Read About Reptile Food

It's important to understand your reptile's nutritional requirements so you can provide everything he needs to thrive. Here's what you need to know about Reptile Food.

Whether your reptile is a carnivore, herbivore or omnivore the most important thing he needs is fresh, clean water. Provide a large, shallow water dish the reptile can soak in. Change the water every day and disinfect the dish each week, being sure to thoroughly rinse out any soapy residue. Chameleons, anoles and some other lizards will not drink from bowls so you'll need to set up a drip system to make moisture available to your pet.

Carnivores

Carnivorous reptiles should be fed whole animals for optimal nutrition. Frozen prey is easiest to keep on hand, but it must be thoroughly thawed before you feed it to your pet. Since carnivorous reptiles fed whole animals rarely suffer from nutritional deficiencies, supplements are not usually required. Note that not all reptiles eat mice; they may require aquatic prey, fertilized eggs or even other reptiles. Insectivores will need nutritional supplements to get all the vitamins and minerals they require.

Herbivores/Omnivores

Most herbivorous reptiles will do well on a diet consisting mainly of dark, leafy greens with a small amount of vegetables and fruits offered as well. Some will require a high-fiber diet, which you can provide with grass hay or fresh grass, just be sure it absolutely pesticide- and herbicide-free. To add some healthy protein to your herbivore's diet, try crushed hard-boiled eggs (with the shell), trout chow, pinkies (baby mice), or alfalfa pellets.