What Do Iguanas Eat? Proper Iguana Nutritional Care

What Do Iguanas Eat? Proper Iguana Nutritional Care

There is something about the appearance of iguanas that makes people instantly assume they are carnivores. Iguanas are absolutely not carnivores. If an iguana bites your finger, he is not trying to eat you. He could be agitated, funning around, or a little excited at getting a treat or snack from you. So... what do iguanas eat?

Iguanas are herbivores. They eat fruits, vegetables, and certain leafy greens. Unfortunately, many first time iguana owners bring their iguana home and don't study up first on what they need to feed him. Don't assume because he eat fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens that ALL fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens are good for your pet iguana.

It is best to explain it this way. There are certain items that should be served regularly in your iguana's diet. There are other items that should be served occasionally, but not regularly. Then there are things you should NEVER feed your iguana. If you want to be a responsible pet iguana owner with a thriving, healthy, happy iguana, you need to know which foods fall into which category. So, in regards to fruit, vegetable, and leafy greens, we have three categories:

* foods that should be served regularly to your iguana

* foods that should be served occasionally to your iguana

* foods that should never be served to your iguana

Let's start with some foods that you should never feed your iguana:  meat and animals. Your iguana might accept a meat sample from you, but it is not a habit you want to start. Animal protein foods are not good for your iguana. Your iguana does need protein, just not animal protein. Your iguana's diet should consist of plant protein.

Do not feed your iguana worms or mice. Do not feed him bugs or insects. As hard as the comparison is, think of Bambi: sweet, docile, herbivore Bambi. While a deer has different nutritional requirements than an iguana, just use the image to keep it straight in your mind not to feed your iguana meat.

You also should not feed your iguana: dairy products, eggs, or pet food (unless you are certain the pet food contains no animal protein, and you have read the ingredients carefully). This is not a complete list of what not to feed your iguana, but it gives you an idea.

Now let's talk about foods you should serve your iguana regularly. His dietary regimen can include:

* green beans

* yellow/orange veggies like squash and carrots

* yams

* turnip greens

* water cress

* bananas

* blackberries

This is a partial list, of course. Take this dietary information to heart. Your iguana's diet requires certain percentages of these items in his diet daily. Do not feed your iguana blackberries only, for example. His normal regular diet should basically consist of:

* 45% leafy greens

* 40% other vegetables

* 10% fruits

* Less than 5% of grain, supplemental protein, and other occasional foods

Sounds like a trip to a fantastic salad bar! Some occasional foods as mentioned in our foods list might consist of spinach, beets, celery, broccoli, and tofu. This is a partial list only, but it gives you an idea that guessing your iguana food is not a good plan.

Take time to learn what your iguana requires as far as nutrition is concerned. Your iguana will be happy and healthy if you feed him right. Owning an iguana is a very rewarding experience. They are wonderful and entertaining companions. If you take proper care of your iguana, he will bring you many moments of companionship and pleasure for many years to come.