The Mali Uromastyx is a popular pet reptile kept by many people in the UK and USA. The Uromastyx is a great lizard for beginners because it is so easy to keep and care for. But what does a Uromastyx like to eat? Today’s blog is all about how to choose the best Uromastyx food. They are primarily herbivorous and so the bulk of their diet will consist of leaves, grains, nuts, lentils and seeds.
Does the Uromastyx need a lot of water?
In the wild they live in arid, desert areas and so have adapted to be able to survive on very little water. This is a good thing as they can survive for long periods without food or water. They can survive on very little water. In fact they get most of their moisture from their food. They have scales that allow them to absorb moisture from the air so they don’t need to drink as much as other lizards do.
However, you will need to supply water for your pet Uromastyx – even if he doesn’t drink a lot, he may like to bathe in it!
What does the Uromastyx eat?
Uromastyx are omnivorous, meaning they eat both meat and plants. You can feed your Uromastyx insects, leaves and vegetables, even fruits! Here is a good list of things that you can feed your Uromastyx:
Staple diet (daily):
- Apple
- Mango
- Papaya
- Dandelions
- Rose petals
- Chamomile
- Lavendar
- Thyme
- Chicory
- Hibiscus flowers and leaves
- Prickly Pear Pads and Fruits
- Turnip Greens
Treats (every couple of days or once a week):
- Basil
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Sage
- kale
- watercress
- red cabbage
- pumpkin
- parsnips
Fruit should be a small percentage of your Uro’s diet (around 10%) because it is quite high in sugar. Make sure that your Uromastyx does get regular fresh greens.
Foods to avoid for your Uromastyx
Some fruits and vegetable are unsuitable for your Uromastyx, or if you do give them these foods it should be very rarely:
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Parsley
- Spinach
- Suede
- Soy beans
- Chard
- Sprouts
As a general rule, avoid or limit foods that are high in oxolates and goitrogens.
Can I pick my own food for my Uromastyx
It is safe to pick your own flowers and veg for your Uromastyx as long as you know what you are looking for. Also you would need to be sure that it is pesticide free and wash it thoroughly. Many people do give their Uro fruit, veg or flowers and plants from their own back garden.
How often should I feed my Uromastyx
Young Uromastyx (0-24 months) should be fed daily. When they are adults, they can manage a little longer. You can still feed them daily, or cut back to say 5 days a week instead. The best time to feed them is a couple of hours after they wake up and their lights are on. Otherwise they will be too sleepy to eat!
If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about Choosing and Setting up a Uromastyx Tank
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