Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just wondering about diet, and how insects figure into the iguana diet. From all I read, they should only be fed veggies etc, and only small amounts if any insects, mice. However, my cuban goes bonkers when he sees insects and will devour them. So I'm wondering, if he has such a strong feeding response to insects, surely he would be eating them in the wild, would he not? I've read about the liver problems of too much protein, but I'm not sure if I buy it. Am I missing something here? I have a feeling it's tempatures that has been the problem, not excess protein. Please respond all thoughts, thanks.
Mike

insects have alot of fats and cholesterol. which is not even good for us in large amounts. iguanas are not able to process high concentrations of protiens in animal products. they convert products of excess protien breakdown to uric acid, which can cause gout. animal protien leads to kidney damage and eventual failure. iguanas in the wild eat insects only when nothing else is available. next time your ig goes for a bug. try putting some greens infront of him for a test. see if he still goes after it.
hope i helped. good luck
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brandy

that's a bad test. once the lizard has made a habit of eating certain foods--even if they are "bad"--the lizard will usually eat those foods almost exclusively (even if "good" food is available).

the "point" of the post is correct however: meat bad, plants good.

yes you are right bad idea. sorry bout that
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brandy

would you eat a salad, plain, or a big glob of oreo filling?