The Green Iguana (Iguana Iguana), also known as the American Iguana, is native to South America, a large arboreal reptile they are what springs to people's minds when they often see or hear about a reptile as a pet. Strangely enough, they are not nearly the most popular reptile in the pet industry, but there are a lot of Iguana owners, nonetheless. The Green Iguana is a herbivorous reptile, eating fruits and vegetables solely in their captive diet. Although Iguanas have been observed consuming invertebrates in their natural habitat, there is some debate over whether they should be offered animal protein in captivity. It's not something they require, and it seems to be more of an opportunistic thing for them in the wild. There are also several commercial products available that have been formulated from fruits and vegetables to provide a sustainable diet for them, which can be used as their whole diet or to supplement their diet alongside fresh foods.
In captivity, some certain fruits and vegetables are better than others that are more healthy than others, and you must provide them with the correct ratio of the various nutrients that they require to stay healthy. Iguanas that are held in captivity are fed fruit, flowers, leafy greens, turnip greens, and shoots of plants, each of which contains varying amounts of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. So what should you feed your pet Iguana?
How Often Do I Feed My Green Iguana?
All Iguanas should be offered food daily, regardless of age, which is in contrast to most other reptiles, which require different schedules depending on age. Older Iguanas may not be as hungry, and it is okay to skip a day here and there, but with baby and juvenile Iguanas, they must be fed daily. Foods should be chopped into sizes appropriate for the size Iguana and offered after the foods have been treated with the proper supplementation.
Are Pellets Good For My Iguana?
There are several products available commercially that have been formulated to provide nutrition to your Iguana, these are best used in conjunction with a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, and they are not bad for your Iguana. You should stick to the products made specifically for reptiles and not rodent pellets that some people may recommend you use. These have been made with vegetables and fruits that are safe for your Iguana to eat. These pellets can also be soaked in water to make them expand and provide a source of hydration and can also be used to administer medications to your Iguana should you be in a position where that is necessary. Here are some products we recommend.
The Best Vegetables To Feed My Green Iguana?
Vegetables make up the majority of your pet Iguana's diet, low in fat and sugar and high in vitamins and minerals they are the best foodstuffs for your pet aside from the commercially prepared diet products available. The following is a list of the best vegetables to feed your Iguana.
Vegetables:
Alfalfa (Fresh)
Arugula
Butternut Squash
Chicory
Collard Greens
Dandelion Greens/Flowers
Endive
Escarole
Hibiscus flowers and leaves
Mustard Greens
Nasturtiums
Prickly Pear Cactus Pads and Fruits
Spaghetti Squash
Thyme
Turnip Greens
Occasional
Acorn Squash
Basil
Cilantro
Hubbard Squash
Peppermint
Scallop Squash
Peppermint
Rosemary
Sage
Summer Squash
Watercress
Rare
Artichoke Hearts
Asparagus
Bell Peppers
Chayote
Green Beans
Kale
Red Cabbage
Parsnips
Peas
Pumpkin
Very Rare/Never
Beetroot - (Goitrogenic)
Bok Choy - (Goitrogenic)
Broccoli
Cauliflower - (Goitrogenic)
Carrots
Courgettes
Cucumber
Green Cabbage - (Goitrogenic)
Kidney Beans
Kohlrabi - (Goitrogenic)
Lima Beans
Okra - (High oxalates)
Radicchio
Radishes - (Goitrogenic)
Turnips - (Goitrogenic)
Wheatgrass
Yam
Supplementation For Your Green Iguana
Supplements are an essential part of your Iguana's diet; the main focus is on calcium supplementation. They do not require extra vitamin D supplements as some reptiles do, but they do benefit from some vitamin supplementation. Here is an example of a schedule that can be used.
Baby - Juvenile Iguanas
Calcium powder - 3 days per week
Multivitamin powder - 1 day per week
Only supplement every other day, never consecutive days, and only use a small pinch of supplement powder each feeding. See below for supplements.
Green Iguana Water
Green Iguanas need a constant water source made available for them. Younger Iguanas may have issues finding their water, though, so you should offer them water using a spray bottle daily to ensure that they stay well hydrated. Bathing them a couple of times per week can also help as they can drink in the bath.
Providing them with a water dish, you should use one that is big enough for them to bathe in so it can fit their entire body. It may be useful for you to physically place them inside their water dish if they don't seem to get into it themselves to show them how to find it. Iguanas are great swimmers and will enjoy going in the water. Usually, tap water is fine, but if your area has particularly bad water or if you are not sure, then you can always treat the water before using it to make sure. See below for a product that you can use.
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