What Is The Best Foods for Blue Tongue Skinks?

Feeding your Blue Tongue Skink a well-balanced diet is essential for its growth, health, and longevity. As omnivores, these fascinating reptiles require a diverse mix of protein, vegetables, and fruits to thrive. In the wild, they consume a variety of insects, snails, plants, and even small animals, which provides them with all the essential nutrients.

In captivity, it’s important to replicate their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure they receive the right balance of protein for muscle development, fiber for digestion, and vitamins for overall health. Feeding an improper diet can lead to health issues such as obesity, metabolic bone disease, and vitamin deficiencies.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about what to feed your Blue Tongue Skink, including the best protein sources, vegetables, fruits, supplements, and feeding schedules to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Vegetables for Blue Tongue Skinks

Vegetables play a vital role in a Blue Tongue Skink’s diet, making up about 40% of their total food intake. Vegetables provide important vitamins, fiber, and hydration, supporting digestion and overall health. A variety of leafy greens and colorful vegetables should be included in their meals.

Leafy Greens – The Best Choice

Dark leafy greens are some of the most nutritious and calcium-rich vegetables for Blue Tongue Skinks. Collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, and dandelion greens are excellent choices. These greens contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals that help strengthen bones and support a healthy immune system.

Other Vegetables for Variety

In addition to leafy greens, other vegetables should be included for variety. Squash varieties, such as butternut squash, zucchini, and yellow squash, provide vitamins and are easy to digest. Carrots and sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health. Bell peppers contain vitamin C and antioxidants, while pumpkin is a good source of fiber that aids digestion. Green beans and peas are also beneficial, as they provide plant-based protein and essential nutrients.

Vegetables to Avoid

Certain vegetables should be avoided due to their negative effects on a skink’s health. Spinach and Swiss chard contain oxalates, which can bind calcium and lead to deficiencies. Lettuce, especially Iceberg lettuce, has very little nutritional value and does not contribute to a healthy diet. Onions, garlic, and leeks are toxic to reptiles and can cause digestive issues.

Fruits for Blue Tongue Skinks

Fruits should only make up 10% of a Blue Tongue Skink’s diet, as they are high in sugar. They should be given as an occasional treat rather than a primary food source.

Safe Fruits for Blue Tongue Skinks

Certain fruits provide beneficial vitamins and minerals without excessive sugar. Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, are high in antioxidants and are a safe choice in moderation. Melons, including watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew, provide hydration and a refreshing treat. Mango and papaya are rich in vitamin A, which supports skin and eye health. Apples and pears can also be offered, but seeds should be removed as they contain small amounts of cyanide. Bananas are fine in small amounts but should not be fed too frequently due to their high phosphorus content.

Fruits to Avoid

Some fruits can be harmful to Blue Tongue Skinks and should be avoided. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, are too acidic and can cause stomach irritation. Grapes and raisins can be potentially toxic in large amounts and should not be included in their diet.

Protein Sources for Blue Tongue Skinks

Protein is a crucial component of a Blue Tongue Skink’s diet, making up 50-60% of their total food intake, especially for juveniles. Protein provides essential amino acids and energy for growth and muscle maintenance. Offering a variety of high-quality protein sources ensures that your skink gets all the nutrients it needs.

Insects as a Protein Source

Insects are one of the best protein sources for Blue Tongue Skinks. Dubia roaches are an excellent option because they are high in protein and easy to digest. Crickets are also a common choice, but they have less meat compared to roaches. Mealworms and superworms provide good protein, but they are higher in fat, so they should only be fed occasionally. Black soldier fly larvae are rich in calcium and a great addition to the diet. Hornworms and silkworms are soft-bodied insects that offer hydration and nutrients.

Snails as a Natural Protein Source

Snails are a natural and calcium-rich protein source for Blue Tongue Skinks. In the wild, skinks frequently consume snails, making them a highly recommended food. However, if feeding snails, ensure they are pesticide-free and safe for reptiles.

Cooked Lean Meats

Cooked meats can also be included in your skink’s diet. Boiled or baked chicken, turkey, and lean beef are excellent protein sources. Some skink owners also offer high-quality canned dog or cat food, as long as it is grain-free and does not contain artificial additives. Meat should always be cooked without any seasoning, salt, or oil.

Eggs as a Protein Treat

Eggs are another nutritious protein option for Blue Tongue Skinks. Boiled eggs provide a rich source of protein and vitamins, but they should only be offered occasionally as a treat. Feeding eggs too often can lead to excessive cholesterol intake.

Proteins to Avoid

Not all proteins are safe for Blue Tongue Skinks. Raw meat and fish should be avoided due to the risk of parasites and bacterial infections. Processed meats such as bacon, ham, and sausages contain too much salt, fat, and preservatives, which can be harmful to reptiles. Additionally, dairy products should not be fed to skinks, as they are lactose intolerant and cannot digest milk-based foods.

Supplements for Proper Nutrition

Even with a well-balanced diet, Blue Tongue Skinks require supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Calcium is especially important for bone health and preventing metabolic bone disease (MBD).

Calcium & Vitamin D3

Calcium powder should be dusted on food 2-3 times per week, and it should contain vitamin D3 if your skink does not have access to UVB lighting. UVB lighting is essential because it helps skinks metabolize calcium and prevents bone disorders.

Multivitamins

A reptile multivitamin supplement should be offered once per week to ensure they receive all essential vitamins and minerals. Over-supplementing should be avoided, as too much vitamin D3 can be toxic.

Feeding Schedule for Blue Tongue Skinks

The frequency of feeding depends on the age of the skink.

Baby & Juvenile Skinks (0-6 months) should be fed daily with a diet consisting of 60% protein, 30% vegetables, and 10% fruit.
Sub-Adult Skinks (6-12 months) should be fed every other day, with a ratio of 50% protein, 40% vegetables, and 10% fruit.
Adult Skinks (12+ months) should be fed 2-3 times per week, with 40-50% protein, 40% vegetables, and 10% fruit.

Portion sizes should be controlled to avoid obesity, which is a common issue in captive skinks.

Hydration & Water Needs

Proper hydration is essential for digestion and overall health. Blue Tongue Skinks should always have access to fresh, clean water in a shallow dish. The water should be changed daily to prevent bacterial growth. Some skinks also obtain hydration from moisture-rich foods, such as melons and cucumbers.

A well-balanced diet consisting of protein, vegetables, fruits, and supplements is key to keeping your Blue Tongue Skink healthy and thriving. By following the correct feeding schedule and offering a variety of nutritious foods, your skink can live a long, active, and happy life.

At Promeal, we know how important it is to give your pets a healthy and varied diet. That’s why we create high-quality, natural pet food to keep them happy and healthy.

Our specialty is premium live and dried insect-based feeds like mealworms, superworms, crickets, roaches, waxworms, and hornworms. These insects are grown on an organic diet, making them a nutritious and tasty treat for your pets.

Check out our "Shop" section to find the perfect food for your pets!