When it comes to feeding reptiles many people are confused on what to feed them. It is important to feed your reptiles a balanced and nutritious diet for their survival and growth. In addition, lighting and heat may be vital for the absorption of nutrients and minerals. Lighting is essential for bone formation and heat helps in skin shedding and facilitates digestion in reptiles. It is critical to understand the relationship between the nutritional requirements of your reptiles and how their digestive system works. Each different species of reptiles has its own requirements for what foods they need.
Reptiles are cold blooded animals. Reptiles like lizards, turtles and snakes often require their food to be alive. When feeding your reptile, you must know the type of reptile you have as well its diet. There are many types of reptile diets. They include herbivores, omnivores, insectivores and carnivores. This will give you an idea of what to feed your reptiles as well what not to. Snakes for instance, are carnivores, and typically feed on rats, mice or birds. Depending on the species though, they may also consume fish, frogs, lizards and even other snakes!
Other reptiles that you are feeding will commonly eat meal worms, crickets or other insects. Crickets and worms are rich source of calcium, which is vital for reptile growth. It is important to verify the diet of your particular species of reptile or your pet may fail to thrive or even die. For instance, green iguanas, which are vegetarians, should not eat insect proteins as it could cause kidney malfunction and renal failure. It is important to find out if your reptile can eat animal or insect proteins.
Some reptiles, such as many species of lizards and tortoises, feed mostly on vegetables and fruits that are eaten by individuals. Certain vegetables that are rich in calcium ought to be given to your reptilian pet quite often. These vegetables contain calcium, dandelion greens, turnip greens, and collard and kale greens. Different vegetables that are rich in minerals consist of zucchini, peas, green beans and squash. You may also offer your reptile fruits, berries, apples and bananas as a part of their diet.
Additionally, some reptiles may be fed on canned reptile food. Frequently canned options can be crickets and silkworms. This may replace the need to feed live worms and crickets. Dry roasted crickets which contain calcium are sometimes offered to reptiles. Feeding reptiles is is usually as easy as feeding any other pet, but they do require adhering to the proper diet as well as any environmental requirements such as heat or proper lighting to keep them healthy.
Before you feed your pet reptiles, do your research on what the proper diet is for your pets and you will help them have a long and healthy life.