Many problems that could send your iguana to the veterinarian are caused by poor nutrition. Giving your green iguana the right diet is important to keeping him healthy and happy.
First and foremost, green iguanas are herbivores. That means they eat ONLY plant material. Don’t try to feed them insects or small animals like mice. Your iguana will get all the protein he needs from plants; the bulk of the diet is plant fiber and is very low in fat.
Experts suggest feeding your iguana mainly fresh vegetables, with no more than a quarter of the diet made up of fruits. Don’t be surprised if your green iguana prefers the fruit part of his diet; many seem to have quite a sweet tooth! But fruit doesn’t have the same vitamin and mineral content vegetables do. Feel free to make as little as ten percent of your iguana’s diet fruit — enough to satisfy the craving for sweets without giving him the chance to overload. Apples, pears, bananas, melons, grapes, and peaches are all great sweet treats for your green iguana.
Variety is important in your green iguana’s diet. A wide selection of vegetables and fruits will ensure that your pet gets the nutrients he needs to be healthy. Whenever possible, offer your green iguana fresh, raw fruits and vegetables. If you can’t find fresh, frozen is a good second choice; serve canned veggies and fruits only if you have no other option.
Serve your green iguana vegetables and flowers like:
- Dandelion greens and dandelion flowers
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Timothy hay
- Alfalfa
- Green beans and peas in the pod
- Swiss chard
- Clover
- Kale
- Squash (can be shredded)
- Carrots (can be shredded) and carrot tops
- Carnations
- Hibiscus
- Roses
Be sure to wash all vegetables and fruits before serving them to your green iguana, especially if you are taking plants from your yard that may have been sprayed with fertilizer! And don’t ever give your iguana azaleas — they are toxic.
Ready to read more about reptile care?