Basic Diet for Iguanas
The protein base part of the diet should be made up mostly of plant protein but animal protein in small amounts is not harmful. In the wild, iguanas have been observed eating insects, eggs, small mammals and birds and carrion. Sources of plant protein include: soybeans (tofu), green, lima, kidney and pinto beans and other legumes. Other protein sources are commercial iguana diets, hard boiled eggs, sardines and dry dog food or monkey chow soaked in water to soften it. The dog food and monkey chow can add too much vitamin D to the diet and should be limited to less than 5% of the total diet. AVOID CAT FOOD because it is too high in protein, fat and vitamin D. To make a salad, wash, chop and mix three or more types of dark leafy greens, thawed frozen mixed vegetables, several types of fresh vegetables, a fruit and a protein source. Salads can be stored for a week in the refrigerator. For hatchlings it is important to chop food into very small pieces. Each week slightly vary the diet by offering different foods. Finicky eaters can be encouraged to eat more by mixing preferred foods in heavily at first and then gradually decreasing them over a few weeks. Persistence eventually pays off with novel items but keep in mind iguanas also can have individual likes and dislikes. How much to feed is a tricky question. In the wild, iguanas probably feed every other day. In general feed enough that the iguana continues to gain weight and grow but not so much that it becomes obese. If the iguana eats all you offer and still seems hungry then feed it more. Most iguanas grow very rapidly so one should notice appreciable growth on a monthly basis and weight gain on a weekly basis. Feed hatchlings daily until they are roughly six months old then they can be fed like adults.
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