If you’ve ever kept bearded dragons, leopard geckos, or other omnivorous or herbivorous reptiles, you’ve likely heard of Repashy Superfoods. Among their wide array of products, Repashy paste has gained immense popularity for its effectiveness in delivering balanced nutrition in an easy-to-prepare format. Whether you’re a reptile hobbyist, breeder, or new pet parent, understanding how to make Repashy paste correctly is crucial to ensuring your pet receives the essential nutrients for long-term health.
In this article, we’ll explore the process of making Repashy paste step by step, covering everything from ingredient selection to storage and feeding tips. We’ll also highlight best practices and common mistakes to avoid, ensuring your reptiles enjoy a nutritious and palatable meal every time.
Why Repashy Paste Is So Popular Among Reptile Keepers
Repashy paste stands out for several reasons:
- It’s nutrient-dense, specially formulated for reptilian dietary needs.
- It mimics natural feeding instincts when offered with food or as a standalone meal.
- It’s incredibly versatile — can be used in rotation with other food sources.
- It’s less work-intensive than preparing homemade food from scratch while maintaining health benefits.
Most importantly, Repashy paste is praised for being highly adaptable for different species and ages of reptiles — juveniles may need higher protein, while adult herbivores might require more fiber. Their various formulas cater to these needs, and the paste method allows for precise and controlled feeding.
Understanding Repashy Superfoods Paste Concept
The key to successfully making Repashy paste lies in understanding the product and its function. Repashy formulas are powdered pre-mixes enriched with:
- Vitamins (such as Vitamin A, B complex, D3)
- Minerals (calcium, phosphorus, zinc, etc.)
- Plant proteins and fiber
- Occasional insect proteins in omnivore- and carnivore-targeted mixes
When made into a paste, these nutrients are bound together into a consistency that many reptiles find appealing — often reminiscent of natural prey items or food sources. Unlike dry mixes that may allow for nutrient separation, a well-made Repashy paste ensures consumption of a complete and fortified meal.
Repashy Mix Options Appropriate for Paste Making
Not all Repashy products are ideal for paste, as some are optimized for powdered feeding or gut loading insects. Here’s a brief overview of suitable formulas:
| Product | Recommended For | Paste Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Repashy Grassland Omnivore Formula | Uromastyx, agamas, bearded dragons | Yes |
| Repashy Gecko Diet (formerly Crested Gecko Diet) | Crested geckos, other frugivorous geckos | Yes |
| Repashy SoCal SuperBlend | Bearded dragons, omnivorous lizards | Yes |
| Repashy BioVita Multivitamin | Supplement addition | Blended with paste |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Repashy Paste
Follow this detailed process to ensure a healthy, properly mixed Repashy paste for your reptiles:
1. Choose the Right Repashy Formula for Your Reptile
This step may seem obvious, but the wrong base mix can impact digestion and health. For example, herbivore diets typically need higher fiber and lower protein as they age, whereas juveniles often require higher protein for growth.
Research the species-specific dietary profile and choose accordingly. Many keepers blend formulas depending on their reptile’s nutritional needs — it’s okay to mix small percentages of other formulas to customize the meal.
2. Assemble the Necessary Tools
You won’t need many items, but having the right tools ensures the paste is uniform and safe. List of tools:
- Heat-safe mixing bowl (e.g., Pyrex or ceramic)
- Spoon or spatula (preferably silicon or heat-safe)
- Scale or measuring cups (precision may be necessary with water ratios)
- Hot water (boiled and slightly cooled)
- Optional: small blender or food processor for a smoother paste
3. Measure Ingredients Accurately
The most important ratio is that of mix to water. While the official instructions provide starting points, for paste making, use less water than for liquid feeding. Generally, start with:
- 1 part Repashy powdered mix
- 1.5 to 2 parts hot water (by volume)
Start with minimal water and add as needed to achieve a sticky, spreadable texture. You can always add, but not subtract.
4. Mix Thoroughly With Hot Water
Hot water helps activate the binding agents in Repashy mixes. The best way to mix:
- Pour the measured powder into the bowl.
- Add about 1.5 parts of hot (around 160–170°F / 70–80°C) water.
- Stir immediately and continuously — this prevents clumping.
- Continue mixing until the paste thickens.
5. Adjust the Texture
For paste feeding, the goal is a semi-hard but cohesive texture that stays together in small portions, typically for gut loading hornworms, Dubia roaches, or direct feeding in fasted animals or those with dental issues.
The ideal paste consistency should:
– Hold shape when spooned onto a flat surface
– Not be runny or dripping
– Allow for scooping and placing into dishes without falling apart
You can test the paste by making a small glob. If it holds together well, you’ve reached an optimal texture.
6. Optional: Add Custom Nutritional Boosters
Some reptiles, especially those on a strict diet or with special health conditions, benefit from added elements:
- Small pieces of chopped vegetables (very finely diced)
- Crushed insects like dried black soldier fly larvae (for omnivores)
- Calcium or vitamin D3 supplements (in rotation)
- Bee pollen (for herbivores as a natural vitamin booster)
This step is optional and intended for advanced users. Be careful not to dilute or overpower the premixed formula’s balance.
Proper Cooling and Feeding
Once mixed, allow the paste to cool slightly before feeding, especially for small pets that may be sensitive to hot items. You can spoon it onto ceramic dishes or spread it lightly across a clean feeding surface.
It’s essential to monitor your pet while feeding. If disinterest is shown toward the paste, try offering it in a worm shape, in a shallow feeder, or mixing it with natural-smelling fruits (like mangoes or bananas for Crested geckos). Avoid covering too much; this could lead to pickiness over time.
Expected Consumption Time
Once offered:
- Remove uneaten paste within 12–24 hours, depending on the species and ambient conditions.
- Do not refrigerate food that’s been in contact with the enclosure or animal mouth unless stored in a sealed container.
Storing Extra Repashy Paste
To save time for future feedings, you can store pre-made Repashy paste safely for up to a week — or longer if properly frozen.
Short-Term Storage (1–3 Days)
- Transfer the paste into an airtight container
- Label with the mix name and date
- Store in refrigerator (ideal around 40°F / 4°C)
Long-Term Storage (1–3 Months)
For longer durations:
- Divide the paste into small portions
- Freeze in sealed, food-safe containers or zip lock bags
- Thaw completely in room temperature before feeding
Important tip: never re-refrigerate or re-freeze leftover food that’s been exposed to your pet or their mouth.
Common Mistakes in Making Repashy Paste
Avoiding these common issues will improve your feeding outcomes:
Mistake 1: Wrong Water Ratio
This is by far the most common mistake. Too much water leads to a thin consistency that can’t be used as paste, while too little makes clumping difficult and might cause digestive issues if undercooked.
Mistake 2: Insufficient Mixing
If not mixed thoroughly, the water and powder may not bind well, leading to gritty or lumpy feedings. Stir continuously while adding water.
Mistake 3: Incorrect Mixing Vessel
Plastic or flimsy bowls can melt or warp when exposed to hot water. Always use heat-safe containers.
Mistake 4: Reusing Old or Expired Repashy Mix
While Repashy mixes have a decent shelf life (typically 2–3 years when sealed), exposure to heat, moisture, or air can degrade essential vitamins and preservatives. Always check the expiration date and store properly.
Feeding Tips and Strategies for Maximum Acceptance
Getting your reptile to consistently eat Repashy paste is not always easy. Here are some tips to consider:
Vary the Presentation
Try feeding methods tailored to your reptile’s natural foraging instincts. For example:
- Mold into worm shapes for lizards that tail chase
- Spread in a shallow dish for slower eaters
- Apply to a skewer or feeding stick for arboreal geckos
Introduce Paste in Rotations
Avoid offering Repashy paste alone every day — vary it with fresh greens, occasional insects (if omnivorous), or fruit blends. This prevents neophobia and encourages a more balanced diet.
Use in Sick or Fasted Animals
Paste offers a controlled, easy-to-ingest solution for recovery. It’s easily placed in syringes in small quantities for hand or tube feeding when medically necessary, though always consult with a qualified exotic veterinarian before force-feeding.
Conclusion: Repashy Paste – A Nutritious and Practical Feeding Tool
In conclusion, making Repashy paste is a highly effective and straightforward method to ensure your reptile receives the nutrients they require without the hassle of mixing complicated homemade diets. Whether you’re raising bearded dragons, leopard geckos, or omnivorous tortoises, understanding the right techniques and consistency for paste feeding is essential.
By following the proper steps, choosing quality formulas, and tailoring your approach to your pet’s dietary needs, you can make Repashy paste an essential part of your pet’s feeding regimen. With a bit of care and consistency, your reptile will benefit from the rich nutritional profile that pastes offer, potentially improving growth, immunity, and overall longevity.
So don’t wait — get mixing, store smart, and enjoy a healthier, happier pet!
What is Repashy Paste and how is it different from regular pet food?
Repashy Paste is a specialized nutrition blend developed primarily for insectivorous and omnivorous pets such as reptiles, amphibians, and some birds. It is made from high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients, including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, designed to mimic the nutritional profile of prey animals found in the wild. Unlike many regular pet foods that may focus on convenience or calorie density, Repashy Paste emphasizes balanced, complete nutrition to prevent dietary deficiencies and support long-term health.
This paste formulation is versatile and can be customized to suit the dietary needs of specific species by adjusting protein sources, adding supplements, or including fruit or vegetable matter. It can be offered as a primary diet or as a supplement to whole food items. Because of its texture and nutritional benefits, Repashy Paste is especially useful for picky eaters or animals recovering from illness. The formulation is often used in zoos, breeding facilities, and by experienced private keepers who want to optimize their pets’ diets.
What ingredients are typically included in Repashy Paste?
The base of Repashy Paste usually includes a mixture of whole food ingredients like eggs, lean meats, organ meats (such as liver or kidney), and insect-based proteins like reared crickets or mealworms. These provide essential amino acids, healthy fats, and easily digestible proteins that closely resemble a natural diet. In addition, the mixture often includes a variety of blended fruits and vegetables such as carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens for added fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
To ensure a complete and balanced diet, commercial or homemade Repashy Pastes often incorporate calcium powders, vitamin supplements, and gut-loading agents. Some formulations may also include bee pollen, spirulina, or even small amounts of grains like oats or brown rice for texture and additional micronutrients. The idea is to create a nutritionally dense paste that provides everything the animal needs without relying on infrequent supplementation or whole insects alone.
Can I make Repashy Paste at home, and if so, how?
Yes, you can make Repashy Paste at home using a blender or food processor. Begin by selecting high-quality ingredients like boiled egg, cooked chicken or turkey, lean ground beef, or reared insects such as crickets or dubia roaches. Add a handful of dark leafy greens, orange vegetables (like squash or carrots), and some fruit like apple or banana. Blend all ingredients until you achieve a smooth, paste-like consistency. You can adjust the texture by adding water or other liquids like calcium-rich yogurt or vitamin supplements mixed in juice.
After blending, portion the paste into small servings and store in ice cube trays for easy thawing and feeding. Freeze the cubes until ready to use, and always thaw them fully before feeding your pet. It’s also essential to add commercial supplements like Repashy’s own diet line or plain calcium and vitamin D3 powders to ensure your homemade paste is nutritionally complete. By following reputable recipes and staying consistent with supplementation, your homemade Repashy Paste can provide optimal nutrition for your pet.
How often should I feed Repashy Paste to my pet?
The frequency of feeding Repashy Paste depends on the species, age, size, and overall health of your pet. For most insectivorous reptiles like crested geckos, chameleons, or dart frogs, offering Repashy Paste every 1-2 days can be an effective way to ensure a balanced diet. Juveniles may need more frequent feeding to support growth, while adult animals might do well with slightly less frequent meals. Always monitor your pet’s weight and behavior to avoid over or underfeeding.
If your pet also consumes live insects, you can use Repashy Paste as a dietary supplement on days when live prey is not offered. It’s also useful for animals that may not eat consistently from day to day or those undergoing recovery from illness. Some keepers offer a combination of Repashy Paste and gut-loaded insects to ensure a variety of nutrients and feeding stimulation. When used correctly, Repashy Paste can be a reliable and consistent food source in your pet’s care routine.
Can Repashy Paste be used for all reptile species?
Repashy Paste is particularly well-suited for insectivorous or omnivorous reptiles, including geckos, chameleons, anoles, skinks, and some frogs. These animals typically require diets high in animal protein and supplemented with plant matter and vitamins, which Repashy Paste provides effectively. However, it is not appropriate for strict carnivores like snakes or large lizards that rely solely on whole prey items such as mice or rats for their nutritional needs.
On the other hand, herbivorous reptiles like tortoises, iguanas, or uromastyx require a high-fiber, low-protein diet made up of leafy greens, hay, and certain vegetables—something Repashy Paste does not typically provide. In such cases, specialized herbivore diets or fresh greens would be more beneficial. It’s essential to understand your pet’s dietary needs and consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder to ensure that Repashy Paste is suitable and being used correctly for your particular species.
How should I store homemade Repashy Paste?
Homemade Repashy Paste should be stored to maintain freshness, prevent bacterial growth, and preserve the supplement content. The most common and convenient method is to portion the paste into small servings and place them in an ice cube tray or silicone molds. Once frozen solid, the cubes can be transferred to a freezer-safe bag or container and stored for up to 3 months. Freezing allows for easy portioning and prevents spoilage from repeated refrigeration.
When it’s time to feed, thaw only the amount needed for one meal. This can be done by placing the cube in a refrigerator overnight or gently warming it in a warm water bath. Never refreeze a thawed portion, as this can lead to bacterial growth and nutritional degradation. Always use clean tools when handling frozen or thawed paste, and discard any uneaten food after a few hours to maintain hygiene and prevent parasites or bacterial contamination in your pet’s enclosure.
Are there any risks associated with feeding Repashy Paste?
While Repashy Paste is generally safe and nutritious, there are some potential risks to be aware of. Improper supplementation is one of the most common pitfalls, especially with homemade versions. Without adequate calcium and vitamin D3, reptiles can develop metabolic bone disease or other deficiencies that may lead to serious health complications over time. Similarly, excessive use of vitamin A or D supplements can result in toxicity if not carefully managed.
Another concern is bacterial growth, especially if the paste is not stored or handled properly. Feeding spoiled or partially spoiled paste can lead to digestive issues or infections. Additionally, animals that are not accustomed to soft foods may reject Repashy Paste initially, leading to undernourishment if not transitioned carefully. It’s crucial to observe your pet’s eating behavior, ensure the paste is fresh, and consult a vet or experienced breeder when starting your pet on Repashy Paste to mitigate these challenges and ensure safe, effective feeding.