Almost two million people in the US own reptiles. The chameleon is an especially popular choice among reptile owners. They are fairly low maintenance and also won't take up a lot of room.
If you have a chameleon or are about to purchase one, you may find yourself wondering "what do chameleons eat?" There is a variety of chameleon food to choose from. Small insects tend to make up the traditional wild chameleon diet, but there are a few different options for pet owners to choose from.
To find out more about the right way to care for your chameleon through their diet, read on.
Crickets
Crickets are a staple part of your chameleon's diet. Crickets are especially important for chameleons who are kept as pets. In captivity, chameleons sometimes miss out on vital nutrients they get in the wild, and crickets are one way to reintroduce these vitamins back into your chameleon's diet.
The crickets you buy in pet food stores often have vitamins added to them. This means that when your chameleon enjoys crickets as a snack, they are getting the vital nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Mealworms
Chameleons enjoy mealworms and commonly eat them in the wild, so it's a great idea to include them in your pet's diet. Add mealworms into their diet along with other insects and a range of dark leafy greens. This is the best way to ensure your chameleon is healthy and happy.
You can buy a range of mealworm products from Dubi Deli. They are available in bulk so that you won't run out too quickly!
Bananas
Bananas are a super healthy snack that your chameleon will love. They provide a different kind of flavor and texture compared to other chameleon food products, so they're the perfect fruit to mix up their diet and enrich their meal times.
Bananas are also high in calcium, which is a very important nutrient for your chameleon's body. Calcium will keep your chameleon's heart and blood healthy so that it lives a long and happy life.
Apples
Not all species of chameleon will eat apples. But those that do seem to enjoy them very much.
They don't necessarily need them to stay healthy, but they do make a nice change from a largely insect-based diet so they work well as a treat.
Dubia Roaches
For those looking for a way to keep cockroaches away, a pet chameleon could do just the trick! Chameleons are known for eating cockroaches, so whether you buy them from a store or simply let your pet go on the hunt, they'll enjoy a cockroach as their next meal.
You can easily buy Dubia Roaches for your chameleon from Dubi Deli. They stock several different roach sizes, so you can find the best one for a small or large chameleon.
Locusts
Most chameleons love locusts as part of their diet. They are a filling, nutrient-rich food choice that helps your chameleon get the protein it needs to stay healthy.
The main concern among pet owners in terms of feeding a chameleon locust is the size of the insect. If you have a small chameleon, it may not be able to manage a large locust and therefore it could be a choking hazard. Always make sure the food you buy is the right size for the chameleon you own.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars and grubs (which are wax moth caterpillars) are another safe food option for your chameleon. They are nutrient-rich food and provide an enriching texture for your chameleon.
However, you should always purchase your caterpillars and grubs from a pet food store rather than finding them in your garden. This is because garden-caught caterpillars and grubs can carry diseases that you won't be aware of and could pass to your chameleon.
Buy your grubs from Dubi Deli today for a safe and affordable chameleon food option.
Dubi Deli Snack Packs
If you've got a hungry chameleon to feed, you can't go wrong with a Dubi Deli snack pack. These packs contain all your chameleon's favorite foods (including Dubia Roaches, DubiGrubs, and mealworms) in one convenient package.
By combining all your chameleon's favorite foods in one place, you ensure they get a healthy and balanced diet. The range of insect textures contained in each pack also allows your chameleon's eating experience to be enriched, leading to a happier animal.
The snack packs are available in various sizes depending on the size of your chameleon.
Cicadas
When cicada season rolls around, your chameleon can come in very handy. Chameleons can enjoy cicadas as part of a balanced diet.
Cicadas are less commonly found in pet stores as a source of chameleon food. However, your chameleon won't be missing out on any nutrients if they don't get to enjoy cicadas as long as they have plenty of other insects in their diet.
Snails
Snails are another great source of nutrients for your chameleon. And, yes, they can eat the snail's shell! If you decide to geed your chameleon snails start them off with smaller-sized snails so they have no trouble breaking the shells down.
If some of the shells slip out as your chameleon chows down on their snail, don't worry. Your chameleon may choose to pick it up again with their tongue, or it might leave it for later. If they haven't eaten any shell fragments after a few hours, you can remove them from your chameleon terrarium.
Keep Your Chameleon Healthy With the Proper Diet
Caring for your chameleon is easy when you know what to feed them. Chameleons enjoy a wide range of bugs and insects as part of their natural diet.
Feeding your pet chameleon the right foods allows them to live happy and healthy lives. If your chameleon gets hungry, it won't have any trouble letting you know! A few flicks of their tongue and you'll be sure to get the message.
To find out everything you need to know about caring for your chameleon and other pets, check us out here. We're ready to answer any questions you have about your scaly friends!