Tips for Feeding Amphibians and Reptiles

Preparing food for amphibians and reptiles is not difficult and usually inexpensive. Given the wide variety of evolution exhibited by these animals, they consume lots of different types of food. Many reptiles are carnivores, while many lizards and turtles eat both animals and plants, and tortoises eat only plants. Most amphibians have simple dietary requirements, ranging from fish food to shrimps and aquatic worms.

A few simple feeding tips will insure that your pets live long and healthy lives.

Reptiles:

•  Most reptiles in the wild feed on living prey. The size of prey fed to a reptile depends on the reptile's ability to catch, swallow and digest the prey. Feeding prey that is too large may result in injuries from swallowing and regurgitation, seizures, gut impactions, and even death.


• Do not leave prey in the enclosure with a reptile without also leaving food for the prey. If the prey gets hungry and start feeding, it may start feeding on or attack the reptile. Many reptiles become so severely chewed up they require veterinary care.


• Some reptiles have definite preferences for specific colors of prey. This preference, for instance, may cause a refusal to feed on white mice as they do no exist in the wild. The color preference may also extend to insect eaters.


• Separate feeding enclosures will be required when two or more reptiles are housed together. The reptiles may become food aggressive and compete for food.  


• When combining plant foods, the foods should be thoroughly mixed so as to prevent the reptile from picking out only certain plants and leaving the rest.


• Pay attention to your feeding schedule and be consistent. Timing will affect ease of feeding and metabolism. Some species specifically feed at certain times of day. Some reptiles may be unwilling to feed when they are being watched by other animals, including humans.


• Research feeding amounts and frequency.  They are based as much on the reptile's evolved dietary needs and metabolic size as it is on its being maintained in a proper environment.


• Remember that smaller reptiles usually need to eat more frequently than larger reptiles. Younger reptiles need to eat more often than older ones etc.


• Do not presume that commercial reptile foods are providing "complete" and "balanced" nutrition.

Amphibians:

• Before the development of formidable jaws in certain amphibian species, you can give insect larvae such as grubs and mealworms


• Regularly remove leftover food to avoid tank pollution


• A combination of insects with fish food flakes or insects with vegetables and fruits will act as "gut loading" for the amphibians.


• As with reptiles, try to maintain a strict and consistent schedule for feeding amphibians.


• Temperature is important. The warmer the temperature, the faster their metabolism. Most amphibians either stop eating at extreme temperatures, or cannot digest their food.


• All amphibians are carnivorous after their early tadpole days.

If your amphibian or reptile fails to feed, environment may be an issue. Environment includes lighting, temperature, humidity, size and layout of habitat. Issues with any of these things can cause reduction in appetite or a complete failure to feed.