The Protein Question

It was once believed that baby iguanas started out as insectivores or omnivores and gradually became herbivores as they matured. Research findings ITom the late 1980s through the resent have confirmed thatb iguanas are herbivores their entire lives. However, there has been little research performed on just how much protein they need to have in their diets. The question of how much protein to feed pet iguanas is probably the most contr. tll t1Itltter protein they need to have in their diets. The question of how much protein to feed pet iguanas is probably the most controversial one among owners, herpetologists, and veterinarians.

Current thinking on this issue is that iguanas need little protein and that a varied, vegetarian diet like the one recommended in this book will supply your green friend with all the protein he needs. However, some recent studies show that baby and juvenil e iguanas do require higher protein levels than adults. This does not mean that baby iguanas should be fed crickets or dog food, but it does mean that you need to include some vegetable sources of protein in the diet, especially for babies.

Can you feed your iguana too much protein? Absolutely. An iguana's entire physiology has adapted to live on a diet of plant matter, which is generally low in protein. Feeding an iguana a diet high in protein will lead to health problems. These problems show up gradually, and up until the iguana is very sick, he may appear fat and healthy to its owner. Some of the problems that seem to be caused by excess dietary protein are kidney and bladder stones, gout (crystals of uric acid that form in the joints and internal organs causing pain, inflammation, and 10ss of function in these areas), and mineralization of various tissues. Additionally, excess protein may interfere with the absorption of calcium, possibly causing a calcium deficiency. Protein ITom animal sources (such as meat, mice, and insects) seems to be more likely to cause these problems than protein ITom vegetable sources (such as beans, grains, and tofu).

Remember: iguanas do not need a 10t of protein. In fact, it is dangerous to feed them large quantities of protein. Never feed your iguana any animal protein.