There is not a lot of evidence of what happens if you feed avocado to a tegu, but general consensus is that you should NOT do it.
Avocados are filled with considerable amounts of oxalic acid which is known to bind itself to minerals and vitamins to form oxalates, which reptiles often have issues getting rid of.
This comes with a variety of health implications, and can be potentially fatal for your pet.
Things to Consider
Nutrient | Amount | Classification |
---|---|---|
Calories | 160 | High |
Fat | 22.7 grams | Very high |
Carbohydrates | 9 grams | Normal |
Fiber | 7 grams | High |
Calcium | 5 milligrams | Low |
Phosphorus | 52 milligrams | Normal |
Folate | 108.8 micrograms | Very high |
Avocados are high in calories and fat, which can increase the risk of obesity in your pet.
But even feeding in moderation is discouraged due to other potential health risks:
The high oxalate content in avocados can lead to the formation of kidney stones and have a negative effect on your tegu’s ability to absorb calcium, eventually leading to metabolic bone disease.
In addition to that, avocados contain a compound called persin which is known to be toxic to birds and some reptiles. sfk
Other lizards such as the bearded dragon are known to get ill and potentially die merely hours after eating avocado.
Therefore no, it’s best not to feed avocado to a tegu. Do not risk it!
Tegu & Avocado FAQs
Can I feed my Tegu avocados?
No, you should neer feed your tegu avocados.
Avocados contain a substance called oxalic acid, which is harmful and potentially dangerous for reptiles, including Tegus.
There are plenty of fruits that are suitable for a Tegu lizard’s diet, but avocado is one of the few that should be avoided at all times.
Are avocados toxic to Tegu lizards?
Yes, avocados are toxic to Tegu lizards and all other reptiles.
They contain high amounts of oxalic acid, which can inhibit absorption of calcium and ultimately lead to metabolic bone disease and other life-threatening health complications in tegus.
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PetsWithScales.com is an informational website about big lizard pet care. We collect and provide information from different sources across the web on how to keep and care for reptiles as pets. The species we mainly deal with are tegus, monitor lizards, skinks and geckos. Our aim is to provide high quality information to help pet owners make better, more informed decisions about their animal’s diets, health and life.
PetsWithScales.com is an informational website about big lizard pet care. We collect and provide information from different sources across the web on how to keep and care for reptiles as pets. The species we mainly deal with are tegus, monitor lizards, skinks and geckos. Our aim is to provide high quality information to help pet owners make better, more informed decisions about their animal’s diets, health and life.