Keeping lizards as pets is a fun hobby for many partly due to their exotic looks and interesting behavior. There are countless species to choose from when determining which would be the best new pet for you, and lots of information floating around about the best way to care for them.

Each species needs certain nutrients, supplements, and environmental aspects to keep them happy, healthy, and comfortable in their new home. Read on to see what the essentials are for your new pet!

A Varied Menu

Reptiles eat a variety of foods, depending on the species. Some lizards are carnivorous, while others are omnivores. Both require a certain nutrition level to keep them happy and healthy, as well as to reduce their risk of species-specific diseases. 

When shopping for your lizard's food — whatever their specific diet requirements entail — ensure that any live prey is gut-loaded before feeding it to them. Gut-loading is the process of feeding the prey (like crickets, cockroaches or similar insects) with food that's beneficial to the lizard's health, allowing them to gain the most nutritional value possible from their meals.

Healthy Extras

In addition to nutritious food, there are also important supplements to add to your lizard's diet. These supplements, available at both animal welfare organization Arcadia Reptile and Portland's Pets on Broadway, help reduce their risk of contracting certain diseases specific to lizards. For example, Metabolic Bone disease is particularly common, but can be avoided by adding a calcium and vitamin D powder to your lizard's food — a process known as "dusting."

Dusting involves sprinkling a light coating of supplement powder on the lizard's food just before feeding. This helps to add significant nutritional value to the gut-loaded meal, allowing your lizard to absorb the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy. Check out available nutrition ideas, supplements, and additional information at Arcadia Reptile, which is a great source of everything reptile and all that you need to help keep your lizard happy and healthy.

A Secure Home Base

In addition to nutritious food and quality supplements, the environment your lizard calls home is equally important for their wellbeing. Lizards are not the same, and substrate, lighting, temperature, and humidity can differ, depending on species and native habitat. For example, while similar in many ways, a Chinese Cave Gecko requires more humidity than a Leopard Gecko.

Your lizard's health and wellbeing depends on their surroundings just as much as their diet and supplement intake. Doing your research before bringing your new friend home will help better prepare you, and save the scramble for things you might need later on. 

Keeping Your Lizards in Peak Condition

The care and feeding of pet lizards differs from that of warm-blooded pets. But with the right advice, nutrition, and supplies, you can create and maintain a comfortable home and diet to help your lizard friend thrive for years to come. For products and advice to aid in the care and feeding of your lizard, visit petsonbroadway.com and check out Arcadia Reptile.