Iguanas are herbivores, which in nature feed almost exclusively on tree leaves. And they are herbivorous from the moment of birth, contrary to the once common misconception that in the juvenile period iguanas are insectivorous, and then switch to vegetable food.
The intestines of iguanas contain a large number of microorganisms that help digest vegetative fiber, which makes it similar to the rumen of ruminants. Young lizards eat adult feces to colonize their intestines with these microorganisms. It is not established whether feeding to young Iguanas the feces of captive adult animals is as effective as in nature, but this method is in some cases successfully used to treat diarrhea in young animals.
In captivity, the diet of herbivorous lizards should be as diverse as possible and consist of dark green leafy vegetables. Greens containing oxalates (spinach) or goitrogens (cabbage) can be offered from time to time. Fruits should be given in small amounts, as they reduce the nutritional value of other ingredients. It is proved that mixing in equal proportions of strawberries and lettuce by a third reduces the content of calcium and protein in the latter. Commercial feeds for iguanas are variable in composition and digestibility, and can not account for more than half of the diet.
In nature, green iguanas feed almost exclusively on the leaves of trees, in captivity they have to eat such foods that they would not even meet in the natural environment. It is necessary to be patient with the patience, accustoming the lizard to a balanced diet. You can not let her choose what is, since the taste and nutritional value are not the same.
