The iguana is a very striking animal that has earned a place as a pet in many homes. Whether vibrant or dark in color, its appearance makes it a very curious companion. And for them to stay he althy and happy, one of the elements that should be taken care of the most when keeping them at home is their diet.
Do you know what iguanas eat? Lettuce and some fruit may seem like the right answer, but the truth is that they need much more than it's. In the following article on our site, we teach you how to provide proper nutrition and we explain what iguanas eat. Keep reading!
The iguana as a pet
The iguana is a reptile of the Iguanidae family found in Latin America and the Caribbean. It lives mainly in humid forests, where it prefers to live in trees, since it is an excellent climber.
It is an oviparous animal, that is, it reproduces by laying eggs. Although their diet is mainly herbivorous, it varies at different stages of their life, so below we explain what is most recommended for them according to their age. And to expand your information about the care of an iguana beyond feeding, don't miss this article: "The iguana as a pet".
What do baby iguanas eat?
The baby iguana needs to eat twice a day, always fresh foodand chopped very small or grated. It is best to let it sunbathe just after eating, as the rays help it metabolize the food it eats and assimilate the nutrients.
95% of the baby iguana's diet should be vegetables and green leaves, while only 5% are fruit and special feed for iguanas. In this way, the basis of your diet should be made up of:
- Alfalfa
- Zucchini
- Cilantro
- Tomatoes
- Apples
- Papaya
- Pumpkin
- Jewish
- Pear
- Cantaloupe
- Fig
Similarly, avoid citrus fruits, such as orange, lemon and kiwi, as they are very acidic for the digestive system of the iguanas. Foods like carrots, lettuce, bananas, and grapes are offered only occasionally, while Brussels sprouts, celery, beets, and cauliflower are off limits. Also, You should never give meat, eggs, or dairy products.
Baby iguanas can also eat Iguana feed, preferably softened with a little water, but only once or twice a week. Do not forget that the variety of its diet is the key point to keep it he althy.
Some vitamin supplements of phosphorus, calcium and vitamin D may also be given, but occasionally and always under the supervision of a veterinarian.
What do young iguanas eat?
As we already mentioned, the feeding of these reptiles varies according to their age. That is why, from being completely vegetarian when they are babies, as iguanas enter their youth they change their habits to eat not only fruits, plants and vegetables, but also some insectsOf course, as Albert Martínez and Joaquim Soler tell us in their book The Big Book of 100 questions about reptiles [1],This type of food should be offered very sporadically, since it is not the ideal food for iguanas.
However, in captivity it is difficult to feed live insects. You can offer some that you find in the garden, always small in size, once or twice a week. Avoid dry or flaky food like the one that sold in pet stores, such as flies or mosquitoes, as it is usually recommended for fish and turtles.
Like baby iguanas, the young ones feed a couple of times a day, although in larger quantities. How do you know the proper proportion of iguana food? It will depend on each individual. An easy way to know is to offer the container with the food and, if it leaves food, it means that it is too much; so you can determine the amount, since they eat until they feel full.
What do adult and elderly iguanas eat?
When they reach adulthood and for the rest of their lives, including old age, the iguana is Completely herbivorous. Vegetables, fruits, and leafy greens make up his entire diet.
To be he althy, they need at least 40% of what they eat to provide calcium, such as tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, parsley, strawberry, melon and pear. Special feed for iguanas is also recommended, but in proportions a maximum of twice a week, so that you can offer it as a prize. You can also feed him grains and cereals such as brown rice, once a week and in a proportion of only 5% of the iguana food you give him.
As in the other stages, if you wonder what iguanas eat and what foods are prohibited, during adulthood and old age you should not give meat, dairy products, much less feed recommended for other species, such as dogs, cats or rabbits. Remember that these types of products are formulated differently for each animal.
Some wildflowers may be recommended for iguanas, but only if you are sure they do not contain pesticides or other chemicals, and as additional complement to food.
What do green iguanas eat?
The green or common iguana (Iguana iguana) only feeds following a herbivorous diet, the management of insects can reduce their life expectancy half life. In the wild, they eat leaves, flower buds, and some fruits. At home you can prepare food portions that contain:
- Parsley
- Alfalfa
- Celery
- Cilantro
- Cantaloupe
- Zucchini
- Figs
- Banana with skin
Sporadically, you can also add to the iguana's diet:
- Carrot
- Watercress
- Romaine lettuce
- Watermelon
- Cucumber
- Bean sprouts
Never offer onions, cauliflower, peas, grapes, or citrus.
What does the black iguana eat?
The black iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) is native to Mexico and inhabits rocky and coastal areas, so if you wonder where these iguanas live, here is the answer. However, it is currently also possible to find it in the United States. It is in danger of extinction, both because of the destruction of its habitat and because it is hunted for its meat.
During its baby stage and up to seven months, the black iguana is omnivorous, so it feeds mainly on insects and plants. Arriving at adulthood and even in turn, it's herbivore.
Complete list of recommended and prohibited iguana foods
Throughout the article we have mentioned what iguanas eat depending on their age or species. However, below we show you a complete list of the best foods for iguanas:
- Boiled rice
- Alfalfa
- Berzas
- Chard
- Spinach
- Cereals
- Bananas
- Figs
- Legumes
- Apple
- Pear
- Seeds
- Clover
- Carrot
- Tomatoes
- Dandelion
- Endive
- Pumpkin
- Celery
- Radish
Prohibited foods for iguanas
In the following list we show the least recommended foods for iguanas, that we can give very occasionally or that we should better avoid:
- Meat and fish
- Citric fruits
- Peas with pods
- Flower petals
- Garlic
- Onion
- Cauliflower
- Worms, larvae and insects
- Beans or string beans
Food with calcium for iguanas
Since we have commented that the contribution of calcium is fundamental for the correct feeding of the iguana, do not miss this list:
- Legumes
- Watercress
- Sesame seeds
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Chard
- Parsley
- Lettuce
- Tofu
Iguana supplements
In addition to the above, you can add the following supplements to your iguana's diet:
- Liver oil
- Bone-meal
- Cuttlefish bone
- Calcium supplements
- Vitamin supplements
What do iguanas eat in their natural habitat?
As you might guess, the diet of iguanas in their natural habitat is similar to what you provide at home, after all After all, a he althy diet is one that best imitates the diet of the species in freedom; adding, of course, vitamin supplements when necessary.
In the wild, however, it is easier for young iguanas to ingest insects. Occasionally, the black iguana can consume bird eggs and even small mice, that is, if you are wondering what the iguana feeds on, you should know that it can also be carnivorous; however, protein is not the basis of their diet.
In nature, iguanas lie in the sun just after eating, this is a need that you must satisfy when you have one as a pet to ensure adequate calcium absorption.
