What Do Reptiles Need in Their Diet?

A diverse diet is essential for your pet reptile. Since reptiles live in the wild, so they would eat a diverse range of food in the wild. As such, you should give your pet a diverse diet in its tank and not just give your reptile hay or mice every day. Rotation of food is vital to meet their nutritional needs. Reptiles should rotate foods every couple of weeks for variety.

Clean water

Reptiles’ water requirements are directly related to their habitat. Some are semi-aquatic, while others live in dry areas. These animals need a constant water supply to maintain optimal body water levels. A desert tortoise, for example, can lose up to 50% of its body weight in a day due to dehydration. During this period, it doesn’t urinate and only does so after rain.

It’s also vital to keep their drinking water and food clean. While some reptiles don’t require a large amount of water, others may have very low-water intake. If you’re worried about your reptile’s health, consider taking a vitamin supplement. You can buy TERA-REP Vita-Drops that contain all the essential vitamins that reptiles need. You can also use formulated vitamin supplements to complement a typical pet diet.

If you keep your reptile in a terrarium, make sure you provide clean water for them. Aerate the water to reduce the levels of toxins and disease-causing organisms. If your reptiles live in saltwater, you might have to adjust the pH of the water. 

Fats

The right amount of fats in the diet can make a big difference in your reptile’s health. One of the most common sources of fats in the diet of reptiles is animal fats. This energy source is essential for cellular health and contains essential fatty acids. These fats are also required for reproductive health and as building blocks for internal chemicals. They also provide a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins. It is especially beneficial for reptiles that cannot digest vegetable oils.

Besides insects, reptiles can also eat small amounts of plant food. Butterworms, also known as trevo worms, are 29% fat. Some omnivorous aquatic turtles are carnivorous as juveniles but accept vegetable matter as they mature. If you’re unsure about the nutritional needs of your reptile, it’s a good idea to consult your vet.

Protein

The biological value of a protein is its ability to convert the chemical element glycine into a usable form. A good source of protein is plant matter. Reptiles, both omnivorous and herbivorous, search for protein-rich plants in the wild. Young plant leaves are rich in protein, and insect-based foods are more likely to be found in these diets. Omnivores will depend more heavily on insect-based diets as they age.

A high-quality protein-rich diet should also include a source of fat. Fats are essential for healthy cellular function and provide essential fatty acids. They are also an excellent energy source, acting as building blocks for internal chemicals and helping maintain cellular integrity. They also provide a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins. The main problem with fatty acids in the diet of reptiles is that they are very high in fat and can lead to obesity.

Vegetables

If your reptile is omnivorous, you may add leafy greens to his diet. Collard greens and turnip greens are excellent choices for your lizard’s diet. Be sure to select leafy vegetables free of pesticide residues and other harmful substances. Also, iceberg lettuce should never be fed to your lizard. Frozen mixed vegetables and corn are also suitable for your reptile’s diet. However, you should limit the portion of fruits to 10% of the diet because the reptile’s body needs the right balance of calcium and phosphorus.

Fresh apples are another excellent choice for your reptile’s diet. Lizards like eating a few apples a day. When selecting apples, you should also avoid giving your reptile seeds. Seeds are toxic to reptiles.

Another vegetable that bearded dragons can enjoy is collard greens. These greens are packed with calcium and can help them develop their bone structure. In addition, they are high in vitamins and fiber, which prevent constipation and boost your pet’s immune system. 

Vitamin E

If you have reptiles, you should include Vitamin E in their diet. This vitamin is essential for many reasons, including protection against oxidative damage. While lizards naturally produce some vitamin E, it is best to supplement their diet with dietary supplements. Luckily, there are many sources available to your reptiles.

First, try to feed your reptiles as much fish as possible. Fish and other aquatic reptiles contain high amounts of this fatty acid, which is vital for their health. It also helps them absorb Vitamin E from food. Fish are incredibly high in vitamin E, so that they can be fed to reptiles. Nevertheless, fish are not always the best option. Reptiles can get vitamin E from other sources, such as the skin. A quality live reptile food by reptilecentre.com is an excellent way to provide your reptiles with the necessary nutrients. For best results, make sure it contains retinol acetate or retinol palmitate. Sprinkle a small amount of their food 1-2 times a week.