Reptiles_-_Nutrition_Spring_2025

Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio

The appropriate ratio for reptiles, typically 2:1; crucial for their nutrition.

Herbivores

ex. are turtles, tortoises, many lizardsthat primarily consume plants and vegetation for their dietary needs.

-don’t select balanced diets in captivity

hindgut fermenters

fermentation occurs in Lg intestine

rich in vit A & D and need high calcium for bone health.

Herbivores- Tortoises

80% commerical pellets, grasses, grass hays

20% dark, leafy greens, flowers, leaves, non-starchy veggies

Herbivores- Iguanas

50% commercial pellets

50% produce- dark leafy greens, leaves, flowers, non-starchy veggies

Poisonous plants to Herbivores

rhododentron, azaleas, oleander, chinaberry, tobacco, toad stools

Insectivores- Some lizards, turtles and snakes

Animals that primarily consume insects.

offer a variety of insects (spiders, worms and crustaceans

Carnivores

Animals that primarily consume other animals. they do not require supplementation. Food should be offered whole.

Frozen rodents should be discarded after how long?

6m

Fish should be discarded after how long?

3m

Snake Nutritional Considerations

prey should not be larger than their girth

defrosted prior to feeding

offer prey on solid surfaces

train the animal ot eat pre-killed prey

food items should not be frozen for more than 12w

avoid giving obese preyand ensure proper hydration.

After feeding a snake, when should the next meal be given and why?

typically after the animal defecates because it lowers the risk of GI issues in the case of GI stasis.

Juvenile snakes are offered food how often?

roughly every 2 to 7 days

adult snakes are offered food how often?

roughly every 7 to 21 days

Why should live prey never be placed in the environment for a carnivore to eat?

If left unattended, the prey may fight back and cause trauma and injury.

Omnivores

Animals that consume both plant and animal material.

Hindgut Fermenters

Animals that rely on fermentation in the large intestine for processing fiber.

Carnivores- Aquatic Turtles

tuttle pellets, gel diets, earthworms, insects, blood worms, krill, fish, pinkies and greensare suitable food options for aquatic turtles.

Why should gold fish not be given to aquatic turtles?

Goldfish can be carriers of parasites and diseases that may harm aquatic turtles such as tuberculosis

Omnivores- Box turtles

50% insects, snails, earthworms, pinkies

45% veggies

5% fruit

Omnivores- Beadred Dragons

50% dark, leafy greens, flowers dusted with Ca

DO NOT GIVE FRUIT

50% insects (dust)

can give a pinkie occasionally

Dark Leafy Greens

Nutrient-rich vegetables recommended for herbivorous reptiles.

Starch

A carbohydrate that should be limited in the diet of herbivorous reptiles.

Oxalic Acid

A compound found in some plant foods that can bind calcium and reduce absorption.

ex. parsley, spinach, chives, alfalfa

Good source of Ca where the oxalate: Ca ratio is <2

prickl;y pear, collards, swiss chard, brussel sprouts, parsley, kale, turnip

Goitrogens

Substances in certain foods that can interfere with thyroid function by preventing the uptake of iodine

What family of plants should be avoided d/t their high levels of goitrogens?

Brassica family: cabbage, kale, mustard greens, broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts

Hypovitaminosis A

A deficiency of vitamin A that can occur in reptiles.

Carotenoids

Pigments in plants that can convert to vitamin A in some reptiles.

Gut Loading

Feeding insects nutrient-rich diets before offering them to reptiles (1-2 days) because they are Ca and multivitamin deficient.

Calcium Supplementation (Dust Insects)

Adding calcium to the diet to ensure adequate intake for reptiles.

Prey Selection

The process by which carnivorous reptiles choose their food.

Defrosting Prey

The process of thawing frozen food before feeding to reptiles.

Caloric Needs

The energy requirements for reptiles that dictate feeding frequency.

Lean Rodents

Low-fat rodents suitable for carnivorous reptiles.

Turtle Pellets

Commercially prepared food designed for the dietary needs of turtles.

Dusting with Calcium

Coating food items with calcium powder to enhance intake.

Iodine Uptake

The process by which the body absorbs iodine; can be affected by goitrogens.

Preformed Vitamin A

Vitamin A that does not need conversion to be utilized by the body.

Bermuda Grass

A type of grass important in the diets of herbivorous reptiles.

Fiber

Indigestible material important for digestive health in reptiles.

Calcium Deficiency

A lack of calcium in the diet that can lead to health issues.

Insect Nutritional Loading

The process of feeding insects nutrients to improve their value for reptiles. Should be done 1-2 days prior to feeding.

Green Vegetables

Plant foods that are rich in nutrients and important for herbivorous reptiles.

Amphibians

A group of animals often included in the diet of some carnivorous reptiles.

Aquatic Diet

A diet that may include fish, suitable for aquatic reptiles.

Calcium-Rich Foods

Foods that are high in calcium, crucial for reptile diets.

Hypothyroidism

A condition that may result from a deficiency of iodine, influenced by goitrogens.

Brassica Family

A family of vegetables including cabbage and kale, known for their goitrogen content.

Balanced Diet

A diet that provides proper proportions of nutrients.

Desert Tortoise

A type of tortoise that has specific dietary requirements.

Pyramiding

A deformity often observed in tortoises related to inadequate nutrition.

Bladder Stones

Solid mineral formations that can develop in reptiles due to dietary issues.

Aquatic Turtles

Turtles that primarily live in water and have specific dietary needs.

Nutrient Deficiency

A lack of necessary nutrients in the diet, leading to health problems.

Vitamin A

Essential nutrient for reptile health, often lacking in insectivores, carnivores and some omnivores, which means they lack the enzyme responsible to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A. .

Nutritional Considerations

Factors to keep in mind when formulating diets for reptiles.

Why should fireflies be avoided in a reptile diet?

they are poisonous

Common bugs fed to reptiles

crickets, mealworms, cockroaches, waxworms, beetle grubs