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Iguanas are gaining popularity as pets.

They are calm and low maintenance, making them an ideal choice for first-time reptile owners.

Iguanas are herbivores, and their diet should be primarily plant-based, but is it safe to feed them pineapple? 

Iguanas can eat pineapple, but only in moderation.

Pineapple is high in sugar and shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your iguana’s diet.

However, when iguanas eat pineapple, they benefit from nutrients such as vitamin C, copper, calcium, manganese, fiber, and water.

This article will discuss everything you need to know about feeding pineapple to your iguana.

We’ll also provide tips on incorporating this fruit into your pet’s diet.

What is the Nutritional Value of Pineapple for Iguanas?

Feeding your pet nutritious foods is crucial to keeping them healthy.

Iguanas are no different.

When fed a well-rounded diet, iguanas can live up to 20 years in captivity.

So, what are the nutritional benefits of pineapple for iguanas?

The above list is the nutritional value of pineapple per 100 grams. 

• Moisture 86g
• Vitamin A 1615IU
• Vitamin C 78mg
• Copper 0.07mg
• Water 86g
• Vitamin K 0.066mg
• Protein 0.54g
• Fat 0.12g
• Fiber 1.4g
• Manganese 0.365mg
• Calcium 16mg
• Potassium 109mg
• Energy 50kcal
• Sugars 11.47g
• Phosphorous 18mg
• Carbohydrates 13.65 g.

As you can see, this fruit is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s also relatively low in calories and fat.

For instance, pineapples are an excellent source of Vitamin C.

This vitamin is essential for iguanas as it helps boost their immune system.

Vitamin C also helps iguanas absorb iron and promotes healthy skin and scales.

Moreover, Vitamin C helps them process fat, produce collagen, and fight infection.

Iguanas that don’t get enough vitamin C are more susceptible to respiratory infections.

Pineapple is also a good source of copper.

This mineral is necessary for iguanas as it helps to form connective tissue.

Copper also aids in the absorption of iron and the production of energy.

How Often Can I Feed my Iguana Pineapple?

Now you know that iguanas can eat pineapple, but how often should you feed them?

As mentioned earlier, pineapple is high in sugar and should only make up a small part of your iguana’s diet.

We recommend feeding your iguana pineapple once or twice a week.

You can give fresh pineapple or canned pineapple that has been drained and rinsed.

When feeding your iguana canned pineapple, give the juice as well.

Although pineapples are nutritious, they contain high levels of acid.

This acid is called oxalic acid, which irritates your iguana’s digestive system and causes diarrhea.

What Effect Does Oxalic Acid Have on My Iguana?

Oxalic acid is a type of acid that is found in plants.

This acid binds to minerals such as calcium and magnesium, making them unavailable for absorption.

Thus, when iguanas eat pineapples, the acid inhibits their ability to absorb calcium.

Iguanas need calcium to maintain strong bones and muscles.

Without enough calcium, iguanas develop a condition called metabolic bone disease.

This disease weakens their bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures.

How to Incorporate Pineapple Into Your Iguana’s Diet

Now that you know everything about feeding pineapple to your iguana, it’s time to learn how to incorporate this fruit into their diet.

Here are some tips:

• Start by giving your iguana a small piece of pineapple. Give more if they enjoy it and don’t have any adverse reactions.
• Add pineapple to their salad. Chop up the fruit or puree it and mix with other vegetables.
• Give them canned pineapple that has been drained and rinsed.
• Feed your iguana ripe pineapple; avoid unripe pineapples since they are sour and can cause stomach upset.
• Avoid giving your iguana too much pineapple at once. Too much of this fruit can lead to diarrhea.
• Juice the pineapple and give it to your iguana as a treat.

Is Pineapple Skin Good For My Iguana?

Like other lizards, iguanas enjoy eating fruit with their skins.

The skin of pineapple is rich in nutrients and fiber.

However, you’ll need to remove the eyes before feeding them to your iguana.

These eyes can get stuck in their throat and cause choking.

Peeling the pineapple can also be okay because the skins are rough.

If you choose to peel the pineapple, do it carefully.

Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the skin without taking too much of the fruit flesh with it.

Besides, the peels might contain harmful fungicides and pesticides.

Peeling the pineapple helps remove skins that have pesticides.

Alternatively, wash the pineapple thoroughly to remove any residual pesticides.

Can my Iguana Eat Pineapple Tops?

Remove the crown or top of the pineapple before feeding it to your iguana.

These tops contain a compound called bromelain.

Bromelain is an enzyme that digests protein.

In small amounts, this enzyme is beneficial to your iguana as it aids digestion.

However, too much bromelain can irritate their digestive system and cause diarrhea.

The tops are rough and tough, and your iguana might have difficulty digesting them.

Remember to remove the core as well. The cores are hard and might cause choking.

Conclusion

If you plan to add pineapple to your iguana’s diet, do it slowly and in small amounts.

Watch out for any adverse reactions, such as diarrhea.

When feeding pineapples to your iguana, remove the crowns, eyes, cores, and skins.

Only give them ripe fruit, and don’t overfeed them.

Pineapples are a safe and healthy treat for your iguana.

This fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial to your pet.

When feeding pineapples to your iguana, do it in moderation.