Flowers That Desert Iguanas Eat

In nature, desert iguanas (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) are vegetarians with occasional herbivore leanings. Desert iguanas enjoy eating soft fruits, leaves, seeds and flowers of native desert plants as well as the occasional insect. As pets, desert iguanas prefer a diet that mimics what they would experience in nature. However, desert iguanas also sometimes enjoy eating flowers like roses and hibiscus that are not generally found in their native environments.

  1. Creosote

    • One of the desert iguana̵7;s favorite and most common foods is the flower of the creosote bush. Creosote bushes are commonly found in desert iguanas̵7; natural habitat, and they provide desert iguanas with a useful climbing structure to aid in their search for food. Creosote flowers are yellow, and desert iguanas are partial to yellow flowers in general.

    Dandelion

    • Desert iguanas enjoy eating dandelion greens and flowers, as they are particularly attracted to yellow flowers. If picking dandelion flowers from a lawn, be sure that flowers are free of pesticides or other chemicals before feeding them to a desert iguana.

    Rose

    • Rose petals are edible, and desert iguanas will welcome them as part of their diet. Feed your desert iguana rose petals rather than whole roses, and ensure that rose petals have not been chemically treated. As a precautionary measure, rub petals under cool running water before serving them.

    Hibiscus

    • Desert iguanas will enjoy hibiscus from time to time, particularly the very center of the hibiscus flower. Serve desert iguanas the hibiscus leaves for an added treat.

    Geranium

    • Some desert iguanas like to eat geranium flowers. If you let your desert iguana roam freely in your room, prepare for your potted geraniums to become snack food.

    Cactus

    • Desert iguanas welcome desert cactus flower when it is available. This is not surprising since their natural habitats include various cacti.