Post by Tesa on Oct 20, 2003 4:19:54 GMT -8
Some people think igs eat stuff like crickets and eggs. It's not true: Iguanas are strict vegetarians! They need a diet that has a variety of greens and vegetables.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FOOD CHART
There are 4 things which should be taken into consideration when selecting your iguana's food.
1) Calcium:
The iguana's diet should contain twice as much calcium as phosphorus in order to maintain healthy bones.
This does not mean you should select only foods with high calcium levels, but rather the combination of foods maintain that balance.
2) Goitrogens:
The thyroid regulates many functions of the body. Iodine is necessary for the thyroid to perform properly. Some foods contain high levels of "goitrogens" which are compounds that keep the body from using iodine.
With this in mind, foods that are high in goitrogens should be fed as a minimal part of the diet.
3) Oxalic acid and Oxalates:
Oxalic acid binds with calcium making it inaccessible to the body. Regular consumption of large amounts of foods high in oxalic acid may result in a calcium deficiency.
Oxalates bind calcium creating tiny insoluble crystals with sharp edges, which can lead to irritation of the stomach and kidneys. They may also contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Foods containing large quantities of these chemicals should be used in moderation.
4) Potassium:
Too much Potassium in the blood can pose a threat to organ/muscle tissue. The kidneys normally regulate potassium levels, but where kidney failure/damage is present this control is lost. Excess Potassium that should be excreted thru urine is instead released into the bloodstream resulting in an electrolyte imbalance that upsets nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function.
Given that iguanas are very susceptible to kidney problems, foods high in Potassium should be also be used moderation.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FOOD CHART
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FOOD CHART
There are 4 things which should be taken into consideration when selecting your iguana's food.
1) Calcium:
The iguana's diet should contain twice as much calcium as phosphorus in order to maintain healthy bones.
This does not mean you should select only foods with high calcium levels, but rather the combination of foods maintain that balance.
2) Goitrogens:
The thyroid regulates many functions of the body. Iodine is necessary for the thyroid to perform properly. Some foods contain high levels of "goitrogens" which are compounds that keep the body from using iodine.
With this in mind, foods that are high in goitrogens should be fed as a minimal part of the diet.
3) Oxalic acid and Oxalates:
Oxalic acid binds with calcium making it inaccessible to the body. Regular consumption of large amounts of foods high in oxalic acid may result in a calcium deficiency.
Oxalates bind calcium creating tiny insoluble crystals with sharp edges, which can lead to irritation of the stomach and kidneys. They may also contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Foods containing large quantities of these chemicals should be used in moderation.
4) Potassium:
Too much Potassium in the blood can pose a threat to organ/muscle tissue. The kidneys normally regulate potassium levels, but where kidney failure/damage is present this control is lost. Excess Potassium that should be excreted thru urine is instead released into the bloodstream resulting in an electrolyte imbalance that upsets nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function.
Given that iguanas are very susceptible to kidney problems, foods high in Potassium should be also be used moderation.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FOOD CHART
