important decision here at Blue River Diets that we choose a more appropriate source of fat.

Since Crested Geckos have slower metabolic rates than mammals or indeed many other species of reptile, they don’t require high fat or protein loads, making coconut milk an ideal source of dietary fat.

By contrast, egg powder contributes high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol. While egg-derived ingredients do provide protein and fat, they are derived from a source that geckos have not evolved to process regularly. Diets that rely on whole egg powder may create a fat load that is unnecessary for captive geckos, especially when used in combination with high-protein formulas. Over time, this can place added pressure on a gecko’s liver, potentially leading to fat storage issues such as hepatic lipidosis.

We’ve also made sure our fat levels reflect what geckos need. Our fruit-based diets contain around 4.5% fat, which mirrors what geckos would encounter naturally through fruit pulp, seeds, and insects. This amount supports energy requirements and skin health without contributing to excessive fat accumulation.

Importantly, Blue River Diets are designed to work alongside your existing feeding routine. We actively encourage keepers to offer live insects for enrichment and protein variety, which means our base diets are formulated to provide balance, not excess. We don’t believe in overloading on fat or protein when geckos already receive both from live feeders. Instead, we focus on clean, digestible sources of energy that contribute to long-term health and wellbeing.

Coconut milk is also allergen-free, vegan, and ethically sourced. For keepers who care about sustainability and clean ingredients, it’s a reassuring choice. It supports a natural diet, aligns with the biology of the animal, and avoids the complications associated with animal-based fats.

In short, we believe coconut milk is the smarter fat source — better for your gecko, better for digestion, and better aligned with the way these animals have evolved to eat.