Can Uromastyx Eat Tomatoes? 10 Foods You Should Not Feed To Your Uro

The versatility of tomatoes made it a staple food everywhere around the world. It’s our beloved catsup, but if you think that your pet Uromastyx could enjoy fries with catsup, or just tomatoes in general, then you’re wrong, because Uromastyx can’t eat tomatoes.

If you accidentally fed him this forbidden fruit, here are some treatments, and in this article, you’ll also know what an Uromastyx’s favorite food, what they can’t eat aside from tomatoes, and their favorite dishes too!

This article has been reviewed by Dr. Gospel. Read more about our knowledge control process here.

Can Uromastyx Eat Tomatoes?

Just like any reptile, calcium is crucial to an Uromastyx. So, simply put, no, your uromastyx can’t, and should never eat tomatoes. As tomatoes are very high in oxalic acid, it binds calcium which hinders the growth of your pet uromastyx.

Not to mention, they’re really acidic, and tomato leaves are considered toxic for the health of these reptiles. So in simpler terms, no, tomatoes are strictly forbidden for an Uromastyx. 

Why Are Tomatoes Poisonous To Uromastyx?

Did you know that eating tomatoes in large servings has potentially bad effects on your health? This is for us humans, but eating tomatoes for Uromastyx is considered feeding them poison because of the high Oxalic Acid it contains.

Well, what is Oxalic Acid in the first place? It’s commonly and widely used as a stain remover in laundry shops as it can break down ink, and remove rust, this is for public consumption. It may be beneficial for humans, but it’s toxic to most reptiles.

Oxalic Acid binds calcium in an Uromastyx’s body, prohibiting calcium absorption which the reptile needs to develop strong bones and prevent calcium deficiency such as Metabolic Bone Disease or MBD

What Should To Do If I Accidentally Feed My Uromastyx With Tomatoes

People make mistakes bud, and that’s okay. You might have accidentally mixed tomatoes with their regular dishes, or perhaps you’re a completely new owner, but don’t worry, the best thing that you can do is observe your uromastyx for the following signs:

1. Lethargy
2. Lack of Appetite
3. Tremors and Twitches

If your pet shows any of this, go set up with your local vet immediately. And if no, well praise the heavens then! Just don’t do it again please, and be more careful next time alright bud?

What Other Foods Are Toxic To Uromastyx?

It’s not that your Uromastyx is a picky eater. There are just really some foods that are completely toxic to them, such as: Avocados, Azaleas, Rhubarbs, Mushrooms (any sort), Garlic, Junipers, Aloe, Eggplants, Corn, Crickets, and Insects and Cucumbers. 

Though crickets are often given as treats, be careful when offering these to them, as too much protein could also cause several problems.

There are also certain foods that should not be given to them especially when their babies such as:

1. Bugs
2. Insects
3. Mushrooms
4. Watermelons
5. Zycchinis
6. Pomegrenate
7. Peaches
8. Nectarines
9. Kidney and Lima beans
10. Cherries

This is because these are high in Goitrogens and Phosphorus and can bind iodine and can cause Thyroid issues which are detrimental to their growth. They also bind calcium and therefore hinder the growth of a baby uromastyx.

For gestating uromastyx, there are also foods that you need to consider before feeding them such as:

1. Okra
2. Parsley
3. Spinach
4. Carrots
5. Kiwis
6. Cassava
7. Lettuce
8. Sunflower Seeds
9. Pumpkin Seeds

These foods can be eaten by an Uromastyx when it’s not gestating but avoid these foods as they are low in vitamins and nutrients. A gestating mommy uromastyx will need to meet the demands of her baby uromastyx so be sure to provide nutrient-rich foods.

Note: Uromastyx should not be fed citrus fruits as it can cause digestive problems to them.

These foods contain either high oxalates, have high goitrogens, or do not contain the proper Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio (1-2:1 Ca:P).

What Foods Are Safe For Your Uromastyx?

Now we’re talking. Considering that Uromastyx are herbivores, there is a wide array of what you can feed them. But always check if they have adequate Calcium Phosphorus Ratio and are not acidic. Such as:

1. Mints (Best)
2. Lentils
3. Kale (In moderation)
4. Spinach (In Moderation)
5. Green beans (Once a week)
6. Cactus
7. Cranberries
8. Cilantro (Best)
9. Broccoli (Once every two weeks)
10. Brussel sprouts
11. Watercress (In Moderation)
12. Swiss Chard (Very rarely or twice a month)
13. Strawberries (Used as treats)
14. Raspberries (Used as treats)
15. Canned Pinto Beans (once or twice a week)
16. Parsley (Once every two weeks)
17. Nuts (In variety and once a week)
18. Mustard Greens
19. Millet
20. Iguana pellets (for varied diet)

Always check what you will give to your Uromastyx as it can be toxic, or can cause liver or kidney problems. Also, make a schedule of what they eat so eating is always encouraged as food is never served twice in a row within a week, since variety of food is key!

This avoids picky eating and makes sure that your uromastyx has a good diet for eating.

Last Sentences

So there you have it, Uromastyx aren’t allowed to eat tomatoes, (and they should never be fed tomatoes). But some of its favorite foods are apples, peas, and arugulas (rocket). They’re primarily herbivores so insects for protein are not allowed too.

Just remember to check what they are allowed to eat too, and how much of it, and how frequent, Uromastyx are great pets, and their interesting behavior is always a sight to see.

Make a list of what you feed them, then rotate their food casually to ensure that snack time is always a treat for them, and they’ll surely love you back.