Armadillo lizards are unique, armored reptiles that make excellent pet companions. They tend to be easy-going and become tame with regular handling. Their diet is also easy to accommodate. As omnivorous generalists, armadillos will eat most things, provided their keeper understands the right balance of nutrients that they need. What do armadillo lizards eat?
Armadillos are native to South America. These small lizards (about 12 – 20 inches in length) have a bony carapace covering their back and tail.
They have long claws on all four feet which they use as digging tools and also as defense mechanisms against predators while they bury themselves underground in sandy soil or under fallen tree trunks where their pursuers cannot easily follow them. Their diet consists mainly of plants and invertebrates such as insects, earthworms and other small arthropods.
What do armadillo lizards eat?
All lizards in general are carnivorous/omnivorous reptiles by nature, but many species have been domesticated by humans to eat a more herbivorous diet. The armadillo lizard is one species that is still kept in captivity primarily as carnivores.
The best diet for your armadillo lizard is one that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. The amount of protein in the diet should be between 35% and 40%. The amount of fat should be less than 20%. Carbohydrates should be approximately 15%.
Keep in mind that these numbers represent a general recommendation, but are not exact dietary requirements. Your pet’s specific nutritional requirements are determined by their individual metabolism, weight and health condition.
How to feed an armadillo lizard?
When choosing your pet’s food, make sure that it meets the nutritional requirements described in the previous section. You can feed the armadillo lizard either live food or pre-killed food. Your pet should be fed at least two times a week, though it is best to feed it daily if you can.
Your armadillo lizard may eat only a bit at first, then a lot, then very little again – so don’t be alarmed if your pet doesn’t finish the meal. You can feed your pet in one of two ways:
Live food
Feed live insects such as crickets, mealworms, roaches, mealworms and wax worms. You can also feed your lizard earthworms and other small worms (not large night crawlers).
Pre-killed food
Feed your lizard pre-killed worms and insects, chopped-up pieces of raw meat and small pieces of plant matter.
Which foods are healthy for armadillo lizards?
As stated above, the best diet for your pet armadillo lizard is one that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Here are some examples of foods that are healthy for your pet:
- Fresh, whole pieces of dark, leafy greens (collard greens, kale, Swiss chard, mustard greens and dandelion greens).
- Small pieces of carrot, squash and sweet potato.
- Whole, raw legumes (peas, beans and lentils).
- Small, whole pieces of whole-grain bread or crackers.
- Small pieces of unsweetened, whole-grain, natural cereal.
- Crushed, whole-grain cereal.
Which foods are unhealthy for armadillo lizards?
As stated above, the best diet for your pet armadillo lizard is one that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Here are some examples of foods that are unhealthy for your pet:
- Fatty, fried foods.
- Large pieces of raw vegetables such as carrots and squash.
- Large pieces of raw, whole-grains.
- Large pieces of sweet, sugary foods (cakes, cookies and pies).
Conclusion
As you can see, the best diet for your pet armadillo lizard is one that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Your pet can also have small pieces of boiled potato and small, whole pieces of dark, leafy greens.
Remember that although it is essential to provide proper nutrition for your pet armadillo lizard, it is equally important to give it a balanced daily routine that includes exercise and lots of social interaction with its human family members.
