The spiny tail lizard known as the uromastyx loves to eat seeds.
I found a special trick to make my urosmastyx very excited about seeds.
I will let you know right away in this article about what seeds can uromastyx eat.
What Seeds Can Uromastyx Eat?
Millet and lentils are commonly added to the mix of seeds to offer protein and fiber as well. Pellet based diet can be included to create a trail mix of seeds while also supplying dark leafy greens in their weekly meal plan.
Here are some seeds to offer your uromastyx:
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseed
- sesame seed
- hemp seeds
- Buckwheat
- Quinoa
- Lentil
- Safflower seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Grass seeds
- Millet
- Sorghum
A uromastyx gets exicted to eat sprouted seeds. Leave some seeds on a paper towel with a bit a water and watch how they easily sprout in many cases. This spiny tailed lizard loves it.
What Should Uromastyx Not Eat?
Some foods on the list are just not going to cut it for your uromastyx that would not get enough nutrition from it.
There are other reasons that we included next to the foods on the list to detail why they should not be given to your reptile companion.
- Beet Greens – Goitrogenic
- Brussel Sprouts – Goitrogenic
- Corn – High phosphorus
- Citrus – Highly acidic
- Lettuce – High water content, no nutrition
- Parsley – High oxalates
- Tomatoes – Extremely acidic
- Soybeans – High in isoflavones
Goitrogenic foods can cause swelling of the thyroid glands. High phosphorus foods pull calcium away from your reptile’s bones. A uromastyx cannot afford to give up any calcium.
High oxalates damage their kidneys or create stones. Highly acidic foods are also a problem for their kidneys and lungs as well. Too much isoflavones can also disrupt kidney function and lead to gut impaction.
Water is life, but do Uromastyx get dehydrated without drinking water? Find out here.
Can Uromastyx Eat Sesame Seeds?
Grains and seeds are part of the staple diet for the uromastyx. This is why we suggest adding sesame seeds as part of their combined meal plan consisting of various seeds. Mix in the following for a healthy trail mix for your uromastyx:
- lentils red or green
- millet
- sesame seeds
- split peas
Sesame seeds are an excellent source of the following:
- Healthy fats
- Protein
- B vitamins
- Minerals
- Fiber
- Antioxidants
Will Uromastyx temperature and humidity requirements affect their appetite? I need to elaborate on this topic for you as well.
Can Uromastyx Eat Flax Seeds?
Yes. Flax seeds are always available in our household. I use them all the time for my gut to move things along smoothly. Sorry for giving you too much information, but a uromastyx can also benefit from the gut support that flax seeds provide.
They are loaded with fiber and healthy fats. Powdered flax seeds are easier to digest to work their magic. You can sprinkle powdered flax seeds over the rest of your seed mix for your uromastyx to enjoy.
Can Uromastyx Have Bird Seed?
Bird seed mixes are not intended for your uromastyx. When you are in a jam and have no other options available for your reptile companion, you can add some bird seeds.
The reason we resist is because they tend to include too many seed shells, tiny seeds with less nutrition and hardly any sunflower seeds. If you need to find something to feed your uromastyx, look in the grain area of your kitchen.
If you have lentils, quinoa, peas or seeds like sesame, sunflower, sorghum, millet or chia, add them together in a bowl and offer them to your uromastyx instead of bird seeds.
Do they need water with the seeds? I’ll help explain this right now.
What Can Uromastyx Eat Every Day?
A uromastyx can eat the following items on this list daily or every other day.
- Dried peas
- Lentils
- Various seeds
- Romaine
- Escarole
- Kale
- Cabbage
- Turnip greens
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Dandelion greens
- Cilantro
You can offer these foods daily or several times a week. You can opt for pellet mixes made for the uromastyx as a packaged food time.
If you are in control of setting up the mix of food for your lizard companion, you will notice that what you are buying, mixing and offering is actually healthier than any pellet based diet.
Can Uromastyx Eat Sunflower Seeds?
Sunflower seeds are not my favorite choice of seed to offer a uromastyx. The reason being is because you have to be very careful with the shells of sunflower seeds. They are sharp and can splinter easily.
I worry that these sharp pieces of sunflower seed shell will get stuck in the throat or my reptile pet or lead to gut problems.
Digestive issues with hard seed shells are an issue, but a sharp piece of shell coming from a sunflower seed is a bigger problem.
Sunflower seeds without the shells are an excellent option as they are loaded with vitamins and minerals too boost the immune systems and fight off illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Uromastyx have grapes?
Yes. Here are some fruits you can serve your Uromastyx:
- blueberries
- mango
- raspberries
- pomegranate
- grapes
- melon
- strawberries
- apples without seeds
- blackberries
2. Can Uromastyx eat safflower seeds?
I find it harder to obtain safflower seeds, but when I do, my uromastyx loves eating it. Look for dried seeds. You do not need to soak safflower seeds. The fat content in its oil is very beneficial.
The oil contains linoleic which is great for the heart of your reptile pet. Safflower seeds help blood circulation by widening blood vessels that stimulate the heart.
3. Can Uromastyx eat Chia seeds?
Yes. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber and easy to digest. The seed is small, but they pack in nutrients for your uromastyx. They are full of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and help with heart health.
4. What Are Toxic Foods For Urosmatyx?
The following foods could be considered toxic or unhealthy. Avoid them and offer foods listed in this article instead.
- Avocado
- Azalea
- Bracken Fern
- Buttercup
- Castor bean
- Chives
- Daffodils
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Juniper
- Leeks
- Mushrooms
- Potato or tomato leaves
- Rhododendron
- Rhubarb
We hope this article gives you plenty of options to feed your healthy uromastyx each day or week.
Thank you for visiting PocketPetCentral.com for the best information to help you enjoy the life of your pocket pet companion in a fun, safe & healthy way.
