🦎 Introduction
Uromastyx are strict vegetarians, unlike many other pet lizards.
Feeding them properly is the key to:
- Long-term health
- Vibrant color
- Strong bone development
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Which greens and vegetables are safe
- What to feed daily, weekly, or occasionally
- Foods to avoid
- A sample weekly feeding plan
- Extra supplements to consider
🥬 Top Leafy Greens (Daily Staples)
These greens are high in calcium and perfect for daily feeding:
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Turnip greens
- Dandelion greens
- Endive / Escarole
- Chicory
🌱 Pro tip: Mix 2–3 types of greens for variety.
🥕 Vegetables & Extras (Feed 3–4× per week)
Add color and fiber with these safe veggies:
| Veggie | Notes |
|---|---|
| Butternut squash | Grated or diced |
| Carrot | Shredded, not too often |
| Green beans | Fresh or lightly steamed |
| Peas | High protein—use sparingly |
| Bell pepper | Adds hydration + color |
| Cactus pads (nopales) | Favorite of many species |
âś… Feed raw and finely chopped. No need to cook most veggies.
🌸 Edible Flowers & Treats (1–2× per week)
Flowers are great enrichment—but should be occasional.
- Hibiscus
- Nasturtium
- Dandelion flowers
- Rose petals (unsprayed only)
Also safe in small amounts:
- Lentils (raw, dry only)
- Millet or bird seed mix (low-fat varieties)
❌ Foods to Avoid
Some foods are either toxic or cause long-term issues.
| Food | Reason |
|---|---|
| Lettuce (iceberg) | Almost no nutrients |
| Spinach | High in oxalates (binds calcium) |
| Kale | Use sparingly for same reason |
| Fruit | Too much sugar, not needed |
| Animal protein | NEVER feed insects or meat |
âť— Uromastyx can’t process high-protein diets—doing so can lead to gout or organ damage.
đź“… Sample Weekly Feeding Plan
| Day | Greens | Extras |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Collard + Endive | Shredded squash |
| Tue | Mustard + Dandelion | Bell pepper |
| Wed | Turnip greens | Small pinch dry lentils |
| Thu | Collard + Escarole | Cactus pad |
| Fri | Dandelion + Chicory | Flower treat (hibiscus) |
| Sat | Mixed greens | Carrot + seed sprinkle |
| Sun | Fasting or light greens | None |
đź’Š Supplements
Most Uromastyx diets don’t require heavy supplementation—but a little calcium is helpful.
- Calcium carbonate (no D3) → 1–2x/week
- Multivitamin powder (optional) → 1x/week
âś… Sprinkle lightly over moist greens or lentils
🧊 Water: Do They Need It?
Uromastyx rarely drink standing water.
- Most hydration comes from fresh greens
- You can offer a shallow dish occasionally
- Do not mist the tank—they hate humidity
âś… Conclusion
Feeding a Uromastyx is simple and fun—just stick to:
- Leafy greens as the foundation
- Colorful veggies and flowers for enrichment
- Occasional dry seeds or lentils
- Avoid all meat and sugary fruits
With the right diet, your “desert dragon” will thrive for decades.