A complete guide on a lizard diet – here is what you should know! When it comes to owning a lizard, there may be some things that are a surprise to learn as although they are a common pet, they are quite different from mammalian pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.
It’s interesting to know that lizards can be either vegetarian, carnivorous, or omnivore and consume both meat and plantation. Often seeds, fruits, and vegetables are eaten by lizards to help supplement any lacking vitamins.
Knowing what to feed your pet lizard diet is important as every lizard has a different diet, feeding schedule, and amount of what is needed for the lizard diet! There are generalized foods that lizards share common interests in, such as crickets and mealworms, as these are often eaten in the wild, and they get most of their protein from eating insects.
Lizards require a bit more work and effort than other pets as they need spacious enclosures that are heated to certain temperatures, they need some TLC when shedding, and they need more than just pellets to maintain their health. They can make great pets and are very intelligent creatures with emotions contrary to what most people believe.
Leopard Gecko
Leopard geckos are a very common lizard pet, especially for those who are just starting. They have wonderful personalities and are one of the easier reptilian pets to keep. To make sure your spotted friend gets all the nutrients they need, you can feed them a lizard diet of;
- Large crickets
- Mealworms
- Hornworms
- Small Dubia roaches
Feeding your gecko by hand is a great way to bond, but if you aren’t ready, you feed them out of a dish or with tongs. A general schedule you can follow is;
Monday – 1 or 2 mealworms and 4 to 5 crickets
Wednesday – 7 or 8 small Dubia roaches
Friday – 1 hornworm, 2 mealworms, and 3 or 4 large crickets
Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons reign from the Australian desert, which means they may require a little more attention than other pets, but their sweet, curious nature makes it all worth it. These lizards are omnivores, and their diet will generally consist of;
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Flowers
- Worms
- Dubai roaches
It’s best to avoid dead insects, edlerbugs, fireflies, and wild backyard bugs. To feed your Bearded Dragon, make sure their schedule looks something like this;
3/6 months – 50% vegetables and 50% insects. 4 meals a day.
6/12 months – 50% vegetables and 50% insects. 3 meals a day.
12/18 months – 50% vegetables and 50% insects. 2 times a day.
18+ months – 75% vegetables and 25% insects. 2 meals a day.
Green Iguana
The green iguana is the most common large lizard pet. They have remarkable personalities and are even able to identify their owners. They make good reptilian pets and can quickly become your best friend. Which only makes it natural you’ll want to give them the best, which will mainly concern their herbivore/folivore diet;
- Collard greens
- Beet greens
- Turnip greens
- Alfalfa hay
- Bok choy
- Swiss chard
- Romaine lettuce
- Dandelion
- Broccoli
- Squash
- Bell peppers
- Cucumber
- Mushrooms
- Carrots
It is recommended that around 80% of the green iguana’s diet should consist of dark leafy greens and 20% of fruits. They should be fed once to twice every day, or if your iguana is a large adult, you can feed them once a day or every second day.
Crested Gecko
These little geckos get their name from the crests that surround their eyes. These crests give the illusion of eyelashes which give them a unique and cute appearance. They have recently become quite popular, and before owning one, it’s crucial to know their diet, which will look something like this;
- Spiders
- Crickets
- Grasshoppers
- Worms
- Watermelon
- Mangos
- Grapes
- Figs
- Flies
- Bananas
- Pellets
- Dubai roaches
Being omnivores, these geckos need both protein and plantation to make sure they stay healthy. Crested geckos are nocturnal, so it’s best to feed them before bedtime. Follow your lizard diet 2 to 4 times a week, and make sure to remove any uneaten food in the morning.
Chameleon
Chameleons are docile and sensitive creatures; however, they can become aggressive when their territory is being threatened, but this is often only towards other Chameleons. They’re able to be good reptilian pets with special personalities as long as they’re happy and healthy. Here are some lizard diet items you should look into for your Chameleon;
- Crickets
- Silkworms
- Mealworms
- Butter Worms
- Locusts
- Cockroaches
- Stick insects
- Flies
- Cucumber
- Berries
- Sugar snap peas
- Carrots
Adults often change the amount they eat, and this shouldn’t alarm you. They’ll typically eat about several insects in one sitting, then only a few the next. They should be fed according to age, but adults eat 3 times a week.
Monitor Lizard
These can be fierce and hardy pets. They’re carnivores, and pretty much any meat is on the menu. They need large cages and are eating machines. Make sure you’re prepared to house this large reptile and can keep up with its enormous appetite. They generally eat the following;
- Fish
- Eggs
- Rodents
- Mealworms
- Calci-worms
- Hornworms
- Crickets
- Silkworms
The insects fed to your monitor lizard should be gut-loaded, which means recently fed. They should be hefty meals around 2 times a week, and chicken pieces can be a great treat and enriching to their diet.
Blue-tongued Lizards
These unique lizards get their name from their noticeably blue tongues. Their omnivores and should have a diet of;
- Snails
- Apples
- Bananas
- Crickets
- Worms
- Slugs
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Pears
- Tomato
These little lizards will need to be fed about every 2 days in warm seasons and every 3 days in colder ones. They need a lot of lizard diet foods at a time, and about 1 to 2 tablespoons are enough for a meal.
Green Anole – Lizard Diet
Green anoles have basic dietary needs in comparison to other pet lizards. They’re strictly insectivores and thrive on a diet of invertebrates. These little green lizards should be fed the following;
- Mealworms
- Wax worms
- Crickets
- Roaches
Crickets should be their primary meal, and you can feed them 2 to 5 crickets a day. Make sure to give them supplements about once or twice a week with their meals.
Bug Buffet – Lizard Diet
Lizards commonly eat insects, but each species differs, and they aren’t all carnivores. A healthy diet specifically for your kind of lizard will ensure they have a long healthy life.
