What NOT to Feed Reptiles and Amphibians

Feeding mistakes are one of the leading causes of illness and death in reptiles and amphibians. Unlike mammals, these animals have highly specialized digestive systems, and foods that seem harmless—or even healthy—to humans can be extremely dangerous for them.

This guide explains what NOT to feed reptiles and amphibians, why these foods are harmful, and how to avoid the most common feeding mistakes made by pet owners.

Why Feeding the Wrong Foods Is So Dangerous

Reptiles and amphibians evolved to eat very specific diets. Feeding inappropriate foods can result in:

• Toxic reactions
• Digestive blockages (impaction)
• Organ failure
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Long-term health complications

Many feeding-related illnesses develop slowly, making them difficult to detect until serious damage has already occurred.

1. Human Foods (Biggest Mistake)

Human food should never be fed to reptiles or amphibians.

Dangerous Human Foods Include:

• Bread and baked goods
• Chips, crackers, and snacks
• Processed meats
• Sugary foods and desserts
• Fried or seasoned foods

These foods:

• Contain salt, sugar, and preservatives
• Disrupt digestion
• Can cause organ damage

Even small amounts can be harmful.

2. Dairy Products

Reptiles and amphibians cannot digest dairy.

Avoid:

• Milk
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Butter

Dairy causes:

• Severe digestive upset
• Bacterial overgrowth
• Dehydration

There is no safe amount of dairy for reptiles or amphibians.

3. Toxic Fruits and Vegetables

Not all fruits and vegetables are safe—even for herbivorous or omnivorous species.

Vegetables to Avoid:

• Onion
• Garlic
• Avocado
• Rhubarb

Fruits to Avoid:

• Citrus fruits (orange, lemon, lime)
• Grapes and raisins

These foods can cause:

• Organ toxicity
• Digestive irritation
• Neurological symptoms

Always verify plant safety before feeding.

4. Wild-Caught Insects

Catching insects outdoors may seem natural, but it’s extremely risky.

Why Wild Insects Are Dangerous:

• Pesticide exposure
• Parasites
• Toxic insect species

Fireflies, for example, are deadly to many reptiles. Only use captive-bred feeder insects from trusted sources.

5. Insects That Are Too Large or Hard

Feeding prey that is too large is a common beginner mistake.

Avoid:

• Oversized crickets
• Large beetles
• Hard-shelled insects for small reptiles

This can cause:

• Choking
• Digestive blockages
• Internal injury

A general rule: prey should be no larger than the width of the reptile’s head.

6. Calcium Sand and Loose Food Substitutes

Some products marketed as “digestible” are still dangerous.

Avoid:

• Calcium sand
• Gravel
• Pebbles mixed with food

Ingesting these materials can cause fatal impaction, especially in juveniles.

7. Raw Meat and Fish (For Most Species)

Raw meat is not appropriate for most reptiles.

Problems include:

• Bacterial contamination
• Nutritional imbalance
• Excess fat

Fish can also contain enzymes that interfere with vitamin absorption. Only feed animal protein if it is species-appropriate and properly sourced.

8. Insects with Low Nutritional Value (As Staples)

Some insects are safe occasionally but harmful as a primary diet.

Limit or avoid:

• Mealworms (as sole food)
• Waxworms (high fat)

Overreliance can cause:

• Obesity
• Nutritional deficiencies

Variety is essential.

9. Toxic Plants in Enclosures

Reptiles and amphibians may nibble on enclosure plants.

Avoid plants like:

• Ivy
• Dieffenbachia
• Oleander
• Philodendron

Always research plant safety before adding live plants to enclosures.

10. Over-Supplementation

Too many supplements can be just as harmful as too few.

Avoid:

• Excess vitamin powders
• Daily high-dose supplements

This can lead to:

• Vitamin toxicity
• Organ damage

Supplements should be used sparingly and species-appropriately.

Special Warning for Amphibians

Amphibians absorb substances directly through their skin.

Never feed amphibians:

• Chemically treated insects
• Foods handled with bare, soapy, or sanitizer-covered hands
• Insects dusted with excessive supplements

Amphibians are far more sensitive than reptiles.

Common Feeding Myths (Debunked)

❌ “They eat it in the wild, so it’s safe”
→ Wild diets don’t translate safely to captivity.

❌ “A small bite won’t hurt”
→ Some toxins are fatal in tiny amounts.

❌ “Pet store sold it, so it must be safe”
→ Not all marketed products are appropriate.

Signs of Feeding-Related Illness

Watch for:

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Abnormal stools
• Regurgitation
• Swelling or bloating

If symptoms appear, consult an exotic veterinarian immediately.

How to Feed Safely Instead

To prevent feeding mistakes:

• Research species-specific diets
• Use reputable feeder sources
• Offer variety
• Follow proper prey size rules
• Supplement carefully

When unsure, don’t feed it.

Quick “Do Not Feed” Checklist

❌ Human food
❌ Dairy products
❌ Citrus fruits
❌ Wild-caught insects
❌ Oversized prey
❌ Toxic plants
❌ Raw meat (most species)
❌ Excess supplements

Final Thoughts

Knowing what not to feed reptiles and amphibians is just as important as knowing what to feed them. Most feeding-related illnesses are completely preventable with education and caution.

A safe diet supports:

• Healthy digestion
• Strong immunity
• Normal growth
• Long lifespan

When in doubt, research first and feed second. Responsible feeding is one of the most powerful ways to protect your reptile or amphibian from unnecessary suffering.