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Uromastyx Food and Diet Requirements

Uromastyx are almost exclusively herbivores, and it is not necessary to feed them any insects or meat.

Their strict vegetarian diet consists of leaves, flowers, legumes, grains, herbs and vegetables of all kinds.

Pet uromastyx do not need much water because they absorb it directly from the veggies in their diet, so you do not need to provide a bowl with fresh water every day.

Uromastyx Eating Some Greens
Uromastyx Eating. Photo courtesy of Paul Korecky.

Because uromastyx lizads have a very similar diet to that of green iguanas, you may be able to find some commercial reptile food in the form of dry pellets (make sure that these are 100% vegetarian!).

Only feed iguana food to your Uromastyx as a complementary serving to freshly sourced greens, as well as the occasional fruits and seeds.

Dark leafy greensFeed every day in large amounts
VegetablesFeed every day in smaller amounts
FruitsNo more than 10% of diet
Grains and seedsFeed two-four times a week as a supplement to greens and veggies
Uromastyx Feeding Schedule

Greens & Vegetables

The vast majority of your uromastyx’s diet should consist of greens, leaves, flowers and vegetables.

Staples in their diet should be dark leafy greens such as collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, kale, chard, parsley and bok choy.

Other herbs that can be fed in moderation include mint, basil, cilantro, oregano, rosemary, sage.

A variety of vegetables can also be offered in moderation, such as carrots, squash, bell peppers and peas.

Flowers such as chamomile, dandelions, lavender, hibiscus, marigold and rose petals can also be fed safely.

Greens to avoid: Spinach, because they contain too high amounts of oxalates which can cause health problems in large quantities, and foods that are nutritionally poor such as iceberg lettuce or cucumbers.


Fruits

Uromastyx can safely consume most fruits but these should be fed in moderation due to their high sugar content which may lead to obesity.

As a rule of thumb, no more than 10 % of a Uromastyx lizard’s diet should consist of fruit.

Uromastyx are especially fond of berries such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, mulberries and strawberries.

Fruits to avoid: Avocado, because it contains potentially toxic substances which are known to be harmful and potential fatal to reptiles.


Grains and seeds

Grains and seeds should only be fed occasionally. Uromastyx generally prefer smaller seeds such as millet and lentils, either dry or sprouted. These should be offered as an additional treat and cannot replace a full meal.

Some of the seeds that are safe for uromastyx to eat include:

  • Millet
  • Sorghum
  • Lentils
  • Safflower
  • Clover
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Flax seeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Hemp seeds

Insects

Uromastyx are strictly herbivorous and should not be fed insects.

In the wild, they do occasionally ingest insects and even small lizards by accident or out of curiosity.

Some species that live in dry, hot desert areas have also been observed feeding on insects when there is no vegetation available.

That said, you should never intentionally feed insects or meat to your pet uromastyx.


Supplements

Calcium and D3 supplements are especially important for uromastyx as they are unlikely to meet their intake requirements from diet alone. You can achieve this by dusting their food in powdered calcium supplements 2-3 times a week.


Greens and FlowersVegetables and HerbsLegumes and GrainsFruits
Chicory
Dandelion
Clover
Borage
Radicchio
Romaine lettuce
Valerian
Alfalfa
Pansies
Hibiscus
Chamomile
Squash blossoms
Roses
Chamomile
Carrots
Pumpkin
Zucchini
Prickly pear shovels
Bell peppers
Celery
Mallow
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Oregano
Lavender
Peas
Chickpeas
Beans
Lentils
Green beans
Rice
Quinoa
Flax
Millet
Barley
Buckwheat
Apples
Cantaloupe
Mango
Papaya
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cherries
Cranberries
Guava
Pears
Peaches
Plums
Raspberries
Strawberries
List of Uromastyx-friendly foods

What should I feed my Uromastyx?

Uromastyx are herbivorous, which means they feed on plants.

Their diet should consist mostly of dark leafy greens, such as kale, collard greens, parsley, and mustard greens, as well as other vegetables like carrots, squash, and bell peppers.

In addition to greens and vegetables, you can also offer small amounts of fruits, grains, and seeds as a supplement to their diet.

It is important to avoid giving your Uromastyx foods that are nutritionally poor, such as iceberg lettuce or cucumbers, and greens high in oxalates, like spinach.

It is also important to avoid feeding them insects or meat, as they are strictly herbivorous.

Finally, you can offer calcium and D3 supplements to your Uromastyx to ensure that they are meeting their dietary needs.

How often should I feed my Uromastyx?

Uromastyx should be fed daily, and the vast majority of their diet should consist of dark leafy greens, vegetables, and small amounts of fruits, grains, and seeds. The amount of food you should offer your Uromastyx depends on their age, size, and activity level.

Generally, adult Uromastyx should be fed twice a day with small portions of food. It is important not to overfeed your Uromastyx, as obesity can lead to health problems.

If you are not sure how much to feed your Uromastyx, consult a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles.

Can I feed my Uromastyx vegetables and fruits?

Yes, Uromastyx can safely consume vegetables and fruits. Vegetables should be fed daily in small amounts, and dark leafy greens should be offered in large amounts.

Fruits should be given as a treat and should not make up more than 10% of their diet.

Uromastyx can consume most fruits and berries, but you should avoid feeding them avocado as it contains potentially toxic substances that are harmful to reptiles.

Uromastyx should have a balanced diet that includes a variety of plant-based foods, which can be supplemented with commercial reptile food in the form of dry pellets that are 100% vegetarian.

Do Uromastyx require supplements in their diet?

Yes, Uromastyx lizards require supplements in their diet.

Calcium and D3 supplements are especially important for Uromastyx, as they are unlikely to meet their intake requirements from their diet alone.

You can achieve this by dusting their food with powdered calcium supplements 2-3 times a week.

Vitamin D3 helps Uromastyx to absorb calcium from their diet, and it can be provided through exposure to UVB lighting.

It is important to consult a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles to ensure that your Uromastyx is getting the appropriate supplements and exposure to UVB lighting.


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