What Do Pet Lizards Eat?
Lizards have very different diets depending on their species. Some lizards eat insects, others eat plant matter, and larger carnivorous species may eat whole prey such as mice, rats, chicks or eggs.
Understanding your lizard’s natural diet is important for maintaining proper nutrition, growth and long-term health.
Insect-Eating Lizards
Many common pet lizards are insectivores.
These species primarily eat:
• crickets
• locusts
• mealworms
• dubia roaches
Examples include:
• leopard geckos
• anoles
• many small gecko species
These lizards usually require live insects rather than rodents.
Herbivorous Lizards
Some lizards eat mostly plant material.
Examples include:
• iguanas
• uromastyx
These species typically eat:
• leafy greens
• vegetables
• plant matter
They generally do not eat rodents or prey animals.
Carnivorous and Omnivorous Lizards
Larger lizards often eat whole prey animals as part of their diet.
Examples include:
• monitor lizards
• tegus
• large skinks
These reptiles may eat:
• mice
• rats
• chicks
• eggs
• fish
Whole prey provides a balanced source of protein, calcium and nutrients.
Whole Prey Feeding
Whole prey feeding means feeding animals such as mice or chicks that contain muscle, bone and organs.
This provides:
• calcium from bones
• essential nutrients from organs
• balanced protein sources
For carnivorous reptiles, whole prey can be one of the most complete feeding options.
Frozen Feeders for Lizards
Many reptile keepers use frozen-thawed prey instead of live animals.
Frozen feeders are:
• easier to store
• safer to feed
• convenient for reptile keepers
Large carnivorous lizards may eat frozen mice, rats or chicks as part of their diet.