Uromastyx are a popular reptile due to their easygoing attitude and friendly nature. They are pretty big and require a lot of care, so they are considered to be intermediate level pets. As opposed to some other reptiles, Uromastyx are herbivorous, meaning that they get the vast majority of their nutrition from fruits and vegetables. A small part of their diet can also be lentils, beans, nuts, and seeds. There are also pre-prepared mixes that can supplement their diet pretty well.
Different fruits and veggies contain varying amounts of nutrition; therefore, it is vital to educate yourself on which ones are able to be fed as a regular staple, which ones should only be supplied on occasion, and also the fruits and vegetables that you'd never or can rarely be fed. Any food that is high in oxalates, or high in phosphorous needs to be limited in the Uromastyx' diet. Oxalic (high in oxalates) foods can bind calcium, which then inhibits the calcium from being absorbed into the body. The Uro must absorb calcium to keep their bones healthy and strong, phosphorous also has a similar effect when it comes to binding calcium and will also inhibit calcium absorption. Goitrogenic (high in goitrogens) foods should also be limited, as goitrogens bind iodine, which inhibits iodine absorption into their body. Insufficient iodine causes problems with the thyroid glands as this can bind iodine and inhibit its absorption into the body, which can cause problems when it comes to regulating the functions of the body's vital organs.
Read on to find out which foods can be staples and which need to be limited.
What Foods Are Safe For A Uromastyx:
Daily Staples:
- Alfalfa (Fresh)
- Arugula
- Butternut Squash
- Chicory
- Collard Greens
- Dandelion Greens/Flowers
- Endive
- Escarole
- Hibiscus flowers and leaves
- Mustard Greens
- Nasturtiums
- Prickly Pear Cactus Pads and Fruits
- Spaghetti Squash
- Thyme
- Turnip Greens
Every two days:
- Acorn Squash
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Hubbard Squash
- Peppermint
- Scallop Squash
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Summer Squash
- Watercress
Once per week:
- Artichoke Hearts
- Asparagus
- Bell Peppers
- Chayote
- Green Beans
- Kale
- Red Cabbage
- Parsnips
- Peas
- Pumpkin
Twice per month:
- Beetroot - (Goitrogenic)
- Bok Choy - (Goitrogenic)
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower - (Goitrogenic)
- Carrots
- Courgettes
- Cucumber
- Green Cabbage - (Goitrogenic)
- Kidney Beans
- Kohlrabi - (Goitrogenic)
- Lima Beans
- Okra - (High oxalates)
- Radicchio
- Radishes - (Goitrogenic)
- Turnips - (Goitrogenic)
- Wheatgrass
- Yam
Staple Fruits:
- Apples
- Cantaloupe
- Mango
- Papaya
Occasional Fruits:
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Cranberries
- Guava
- Pears
- Peaches
- Plums
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
Staple Flowers:
- Chamomile
- Chrysanthemum Petals
- Dandelions
- Hibiscus
- Hollyhock
- Lavender
- Marigold
- Nasturtium
- Rose Petals
The Uromastyx needs fresh greens and vegetables every feeding; only ten percent of their diet needs to be fruit as it is high in sugar and can lead to obesity and other related health issues. You can feed lentils and beans two to three times a week to add some variety, and seeds can be fed a little less as in every four to five times a week. A great addition to any of their meals are fresh flowers that can be picked from outside as long as you are 100% sure that they are pesticide-free, and have been washed thoroughly. Zoo Meds's Flower Topper is an excellent appetite stimulant and also makes a great staple addition for any Uromastyx click here to buy.
Foods To Never or Rarely Feed Your Uromastyx:
Generally, the following foods should be avoided altogether, although they could be fed rarely, you could feed them very occasionally but only once per month at most.
- Beet Greens - (Goitrogenic)
- Brussel Sprouts - (Goitrogenic)
- Corn - (High phosphorous)
- Citrus - (Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Grapefruit, etc.) (Extremely acidic)
- Lettuce - (High water content, barely any nutrition)
- Parsley - (High oxalates)
- Tomatoes - (Extremely acidic)
- Soybeans
- Spinach - (High oxalates)
- Swede - (Goitrogenic)
- Swiss Chard - (High oxalates)
- Swede - (Goitrogenic)
At the start of this article, we mentioned a pre-prepared commercial product available for your Uromastyx; this can be a staple part of their diet and add some great nutrition. Formulated to provide excellent all-round sustenance to your Uromastyx, they're blended with different vegetables and fruits along with supplements to give a superb staple addition to their diet. They are also great in an emergency when you cannot find fresh fruits or veggies. Click here to buy these for your Uro.
Supplements
Supplementation is a vital part of any reptile's diet, and this includes the Uromastyx. The following supplements are needed, calcium powder, calcium powder plus D3, and a multivitamin supplement. Babies need calcium powder three times per week, twice per week they need the calcium plus D3 powder, and multivitamin once per week. Juvenile Uromastyx needs calcium two times per week, calcium plus D3 twice per week, and multivitamin once per week. Adults only need calcium powder once per week, calcium plus D3 once per week, and multivitamin powder once per week. You only need to dust lightly, a pinch per meal will do. Click here to buy your supplements.
TOXIC FOODS FOR UROMASTYX
- Avocado
- Azalea
- Bracken Fern
- Buttercup
- Castor bean
- Chives
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Juniper
- Mushrooms
- Potato or toma0to leaves
- Rhubarb
This list is not complete; there are more things that will be toxic for your Uro to eat, if you're not sure about something then research it, if you aren't convinced even then, then do not feed it.
Water
Since the diet of the Uromastyx is composed of vegetables and fruit that already contain a lot of water, as long as your Uro is eating properly, they will remain hydrated.
