Iguana - Feeding
What do iguanas eat?
Iguanas are herbivorous, meaning they eat plants. The hind-gut of the iguana is highly specialised to allow fibre digestion, similar to the stomach compartments of cattle.
Some texts do recommend giving small amounts of animal protein (including insect feeding). In the wild iguanas will eat animal protein as they come across it. However, it is not a major feature of their diet except when very young. It is therefore advised not to give animal protein except to very young animals.
How often should I feed my iguana?
Most young iguanas eat daily; older iguanas can be fed daily or every other day, depending upon each pet's individual appetite.
What are some types of plant material I can feed my iguana?
Most (80-90%) of the plant material should be dark green leafy vegetables (cabbage, kale, spinach, spring greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce, etc), and only 10-20% should be fruits.
Yellow and orange vegetables should also be included. Pale green lettuce (especially iceberg) should be avoided.
Vegetables should be offered raw (thoroughly washed).
Fruit can include apples, pears, bananas tomatoes, grapes, peaches, kiwis, and melons. Fruits that are particularly healthy include figs (which contain calcium), papaya, and raspberries and strawberries.
Do I need to give my iguana vitamins?
It is recommended by many veterinary surgeons to LIGHTLY sprinkle all the food offered to the iguana with a calcium/vitamin D3 powder. During growth it might be useful to supplement Vitamin A too. It is vital that the vivarium has a good quality full-spectrum UV-B emitting light. This should be unshielded and within 12 inches of the iguana. It should be replaced every six months.
What about water?
Fresh water in a ceramic dish that won't easily tip over should be available at all times. Iguanas will not only drink from the water bowl but will often bathe in it as well (although it is perfectly acceptable to mist the iguana with water a few times a week too). Make sure the water stays clean; many iguanas love to defecate in their water bowl as well as drink from it!
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Jun 24, 2008.
