Reptiles can be fascinating pets for the right person. At Companion Animal Hospital in Live Oak, FL, our veterinarians know that reptiles are captivating pets with unique needs. From bearded dragons to iguanas, turtles to snakes, each reptile requires specialized care that goes far beyond a food dish. One of the most common reasons reptilian pets visit our veterinary clinic is preventable illness caused by improper diet or lack of UVB lighting. If you’ve been searching for a vet near me in Live Oak to learn more about keeping your scaly companion thriving, we’re here to help.

Reptile nutrition is inseparable from environment. Balanced diets and proper UVB exposure keep bones strong, immune systems healthy, and energy levels steady. In this blog, we’ll explore feeding reptiles, identify diet deficiencies in reptiles, and explain why preventing UVB deficiencies is just as important as feeding the right foods.

Why Nutrition and UVB Matter

Unlike mammals, reptiles rely on environmental support to digest and metabolize nutrients. Diet alone isn’t enough—without UVB lighting, reptiles cannot properly synthesize vitamin D3, which is required to absorb calcium. Without balanced calcium and vitamin D3, bones weaken, muscles fail, and serious disease develops.

Our Live Oak veterinarians often explain that diet and UVB are two sides of the same coin. You can’t provide one without the other and expect your reptile to thrive.

Species-Specific Feeding Guidelines

Herbivorous Reptiles (Green Iguanas, Tortoises)

• Primary foods: Dark leafy greens like collards, mustard greens, dandelion leaves
• Vegetables: Squash, bell peppers, carrots in moderation
• Fruit: Limited, as an occasional treat only
• Avoid: Spinach (binds calcium), iceberg lettuce (nutritionally empty), and animal protein

Omnivorous Reptiles (Bearded Dragons, Box Turtles)

• Diet mix: Roughly 70% plants, 30% insects for adults
• Insects: Crickets, roaches, mealworms, or hornworms (gut-loaded before feeding)
• Vegetables: Leafy greens, beans, squash
• Fruit: Small portions of berries or melon
• Juveniles: Require more protein (insects) than adults

Carnivorous Reptiles (Snakes, Monitors)

• Diet base: Whole prey such as mice, rats, or fish (species-dependent)
• Feeding schedule: Often every 1–2 weeks, depending on size and species
• Avoid: Feeding live prey when possible—frozen-thawed is safer and more humane

Insectivorous Reptiles (Geckos, Anoles)

• Diet: Insects only—crickets, roaches, silkworms, mealworms
• Gut loading: Insects should be fed nutritious foods before offering
• Dusting: Lightly coat insects with calcium/D3 powder several times per week

Aquatic Turtles

• Diet mix: Commercial turtle pellets, leafy greens, occasional protein (worms or insects)
• Supplements: Calcium supplementation is critical, along with UVB exposure
• Common mistake: Feeding only pellets or too much protein

Feeding Schedules by Group

• Juvenile lizards and turtles: Daily feedings with extra protein
• Adult omnivores: Vegetables daily, insects 2–3 times per week
• Snakes: Every 1–2 weeks, depending on size and species
• Tortoises: Daily grazing with hay and greens available at all times

Our animal hospital in Live Oak, FL emphasizes that portion control is as important as food type. Overfeeding protein to herbivores or fruit to omnivores can create long-term health problems.

The Role of UVB Light

Why UVB Is Essential

Reptiles exposed to natural sunlight synthesize vitamin D3, which allows the body to absorb calcium. Indoor reptiles without UVB cannot produce enough vitamin D3, even with calcium supplements. The result is metabolic bone disease.

Practical UVB Guidelines

• Distance: Bulbs should be 10–12 inches above basking spots.
• Barriers: Never place glass or plastic between bulb and reptile—UVB doesn’t pass through.
• Schedule: 10–12 hours of UVB light daily to mimic day/night cycles.
• Replacement: UVB bulbs lose strength after 6–12 months, even if still lit. Replace on schedule.
• Species variation: Desert reptiles (bearded dragons) need stronger UVB exposure than nocturnal species (geckos).

Reptiles Magazine has an article on reptile lighting, which you can find here. ZIlla Rules also has an article on reptile lighting, which you can read here.

Common Diseases from Poor Nutrition or UVB

Our Live Oak veterinarians frequently treat conditions tied to preventable deficiencies:

• Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Weak bones, soft jaws, tremors, deformities. Caused by calcium or UVB deficiency.
• Obesity: From overfeeding protein or fatty foods.
• Kidney disease: From excess protein in herbivorous reptiles.
• Vitamin A deficiency: Seen in turtles fed only pellets, causing swollen eyes and poor immunity.
• Impaction: Digestive blockages from poor diet or accidental ingestion of substrate.

Reptiles can be great pets, but they aren’t for everyone. Click here for our blog on things to consider before adopting one.

Preventing Deficiencies

• Research your reptile’s exact species needs—don’t assume all reptiles eat the same.
• Rotate foods to ensure variety.
• Dust insects with calcium 3–4 times weekly for growing reptiles.
• Provide UVB lighting and replace bulbs on schedule.
• Monitor weight, appetite, and shedding patterns for early changes.

Enrichment Through Feeding

Nutrition also offers enrichment opportunities. Reptiles benefit from foraging, hunting, and exploring.

• Scatter leafy greens around enclosures for tortoises to “graze.”
• Release live crickets or roaches for insectivores to chase (supervised).
• Use climbing branches to place food at different heights for iguanas.
• Vary insect species to keep meals interesting for geckos or dragons.

These activities encourage natural behaviors and reduce stress.

Fun Facts About Reptile Feeding

• Bearded dragons start life eating mostly insects but switch to primarily greens as adults.
• Iguanas are strictly herbivores—feeding them meat can cause kidney failure.
• Box turtles are opportunistic omnivores, eating everything from berries to worms.
• Snakes digest slowly; after a meal, they often bask for hours to aid digestion.

FAQ: Reptile Nutrition and UVB

Do all reptiles need UVB?

Most do, though nocturnal species may require less. Always research your species.

Can I rely on sunlight through a window?

No. Glass and plastic filter out UVB rays. Outdoor time in safe enclosures is beneficial but must be supervised.

How often should I replace my UVB bulb?

Every 6–12 months, even if it still produces visible light.

What’s the #1 mistake reptile owners make with diet?

Feeding the wrong food group—such as animal protein to herbivores or excessive fruit to omnivores.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Live Oak Vets

Are you looking for a vet near me with experience in reptile nutrition? At Companion Animal Hospital in Live Oak, FL, our veterinarians provide guidance on balanced diets, feeding schedules, and UVB set-ups to prevent diet deficiencies in reptiles. Call us today to schedule a consultation and keep your reptilian friend healthy and thriving.

Visit our Service page here for more information on our Live Oak, FL animal clinic and the pets we treat.

This blog is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for individualized advice, diagnosis, or treatment for your reptile.