what else do Iguanas like to eat besides lettuce?

Answer 1

Iguanas should not be fed lettace. They are also strict herbavoirs and should never be fed animal protien of any kind at any age. Animal protien can damage their kidneys and shorten their life.

I have provided a link to Melissa Kaplin (author of iguanas for dummies)'s web site below.

We have based our Iguana's care on her research and feed it greens(collard, mustard, dandelion, etc), winter squash, green beans, parsnip, alfalfa, strawberries and figs.

Answer 2

Lettuce should only be feed as a treat its only a good source of water and has nerely 0 nutritional value in it , you should be feeding him, mustard, collard, and turnip greens and kelp all of which are high in calcium. Feed fruits around 2-3 times a week as supplement to the daily greens you feed. Some good fruits to feed would be -peaches, pears, kiwi, bananas, or maybe apples.(no seeds or heavy syrup style fruits suggested)Or maybe you could have some good luck feeding the products available at petstores made specifically for iguanas. Make sure that the food is finely chopped, these animals need alot of maintance, Your iguana will also eat a little more when it has an easier time swallowing its food. If supplemental vitamins are used, be sure you use ones that are for reptile consumption only. Calcium dusting on the greens a couple times a week should be done with a very light dusting only, never saturate the veggies. too much supplement can harm your iguana. Try to avoid feeding before the lights shut off, iguanas digest their food at a body temp around 90+ degrees. Night temps get to low for proper food absorption.

Answer 3

Please DON'T feed your iguana lettuce. That's like keeping him on a diet of potato chips. He may like it, but there is no nutrition for him in lettuce and he will starve to death!

A correct iguana diet consists of green, leafy vegetables. Cabbage, spring greens, dandelions, nasturtiums, etc. Kale and spinach are not good as they are too acid and cause joint problems. Other acceptable vegetables in a pinch are sliced carrots, zucchini, broccoli and green beans. Wholemeal bread is also appreciated by most iguanas (again, not as a staple food). Fruits are too acid for an iguana to eat other than as a very occasional treat.

If you have been feeding your iguana on salad, then it may take a bit of persuasion for him to eat the healthy food. However, a healthy iguana is basically a greedy animal, so it shouldn't take too long to convert him to the healthy diet. Completely cut out the lettuce, and only offer the healthy foods. You may need to start by offering a mixture of foods, and then gradually cut the others back so that the bulk of the diet is greens. A very young iguana will also need some animal protein in the form of mealworms or waxworms.

You should also seriously consider supplementing your iguana's diet with vitamin and calcium drops, which are available especially formulated for herbivorous reptiles. These will help to ensure that your iguana grows up big and strong! Your iguana MUST have access to a full-spectrum fluorescent UV light, or he will get bone disease. This light should be placed so that it is no more than 30cm (1 foot) from his basking spot. The light bulb needs to be replaced ever 6 months to maintain the UV output.

An iguana that is fed on an incorrect diet will be sickly, stunted, and die a painful death at a young age. An iguana is a serious commitment, and a healthy one will live for 15 years or so. Good luck with your iggy!

Answer 4

Considering lettuce has no nutritional value, it is not really good for iguanas. I recommend getting mustard greens or kale greens, mixed with some romaine lettuce. Also try mixing in some shredded carrots, slices of italian squash and cucumber for a healthy meal that provides all the nutrients needed to grow properly.

Owner of a 4 year old, 6 foot long, male green iguana

Answer 5

Iguanas can have leaf lettuces like green or romaine btu not head lettuce like iceberg. Some species are not strictly herbivore. Green iguanas benefit for an occasional treat of moistened lowfat dogfood. They also like red foods strawberries, tomatoes, cantaloupe. Banannas and grapes shouldn't be given to often.

Answer 6

Steinbabe has provided the greatest information. I would absolutely take what she has said into consideration. I would also like to add that mango makes a wonderful treat. As do bananas and star fruit. We always went with a mix of country greens inorder to give variety to the greens in the diet. You can buy them prepackaged in the produce section. NEVER NEVER NEVER give your Iguana small animals or insects unless you have spoken to a vet with reptile experience. The amount of protein found in meat can be detrimental to their health.

Answer 7

I feed mine veggies like carrots, beans, peas and a variety of them I try and see what she eats and feed her that too. I do not feed lettuce as I read it is not good for them.

Answer 8

Checkout

http://www.talktothevet.com/ARTICLES/REPTILES/iguanafeeding.HTM

Answer 9

Just about any green leafy substance that isn't gaseous. Nappa and Bok Choi will suffice, as well non-citrus fruit. Iguanas will also enjoy crickets. You can either find some in your yard or purchase them from a bait shop.

Answer 10

Some iguanas like fruit as a treat...also try carrots and cucumber.