5 funky reptiles that are vegetarian/herbivores

5 funky reptiles that are vegetarian/herbivores

Are you interested in buying a new scaly friend, but put off by feeding them livestock? Or would you like a camouflaging companion but don’t want to store bugs for food? Well, you are not alone. Many people would like to invest in a reptile for a pet, but are put off by storing and feeding of live or frozen stock. Luckily, there are many herbivore reptiles or reptiles whose diet can be supplemented by easier meat alternatives. So we’ve compiled a list of these reptiles to help you decide what’s right for you.

Always remember that insurance for your lizard is incredibly important and here at British Pet Insurance, we’re the specialists.

Chuckwalla

While the chuckwalla is an omnivorous animal, eating a varied diet of vegetables, seeds and insects, they are usually kept on a herbivore diet. This can be a daily fresh salad, and a bowl of a dry sides, with very occasional live food as a treat.

It’s recommended to use curly kale, spring greens and an Italian herb mix as the salad base, with grated carrot, parsnip, courgette and peppers mixed into help make the textures and colours of their meals more exciting. Some weeds or plants such as chick weed, plantain and dandelion can be chopped up and added to the salad too!

Blue Tongue Skink

Blue-tongue skinks are a popular pet choice as they require less space than other reptiles and can be easily tamed for handling. These lizards are also omnivorous, but they eat a variety of foods including prepared foods, ground turkey, eggs, fruits, and vegetable. A balanced diet would equate to roughly 50% vegetables, 40% protein and 10% fruit.

African Egg-Eating Snake

The Dasypeltis Scabra (or African Egg-Eating Snake) is a popular pet as the mouth contains no teeth, meaning they cannot bite you. These snakes live purely off eggs-hence the name. Quail eggs are perfect size for these snakes and are easily sourced from most supermarkets or online.

Uromastyx

Uromastyx are omnivores, however they cannot process large amounts of meat. Doing so can lead to kidney failure and death. Therefore, it is better to treat them as herbivores. Fresh greens, vegetables and fruit should be the primary diet of a pet Mali Uromastyx. For protein, feed your pet seeds. Be sure to supplement vitamins, minerals, and calcium.

Iguanas

The majority of Iguanas can be fed a vegetarian diet. Some are even advised to avoid meat completely. Some are carnivores but can be supplemented with prepared foods. The Green Iguana in particular is strictly herbivore. A well balanced diet of greens, vegetables and fruits will ensure a healthy Green Iguana.

Each species of reptile along with each individual pet can vary on specific diet needs and feeding times. Be sure to do research and ask the buyer what the pet’s particular needs are for responsible reptile keeping and a healthy pet.

British Pet Insurance Services offers a range of exotic pet cover levels, insuring; lizards, snakes, tortoises, parrots, birds of prey and small mammals. With up to £5,000 vet fees and a range of optional extras, select the level of cover to suit your needs.