Pet reptiles and lizards have special dietary needs that can sometimes be difficult to meet with the pet owner on a budget. They can be quite finicky, with some being extremely picky about the food they eat.
What is the best food for pets can sometimes be quite a difficult question to answer, especially when some of the food put out on the market today are not guaranteed to meet the nutritional needs of reptiles.
Feeding your pet reptile the wrong food, or feeding it too much or too little, can adversely affect its health. It doesn’t matter whether you have an iguana, a bearded dragon, chameleon, tortoise, snake, or whatever!
They all need to be fed properly, that's why the guide below should shed light on the best foods to feed your pet reptiles.
What Do Snakes Eat?
When it comes to pet snakes, some of the most popular, and most loved, include the corn snake, ball python, king snake, milk snake, rose-red belly, and rat snake. Whatever the breed, most snakes love to indulge in the following foods:
Insects of all shapes and sizes
Rodents
Other reptiles
Birds
Larger mammals
Eggs (Rarely)
What Do Lizards Eat?
When it comes to pet lizards, some of the most popular and most loved include the bearded dragon, water dragon, leopard gecko, green iguana, and a crested gecko. These cute little reptiles will eat the following:
A wide variety of worms, spiders, beetles, flies, and other insects
Gut-loaded insects
Other small animals like baby birds, baby mice, or smaller lizards
Eggs
Fruits and veggies
Larger prey, depending on the size of the lizard
What Do Turtles and Tortoises Eat?
Different species of turtles and tortoises will eat a wide variety of foods, but they all have one thing in common: they all need to have their food chopped into bite-sized pieces that can't run away, like the following:
Lettuce, beet greens, and other leafy greens
A variety of fruits, including apples, melons, and mangoes
Flowers
A wide variety of other veggies
Some aquatic turtles eat fish or insects
Adding Supplements to Your Reptile's Diet
Most reptiles will eat a variety of different things, and will not always stick to the same diet. In order to make sure they are getting their nutritional needs met, it's often best to "supplement" their diet with vitamins and minerals, which can easily be found at most pet stores.
For instance, mixing fresh food with pellets can be a great way to boost your pet reptile's nutritional intake. You can also sprinkle supplement powder on their food or water to make them easier to eat.
A healthy diet for your pet reptile is the key to a happy and healthy pet, and it's important to keep your pet's dietary needs in mind when choosing what to feed them. Of course, be sure to consult with your pet's veterinarian first before introducing something new to their daily regimen.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of Feeding Your Pet Reptiles the Right Diet
It is important to feed your pet reptiles the right kinds of foods, as well as the right quantity. You should always consult with a reptile expert or veterinarian before introducing anything new to your pet's diet. They may have special dietary needs or they may not like what you're currently serving.
Keeping a regular feeding schedule can also be helpful when it comes to the health of your pet reptile. You will know when it’s time to feed them, and you'll be more likely to stick to a schedule if you do things the same way every time.