Tegu Food List

[Moral3x]

Plums are fine. Most fruit is fine, but watch the sugar content. Try to use low sugar fruits as much as possible.

Thank you!

 

[CameronJayBauer]

I don't think that in itself is a good reason to avoid a certain food item. Wild tegus probably don't eat most of the food we give them in captivity. As long as it's a good approximation, that's the key.

Unless there is something specific about beef that makes it indigestible or otherwise toxic to tegus, but I doubt that is the case.

I'll agree with you there. I feel like you can really only take the "wouldn't happen in the wild" logic so far when dealing with an animal you have in captivity to begin with haha.

But I also think due to its size, beef would be tricky to feed a gu. Because managing to break down beef into pieces a gu could eat, and getting the bones and organs and such to proper size would prove complicated IMO

 

[dpjm]

But I also think due to its size, beef would be tricky to feed a gu. Because managing to break down beef into pieces a gu could eat, and getting the bones and organs and such to proper size would prove complicated IMO

Yup, not an ideal food. Better to use much smaller prey that can be eaten whole. I haven't heard of whole ground beef being available (meat, organs, bones, etc. all ground up together), but that's the only way I'd use beef.

 

[BuffaloBill420herp]

I gave my tegu raw eggs he loved it. Is this ok?

 

[Karri]

Are fresh water fish okay?

 

[dpjm]

Fish are ok, but in moderation. These should be whole fish, not just the meat. Watch that you limit fatty fish like herring, tegus should not eat a high fat diet.

 

[Zcal93]

Honestly clutch I just got a hatchling and have been feeding it primarily ground turkey and the occasiaonl horn and super worm. much love for this post.

 

[ReptiFiles]

Kale can be added back onto the list. Found a study stating that it's far lower in oxalates than previously assumed: http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/kale-sheds-bum-rap-on-kidney-stones/

 

[dpjm]

Kale can be added back onto the list. Found a study stating that it's far lower in oxalates than previously assumed: http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/kale-sheds-bum-rap-on-kidney-stones/

Kale is super low in oxalates, and that goes for almost all cabbages. The only one I know of that is higher is collard greens. However it does contain a sugar called raffinose that can cause some intestinal discomfort. You can minimize this and increase digestibility by cooking it, I'd recommend steaming for about 3 min.

 

[Guman]

Honestly, I don't know why it's like that. I did not comprise the list. I think they are fine to feed often. Editing the list right now.

High in sugar which increases obesity.

 

[Guman]

what is the effect of giving too much banana? since it is prymary fruit that i give to my tegus before i read vanyard's care sheet.

High in phosphorous. Many of the reasons can be found on green iguana society.

 

[Guman]

http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/kale-sheds-bum-rap-on-kidney-stones/
Kale is super low in oxalates, and that goes for almost all cabbages. The only one I know of that is higher is collard greens. However it does contain a sugar called raffinose that can cause some intestinal discomfort. You can minimize this and increase digestibility by cooking it, I'd recommend steaming for about 3 min.

Kale and cabage are high in goitrogens. Goitrogens can cause thyroid problems. Green iguana society has a nice food list that list ca+, goitrogens, oxalates, and nutritional make up including Ca+-P, Protein, Fat, Water, and Fiber.

 

[Guman]

Since I refrenced it a few times here is the link for good plants. I know as today I am much better educated on the vegetarian aspect of lizard care. (Do to our iguana). However, I am here to learn more about my sons Tegu.

Www.Greenigsociety.org/foodchart.htm
Address for green iguana society

 

[EnjoysWine]

Just found this ten year old thread. Looks super useful. Does anyone know of anything that should be updated on it?

 

[Zyn]

It’s not a 10 year old thread it’s a constantly updated stickied at the top thread.

 

[EnjoysWine]

Oh ya, I actually noticed that there were so many pages to the thread after I replied haha.

Hey, the list mentions fish and rice, but no mention of wasabi

 

[Kre8sioN]

How the heck did you come up with this. Fantastic for a new tegu owner. I mean how much time and research? I feel at ease, my Tegu REALLY likes to eat and just want to make sure 1 - its good for him and 2 - variation...Thanks Puff

 

[Joanna]

I have a quick question. We are new to tegus and just got a beautiful 3 year old male. I know they can eat raw meat but I have heard of people freezing it first and then thawing it for them to eat. Does that kill bacteria and is it even necessary? Thanks!! Any advice is appreciated as I have not one clue about feeding meat. All the rest of our reptiles stick to meal worms and veggies.

 

[VenusAndSaturn]

I have a quick question. We are new to tegus and just got a beautiful 3 year old male. I know they can eat raw meat but I have heard of people freezing it first and then thawing it for them to eat. Does that kill bacteria and is it even necessary? Thanks!! Any advice is appreciated as I have not one clue about feeding meat. All the rest of our reptiles stick to meal worms and veggies.

If it's store bought meat you shouldn't have to worry about freezing it however if its wild game and it hasn't been frozen yet you'd probably wanna freeze the animal for at least 3 weeks before feeding it just so theres no chance of parasites or bad bacteria.

 

[Zyn]

Most people make it in large amounts then put them in individual packages then freeze it. Son not to waste any, and only thaw what’s needed for the day.