What Do Lizards Eat? Their Diet Preferences

So you just got a new lizard, or you’re thinking about it, and now the question pops up: what do lizards eat? Many new lizard owners find themselves a bit puzzled by this. It might seem straightforward – lizards eat bugs, right? Well, it turns out that lizard diets are a more interesting and diverse topic than you might think.

While most lizards enjoy munching on insects, their diets vary. It depends on their species and whether they’re classified as insectivores, carnivores, omnivores, or herbivores.

Understanding the Lizard Diet Types

Just like humans, lizards have diverse food preferences, and understanding their dietary needs is crucial. This is extremely important for their health and well-being. Let’s explore the fascinating world of lizard diets:

Insectivores: The Bug Lovers

Insectivorous lizards make up a big chunk of the lizard population. As their name implies, they love their bugs. Crickets, mealworms, roaches (like Dubia roaches, a popular choice for pet owners), and even the occasional spider are all fair game. You’ll find many popular pet lizards like geckos and anoles falling into this category.

Carnivores: The Meat Munchers

Next, we have the carnivores, the true predators of the lizard world. They may snack on small invertebrates, but their real hunger is satisfied by meatier fare. Think small rodents, other smaller reptiles, and in the case of giants like the Komodo dragon, even large mammals as large as deer.

Herbivores: The Salad Enthusiasts

Some lizards thrive entirely on a plant-based diet, although they are relatively rare. Making up less than 3% of lizard species, these herbivores enjoy bulbs, fruits, and vegetables. Certain iguana species are good examples. They enjoy a diet rich in leafy greens like collard greens and turnip greens. Other popular veggies for herbivores include yellow squash, bell peppers, and honeydew melon. Imagine a world where everyone was as excited about a plate of dandelion greens as a bearded dragon — a beautiful thought, isn’t it?

Omnivores: The Picky Eaters?

Lastly, we have the omnivores—the adventurous eaters in the lizard family. These guys enjoy a wide variety of food items from both the plant and animal kingdoms. One day it’s a crunchy cricket, and the next, it might be juicy fruit or a handful of leafy greens. Bearded dragons and blue-tongued skinks are classic examples of omnivorous lizards, showcasing an adaptable palate. It does make you wonder though; do lizards have their version of picky eaters? Do baby Bearded Dragons fuss over veggies? The world may never know.

What Do Lizards Eat in the Wild vs. as Pets?

This is where things get interesting. A lizard’s diet in the wild can differ considerably from what we feed them in captivity. Why is that? Wild lizards are opportunistic eaters. This means they must eat what they can catch, so their diets consist of what is readily available. They take advantage of whatever food sources are available in their natural habitats. This could be anything from seasonal fruits to insects unique to their area.

Pet lizards, while we strive to provide variety, often have a more structured diet. We want to make sure they are eating food with a high protein content and that they get the right nutrients. As a result, we may offer a staple diet of readily available insects and supplement with vegetables, fruits, and even commercial lizard food.

How to Feed Your Pet Lizard

So, you’ve figured out your lizard’s dietary needs—now what? How do you actually go about feeding these scaly companions?

Variety is Key

Just as with our meals, a varied diet is important for your lizard. It’s about keeping things interesting and ensuring they get a wide range of nutrients. But variety doesn’t mean giving them a slice of pizza – please stick to lizard-approved foods.

Fresh is Best

Always wash and chop fruits and veggies before giving them to your lizard. No one likes a mouthful of dirt with their meal.

Proper Sizing Matters

Avoid feeding your lizard oversized insects. Remember that rule of thumb: prey should be no larger than the space between your lizard’s eyes. Think of it as the lizard equivalent of “Don’t bite off more than you can chew.”

Gut Loading is Gold

Gut loading is exactly what it sounds like. You feed nutrient-rich foods like greens and carrots to the insects you are going to offer your lizard. This practice ensures your lizard indirectly gets those extra nutrients as well. Think of it like giving your lizard a vitamin boost, but through their food.

Supplementation Might Be Necessary

To ensure a complete diet for your lizard, especially herbivorous species, consider supplementing their diet with oral calcium and vitamin powders. You can find these online or at pet stores.

Consult a Veterinarian

Remember, even within these dietary categories, not every species eats exactly the same things. “Even then, not all herbivores eat the same foods, nor do all carnivores or omnivores eat the same things,” says Dana Varble, DVM, CAE, the chief veterinary officer for the North American Veterinary Clinic (NAVC). Always consult a reptile veterinarian to get personalized advice for your scaly friend’s needs. You can find local reptile vets on the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians website. They’ll help you build the perfect menu for your pet lizard, so they thrive under your care.

Here is a table to help you determine what to feed your lizard based on its species and what it eats. It includes some ideas for staple foods, as well as what to feed insects before offering them to your lizard. Remember to always offer fresh water daily.

Category	Species	What they Eat	Examples	Gut Loading Foods
Insectivores	Geckos, Anoles	Insects	Crickets, Mealworms, Dubia Roaches	Greens, Carrots
Carnivores	Komodo Dragon	Meat, Small Animals	Rodents, Reptiles, Large Mammals	Not Necessary
Herbivores	Iguanas, Bearded Dragons (Some Species)	Plants	Leafy Greens, Vegetables, Fruits	Not Necessary
Omnivores	Bearded Dragons, Blue-Tongued Skinks	Insects, Plants	Crickets, Greens, Fruits, Vegetables	Greens, Carrots

Conclusion

As you’ve discovered, what lizards eat isn’t always a simple question. From bug enthusiasts to plant lovers, the lizard world is filled with diverse palates. By understanding the dietary needs of your scaly friend—whether an insectivore, carnivore, herbivore, or omnivore—you can provide them with the best possible care.

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