Soya Protein Isolate

Why we choose soya protein isolate in Blue River Diets

At Blue River Diets, every ingredient is chosen with care, science, and your gecko’s health in mind. One of the most important parts of our formula is soya protein isolate — a high-quality, plant-based protein that supports strong, healthy geckos.

We’re often asked why we choose soya protein isolate over other popular options like whey, rice bran, or pea protein. On this page we’ll explain why we believe soya protein isolate is more suitable for crested geckos, alongside Insect protein.

Soya protein isolate is the purest form of soya protein, made by removing most of the fats and carbohydrates from soybeans. The result is a fine powder that contains over 90% protein — rich in essential amino acids, low in anti-nutrients, and easy to digest.

This isn’t the same as soy flour or soy concentrate. It’s a refined, high-grade protein source used in advanced nutrition — and it’s perfect for frugivorous reptiles like the crested gecko.

Reptiles need the right balance of amino acids to support growth, reproduction, and energy. Our soya protein isolate offers a complete amino acid profile, including essential amino acids like lysine, methionine, threonine, and valine.

Gecko Diet Protein Comparison – Here’s how the amino acid profiles stacks up:

Amino Acid	Soya Isolate	Whey Protein	Pea Protein	Rice Protein
Histidine	2.5g	1.5g	2.2g	1.1g
Isoleucine	4.7g	6.3g	3.8g	3.5g
Leucine	7.7g	10.6g	6.6g	6.4g
Lysine	6.4g	9.6g	5.9g	3.8g
Methionine + Cysteine	2.6g	4.9g	1.6g	3.2g
Phenylalanine + Tyrosine	8.8g	5.8g	6.4g	7.2g
Threonine	3.9g	6.7g	3.6g	3.4g
Tryptophan	1.3g	1.7g	0.7g	0.9g
Valine	4.9g	5.9g	4.4g	4.0g

What does this mean?

Whey protein isolate typically has higher levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, isoleucine and valine which is great for muscle growth and repair in mammals, but isn’t a defining factor for reptile nutrition.

The demand for high-concentration BCAAs for Crested Geckos is far less because they have slower metabolic rates, lower muscular turnover, and don’t engage in high-exertion activities the way mammals do. They also metabolize proteins differently, often using fats for energy over protein, especially in resting states.

Pea and rice proteins offer a more balanced amino acid profile than whey and are closer in structure to soya protein — but their levels are lower across nearly all amino acids, making soya protein the more complete and appropriate choice for Crested Geckos.

Soya protein isolate has more phenylalanine and tyrosine, which are crucial for neurotransmitter production and skin pigmentation.

Lysine and methionine often limiting in plant proteins, are present in useful amounts in soya isolate. Lysine is particularly important as it helps the body absorb and retain calcium and produce collagen. Methionine assists in the production of keratin, important for healthy skin and claws, whilst also supporting the liver function.

Overall, the amino acid profile of Soya protein compared to Whey, Pea and Rice offers a more balanced and tailored approach to the needs to Crested Geckos and other frugivorous species.

We only use GMO-certified, pesticide-free soya protein isolate. This means there are no harmful chemicals and no contaminants.

Many myths about soya protein relate to pesticide use or digestibility, but our version is refined for performance and safety, backed by third-party certifications.

Insect Protein — A Natural and Exceptional Choice

We also believe insect protein is one of the best protein sources for crested geckos — it’s natural, species-appropriate, and rich in nutrients that support growth and health. That’s why in our Fruit & Bug Formula, we include insect protein from soldier fly larvae alongside soya protein isolate.

In fact, because insect protein is so efficient and complete, we reduce the amount of soya in that formula. This creates a more balanced mix that reflects how geckos eat in the wild: some fruit, some insects, and never too much of anything.

Why We Encourage Live Insect Feeding Too

While Blue River Diets provide complete nutrition on their own, we strongly recommend offering live insects to your gecko regularly — not for the reasons of added protein, but for enrichment and natural behaviour.

Hunting, stalking, and catching insects keeps geckos mentally stimulated and physically active, which is just as important as meeting their dietary needs.