Our Guide to Reptile Safe Edible Plants

The subject of choosing reptile safe plants to feed your reptile can sometimes seem daunting; especially for keepers of herbivores such as tortoises and Uromastyx, and omnivores like Bearded Dragons and Blue Tongued Skinks.

We have compiled this list of edible plants that can be found growing naturally in the wild, and safe foods which can be purchased in your local supermarket or from ourselves online or in store (especially useful during the winter months).

What is a healthy diet for my reptile?

Same as humans, herbivorous and omnivorous reptiles require a nutrient rich diet in order to gain essential vitamins and minerals. Their wild ancestors have access to thousands of different plant species, each offering unique nutritional benefits. Variety is key, but we always recommend as part of your feeding routine, to add supplements to enhance the nutritional value of their food as much as possible.

Often, people find they have previously been given the wrong information or advice as to what vegetation to feed their reptiles. It can sometimes take a little patience to wean an animal off of a poor diet, reptiles can be quite stubborn! But with perseverance, the benefits to the animal long term is quite literally life changing. The result of a poor diet often can be hidden, affecting the organs and tissue of the reptile. Other times it is more obvious, in tortoises for example, a shell with peaks (known as Pyramiding) is a visual sign of a prolonged poor diet.

The most common mistake is the offering of fruit. Aside from a few tropical species, most tortoises and lizards like Bearded Dragons aren’t able to process glucose, as it ferments faster and upsets their gut flora. They may appear to ‘love it’ but as with most sweet treats, they aren’t necessarily good for them. Sometimes scenting the new (healthier) food with the sweetness of a strawberry for example, can help to wean them off of the sugar.

Adding calcium to the food for reptiles is standard practice; but some foods such as Spinach, Chard, Parsley and Beetroot are high in Oxalic Acid - this actively binds calcium and prevents it from being absorbed, resulting in deficiency. It is best to avoid these food items and offer alternatives.

The same applies with feeding Iceberg Lettuce and cucumber; these have an exceptionally high water content with low nutritional value. If this forms the bulk of the diet, the animal will likely become deficient in vitamins and minerals.

Plants within the cabbage family (Brassica) should be kept to the minimum. They contain high levels of Goitrogens, these can affect growth and metabolism by interfering with hormones. It has also been linked to kidney and bladder stones when fed over long periods. Though they are classed as edible, we have not included any of the Brassica plants on our list as there are plenty of healthier alternatives available.

What plants should I offer my reptile?

The foods you offer will vary based on the dietary requirements of the species you keep. Therefore it is vital that you research the specific requirements of your species, focusing on plants commonly found in their native habitat.

The foods we list below in are all non toxic, reptile safe plants which should make up a varied diet. It is important to not stick to any one particular food item to avoid the diet becoming monotonous and nutritionally unbalanced.

Supermarket foods

Whether it is due to the time of year and lack of foraging options, or simply for convenience - supermarket greens are a reliable option for ensuring you always have food for your reptile. Care must be taken to offer all food items in moderation and vary them as much as possible; preferably using these in conjunction with some of the other plants listed below.

Feed as part of a varied diet

 Feed in moderation only

Garden and terrarium plants

These are an easy way to offer a huge variety to your animals. Reptiles are often attracted to the bright colours of certain flowers, so this is an excellent way of tempting picky feeders. It is recommended for most plants, that the roots are not to be offered, and if stems seem particularly thick or fibrous are usually best removed. Ensure that the plants are free from pesticides and are clean before being offered to your reptile.

Feed as part of a varied diet

Feed in moderation only

Grasses and ferns

These types of plants form up to 80% of the diet for many grassland species such as Leopard and Sulcata tortoises. Grasses can occasionally be overlooked by other herbivores, but still worth offering as part of a well balanced diet, as these can offer nutrients not found in other plants.

Feed as part of a varied diet

Succulents and cacti

Enjoyed by all herbivores and omnivores. Found in abundance in their natural habitat, these are packed with vitamins and minerals, and contain an excellent source of moisture. For cacti with spines, this will need preparing before offering to your animals.

Feed as part of a varied diet

Feed in moderation only

Wild Flowers

These are plants and flowers which can be found growing wild in the UK. Foraging offers the opportunity to provide a hugely varied diet for your reptiles, there are several plant identifying apps available which will help to make sure you are collecting the right species.

Care must be taken when foraging to ensure that the plants you pick are free from pollutants (i.e. not by the roadside) pesticides and fertilizers. Wash thoroughly to remove as many foreign bodies as possible before offering to your pet.

Feed as part of a varied diet

Feed in moderation only