Yes, Iguanas can eat Broccoli. It is a good food source for your iguana if fed in moderation.
Throughout this guide, we’ll explain:
- Can Iguanas Eat Broccoli?
- Benefits of Broccoli For Iguana
- How to Feed Broccoli to Iguanas
- FAQ
In nature, iguanas are herbivores, meaning that they live off a diet based on plants. Because of this, they enjoy having a treat of broccoli every now and then.
Iguanas are highly adaptive creatures that live in a wide variety of regions and climates.
On rare occasions, iguanas can consume eggs, insects, and even small animals. For the best results, give them a diet consisting of 70% dark leafy greens, 20% broccoli, and 10% fruit.
Since broccoli takes up to 20% of an iguana’s diet, they won’t shy away from it when you feed it to them.
However, it’s best to feed them in moderation. If you overfeed your iguana with broccoli, they will experience thyroid problems.
Vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, corn, etc are good for iguanas as it helps them grow properly.
When making a diet for your iguana, make sure you feed them vegetables that are rich in calcium.
In fact, you can mix the broccoli with kale, or collards to ensure they’re getting an optimal amount of nutrition.
Video of iguana eating broccoli.
Benefits of Broccoli For Iguana
Reduced Inflammation
Broccoli has bioactive compounds that are used to fight inflammation in their body’s tissues.
The multiple compounds inside broccoli synergize together to create this effect, while some seem to act individually as well.
For instance, broccoli contains Kaempferol, which is a flavonoid that shows strong results in test-tube and animal studies. In a small human study involving tobacco smokers, the smokers discovered that eating broccoli has helped with reducing the makers of inflammation.
Protein
Iguanas like broccoli because it is an extra source of protein. The protein takes up to 29% of the broccoli’s dry weight, in comparison to most vegetables.
Due to its high water content, a cup of broccoli has 3g of protein.
Fights Toxins and Pollution
Broccoli is rich in vitamins and nutrients. What makes it effective is its ability to eliminate pollutants from the body. The components located in the broccoli’s stub help detoxify the body.
When eating broccoli, a chemical called glucoraphanin is produced. It attaches to the dangerous benzene compound, breaks it down, and helps the body release it faster before it causes damage on a cellular level.
This mechanism is used to reduce the toxins associated with cigarette smoke and pollution. Thus, detoxifying your iguana’s body with broccoli is a great way to alleviate health risks at a basic level.
Heart Health
Broccoli works by reducing the cholesterol in the body. It contains sulforaphane, which is an anti-inflammatory property that can prevent damage in the blood vessels made from blood sugar problems.
Broccoli is great for the heart because it contains fatty acids, vitamins, and fibers that help regulate their blood pressure. Thus, giving your iguana a bowl of broccoli can help its heart grow stronger.
Bone Health
Broccoli contains a high level of vitamin K and calcium, which are both good at preventing osteoporosis while improving bone health. Besides calcium, broccoli is rich in nutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. Because of this, broccoli is a great vegetable to feed both baby and adult iguanas.
Eye Care
When consumed, broccoli helps improve your iguana’s vision. Broccoli consists of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. All of these nutrients are rich in promoting eye health and preventing macular degeneration.
How to Feed Broccoli to Iguana
First, make sure to select broccoli that’s green in color, with a firm stem and florets. Chop the broccoli into smaller pieces to help your iguana digest it faster.
After cutting the broccoli, don’t remove the woody stalks underneath it.
They consist of nutrients and fiber that’s good for your pet iguana. Use a peeler or paring knife to remove the outside portions.
The healthiest way to cook the broccoli is by sauteing, microwaving, roasting, or steaming.
These methods keep the main nutrients because it’s briefly exposed to water and has a quick cooking time.
You can either feed the broccoli via a bowl or hand feed them to your iguana.
Watch how your pet iguana quickly eats the broccoli!
Feed your iguana broccoli at least 2-3 times a week to ensure that they are growing properly.
Can Iguanas Eat Broccoli Leaves?
Iguanas can eat broccoli leaves! Broccoli leaves are edible and have healthy benefits associated with them. Before giving them broccoli leaves it’s best to make sure they’re cleaned beforehand.
What Should I Avoid Giving My Iguana?
- Animal Protein
Animal protein of any kind should be avoided! Since they are herbivorous by nature, iguanas cannot eat nor process animal proteins. Feeding your iguana animal proteins will create a huge strain on their liver and kidneys and lead to death due to liver or kidney failure.
Specifically, iguanas cannot eat the following animals:
- Roaches
- Waxworms
- Mealworms
- Crickets
- House Flies
While you might have thought it was a great idea, please don’t feed your iguana any meat that has been previously eaten by humans. Food such as ham, beef, pork, or chicken is not a good idea for iguanas.
- Parsley and Spinach
While parsley and spinach are both leafy greens, they are actually harmful for your iguana. They contain oxalates which bind the calcium they need for stronger bones. Because of this, you should keep it away from them.
Also read
Reference
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170379/nutrients
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