Although iguanas are herbivores, they love eating fruit on occasion. And dragonfruit is one of their favorite snacks. But the question still remains, “Can iguanas eat dragon fruits?”. Throughout this guide, we’ll give insights on why you should feed them dragonfruits, their nutritional value, and how to feed them properly. So let’s get started!
Yes, Iguanas can eat dragonfruit as a way of quick nutrition. However, your iguana is more likely to eat leafy greens instead. There’s no harm in feeding them fruit every now and then. While you can feed your iguana dragonfruit, it’s best to do it sparingly.
You can see iguana eating dragonfruit in the video below.
How Often Should I Feed My Iguana Dragon Fruit?
You should feed your iguana dragon fruits at least once a month. You want to feed them sparingly because of their Ca (calcium) to P (Phosphorous) ratio. There is 36 mg of P and 11g of Ca, making it disproportionate enough to not be fully nutritious.
Too much phosphorus in their body can reduce their calcium absorption within their bodies. When their body has a lack of calcium from food, they tend to get this mineral from their bones. Calcium is necessary for keeping their bones strong, so you’ll want to balance the dragonfruit with vegetables that provide this mineral.
In addition, dragonfruit is highly acidic, meaning that it can be harmful for your iguana in high doses. Since dragonfruit doesn’t have enough calcium, it is important to look for alternative fruits that provide this nutrient.
Nutritional Value of Dragon Fruits
- Fiber
Dragonfruits contain 7 grams of fiber per serving. Fiber is known for helping iguanas with digestion, but it is also good at preventing heart disease and maintaining their body weight.
However, it is important to know that having a high-fiber diet can be detrimental to your iguana, especially if you’re used to a low-fiber diet. To avoid stomach issues, give your iguana plenty of fluids and increase their dietary fiber needs.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is in dragonfruit and helps with your iguana’s cognitive function. Giving your iguana Vitamin C can also help the neurotransmitters that send signals to their brain. Since dragonfruit has 6.4mg of Vitamin C, it provides a slight boost to their intelligence.
- Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a vital part of the iguana’s growing process. It works well with calcium to help your iguana grow healthy bones. It also helps with growing their tooth enamel and the health of their gums.
Dragonfruit contains 36 mg of phosphorus, giving them enough nutrients to strengthen their bones. Still, you need to be careful about their dragonfruit intake because too much of it will lead to further digestive issues down the line.
How to Feed Dragon Fruits To Your Iguana
Giving your iguana dragonfruit is a straightforward process. Here are some easy steps to follow:
Step 1: Give your iguana organic fruit as it has the most nutritional value. Organic fruit doesn’t have any artificial preservatives, making it safe for your pet to eat.
Step 2: When giving them dragonfruit, start by pre-washing it. This will eliminate any germs that were previously present. During this step, you have to be careful because an unclean or rotten dragonfruit will provide no nutrition for your iguana.
Step 3: Remove the exterior skin, or cut open the fruit and take out the fresh part. After that, the dragonfruit is ready for serving. Grab a piece of dragonfruit and place it directly towards the iguana’s mouth. Watch how quickly he eats it!
Step 4: To add variety, mix it up with other fruits and include vegetables and greens. Doing so will create a tasty salad for your iguana friend. For example, you can mix the dragon fruit with kale, radish, collard greens, etc. That way, you can ensure you’re giving your iguana a balanced diet.
How Much Should Fruit Be in An Iguana’s Diet?
Fruit should take up 10% of your iguana’s diet. Iguanas enjoy various fruits such as watermelon, strawberries, bananas, etc. Fruits are a great source of vitamins and minerals when mixed with leafy greens and herbs. Some fruits require chopping, while others require peeling them off and removing the seeds.
Ensure that the fruits are properly cleaned before feeding your iguana. Remove the remaining fruits as they are prone to rotting. Excessive fruits can be harmful to your iguana because they contain oxalates, too much water, and a low Ca to P ratio. If you give your iguana too many fruits, they might suffer from diarrhea.
Conclusion
Giving your iguana dragonfruit is a great threat to their herbivore diet. Don’t go overboard though, as too much dragonfruit will cause health problems if consumed excessively. In conclusion, giving your iguana dragon fruits will make a great snack once in a while, so don’t be afraid to feed them some!
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