Herbivorous reptiles, like Uromastyx lizards and tortoises, have been removed from their native environment and have lost the instinctive avoidance of native plants that may be harmful. Safe plant nutrition for reptiles includes choosing plant foods without high levels of oxalates, goitrogens or other toxins. Since otherwise nutritious plants do contain these potentially harmful phytochemicals, you need to rotate them for varied diet.

In addition, obtaining an optimal balance of calcium to phosphorous in the diet is another concern. Too much phosphorous can result in calcium being pulled from the bloodstream or even the bones, resulting in Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). This is a condition that can affect all reptiles (and all animals).

The following chart is just one tool in the quest to provide the most well-balanced nutrition for our reptile pets. Those noted as safe for daily feeding have low levels of oxalates/oxalic acid and are not known to be goitrogenic. Most have a neutral to high Ca:P ratio. References cited below.