What Do Desert Iguanas Eat?

Diet in the Wild

• In the wild, the desert iguana relies heavily on the creosote bush, a hardy shrub that grows throughout the iguana's desert habitat. The iguanas frequently nest in burrows under the bushes' roots, and the bright yellow blossoms are its favorite food. Iguanas also eat the plant's leaves, as well as various other foliage. It also occasionally eats iguana feces, which are thought to help keep a suitable colony of bacteria working in its digestive tract.

Diet in Captivity

• In captivity, iguanas are fed a more general herbivorous diet. Some pet owners obtain creosote bushes and plant them in their iguana's habitat, for a welcome touch of home. Otherwise, captive iguanas can be fed successfully on leafy greens such as chard, collards, dandelions and parsley. As desert dwellers, they also appreciate watery vegetables such as zucchini and yellow summer squash, which must be coarsely grated for them. They also like fresh fruit and berries, and flower blossoms including roses, dandelions, geraniums and nasturtiums.

Insects

• There is some debate over the role of insects and other animal foods in the diet of the desert iguana. Most authorities agree that in the wild, iguanas will occasionally eat insects or carrion. This does not seem to be a major portion of their diet, in their natural habitat. Captive iguanas are often given insects or mealworms as a treat, or after they have been hibernating. Insects and mealworms are relatively high-fat food for an iguana, so they should be used sparingly.

Water and Other Care

• As desert dwellers, iguanas are very efficient at extracting moisture from the foods they eat. However, a supply of supplemental water is recommended by some enthusiasts. This can be a simple open dish, placed at the cool end of the habitat, or a more elaborate drip waterer. In any case, the iguana will soon adapt. In captivity iguanas may not receive enough calcium from their diet, and fertile females in particular should receive extra calcium. The iguanas also need a lamp that radiates ultraviolet-B light, which they need in order for their bodies to manufacture vitamin D.