Iguana Protein Need Some Help?

[Yungair23]

I have been doing some research and have found a few different sites and zoo's that state that in the wild Iguana's eat over 20% Plant Protein. This allows them to grow quick and strong. Now if we are feeding all this high calcium low phosphorous diets but not concerned about protein levels why are the Ig's doing so well? Am i missing something or does a diet of Greens,Vegetables and Fruits lack in protein? Melissa Kaplan does state using Alfalfa for protein. Does any use this for that purposes. I can get it in the pellet form and doubt my Iguana will eat it. Also Tofu can be fed for a high Plant Protein also? In moderation though. Anyone have any input on this subject.

[prism_wolf]

In their ideal habitat they definitely have access to exactly what they need. Here in captivity...we can do only a mediocre job, but that's not saying it's a completely bad one. There is a lot of plant protein if you follow the diet guides using the best foods...and yes...alfalfa can be an excellent addition. Tofu is full of hormones so is not a good choice.

[Yungair23]

Found my answer should have looked at Iguanaden.com site before!! They always have answers to any of my questions!! Now i'll go back and look at the spike issue! Here's what i found regarding Protein.
The Iguana Den Diet has taken this to a new level where supplementing proteins is no longer needed for any age Iguana. Its not hard to figure out why either when you look at the chart below. Food name
Portion
Prep
Proteins (g)

Collard Greens
2 Cups
Raw
1.76

Turnip Greens-Tops
1 Cup
Raw
0.83

Arugula
2 Cup
Raw
2.0
Beet Greens
1 Cup
Raw
0.7

Dandelion Greens
2 Cups
Raw
2.98

Escarole
1 Cup
Raw
1.24
Kale
1 Cup
Raw
2.2

Mustard Greens
1 Cup
Raw
1.5

Chickory Greens
1 Cup
Raw
0.8

Watercress
1 Cup
Raw
0.8

Totals
13 Cups
Raw
14.81 grams





Below you find 3 foods that can be used as a protein supplement in Iguana diets. None of which carry a 2:1 Calcium to Phosphorus ratio as we know the Iguana needs.

Food Name Protein Content


Wheat Bread 2.4 grams
Oat Grain Bread 2.4 grams
Alfalfa 1.3 grams


Adding these foods once or twice per week will not harm your iguana, so if you feel you want to do so by all means go right ahead. However, for healthy iguanas on a diet such as the IguanaDen Diet, such supplementation is not necessary. If your iguana is in rehab, your vet may recommend adding some extra protein. Many iguanas also enjoy wheat bread or oat grain bread as a snack - it is best to soak these in water before feeding to add some hydration.

Iguanas fed Iguana Den Diet have been returning protein levels in their blood work right at the peak of where they are recommended to be without added supplementation.

[crazybaby]

I like using alfalfa personally. What I normally do is, put a teaspoon or more of alfalfa flakes in with the hard veggies in the food processor and then let'er rip. lol It blends them in with the veggies and gets them nice and moist. Mix it all in with the proper greens (listed above) and it's got plenty of protein! I used to try dusting the food with the alfalfa like I do vitamins, but sancho would rarely touch anything that way.

[MasterYoda]

hmm ya know I recently read (cant recall where right now but will try to find it and post it) That a good source of protein for igs is a 16 bean mix with brown rice. From what I remember it also is supposed to be 2:1 but I never really looked into it that deeply. I kinda just took it with a grain of salt.

[Merlin]

I periodically use alfalfa in the form of rabbit pellets. I too mix em up and hide them in the veggie or fuit. Zok won't touch them other wise.
Just make sure tht you are getting quality rabbit pellets without any animal protien filler.

[IguanaKing]

A good place to get high-quality alfalfa pellets with no fillers is a livestock feed store. You can get a bag of horse pellets. They're slightly larger than rabbit pellets, but still small enough for an adolescent or adult ig to deal with. Just make sure to soak them first.