Proper reptile nutrition is essential to the health and well-being of your exotic pet. The correct diet for your reptile depends on the breed. Some reptiles are herbivorous, meaning they eat only plant matter. 
Some reptiles are carnivorous, eating diets consisting of meat. There are also many insectivorous reptiles, who eat a diet primarily made up of insects. It is important to know the proper reptile nutrition for your breed.
Herbivorous reptiles, such as iguanas, eat mostly green vegetables and some fruits. There are commercially prepared reptile foods that come in kibble form that can also be fed to herbivorous reptiles. These foods can be especially handy if you live in a region where it is hard to get a good variety of fresh vegetables all year round. Reptile nutrition is often considered the easiest and least unappealing for herbivorous reptiles; there are no other animals involved and a less messy feeding process.
Carnivores, such as snakes and some larger lizards, eat the meat of other animals. This can sometimes be an uncomfortable thought for some reptile owners, so consider this when choosing your pet. In the wild, snakes generally eat live prey such as small mammals, birds, and other reptiles. In captivity, though, it is best to limit your snake’s diet to dead prey, since it is safer for both you and the snake to handle. Live prey can fight back and harm either you or your snake. Most small captive snakes eat small mice, commonly referred to as “pinkie” mice.
Insectivores, or those reptiles who eat mainly insects, also generally prefer live prey. While some reptiles will eat insect that are no longer alive, most will be drawn to prey that is still moving. Insects that are a common part of reptile nutrition include crickets, meal worms, and flies. Geckos and anoles are common examples of insectivorous reptiles.
As important as what you feed your reptile is when and how you feed her. Many carnivorous reptiles need only be fed once a week or even less frequently. Herbivorous and insectivorous reptiles are usually fed daily, some even more than one meal per day. Regardless of what the reptile nutrition is made up of, be sure you clean up following feedings, removing uneaten food that could become a source of harmful bacteria if left in the reptile’s enclosure. 
It is a good idea to keep a written record of what your reptile eats, including how much and how often. Having a record like this can help identify any feeding issues that may arise.
Reptile nutrition is an important facet of your reptile’s life. Knowing what, when, how often and how much to feed your reptile is a key part of pet ownership. Helping your reptile live a long and healthy life depends on the proper environment and good reptile nutrition.
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