Staples

Staple greens are greens that can be fed regularly as the basic food for the Uromastyx; you should pay
attention to what combinations you feed your lizard so as to keep the nutrients well-balanced. Terms
like oxalates and goitrogens are explained more in the section on what not to feed, at the bottom of this
page.

Curly Endive (Cichorium endiva)

Low - Moderate oxalates, high calcium
-Frisée (C. endiva var. Crispum)
-Escarole (C. endiva var. Latifolia)

Dandelion (Taxacum officinale)

High in calcium and Vitamin A. Both leaves and flowers.

Note: although dandelions are listed as a staple, they should be considered a moderate staple - in large
quantities, they function as both a diuretic and a source of potassium and other salts, possibly causing
dehydration and large deposits of snalt. Also be aware of many plants which are in fact false
dandelions, and should not be fed. Be cautious of pesticides in wild greens; be absolutely sure that the
place you gather them from has been pesticide-free for at least two years.

Note #2: An addition to the previous note; much of the "dandelion" sold in North American grocery
stores is actually Italian Dandelion (Cichorium intybus) and is closer related to Endive than it is true
Taxacum spp.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

A great Staple! Higher than Endive/Escarole in numerous nutrients. It should be noted that "Belgian
Endive" or "Witloof", although the same species, is much lower in nutrients (less than romaine lettuce),
and has a negetive Ca:P ratio (0.73 in Witloof, versus 2.13 in regular Chicory). The latter cultivar
should be treated as an occaisonal, or just skipped all together.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) - Plant, not sprouts

Cactus pad/leaf (Opuntia spp.)
Cactus/Prickly pear(O. ficus-indica)

Squash
Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata) - High fibre & Vitamin A
Spaghetti Squash (Cucurbita pepo) - High calcium & fibre
Rotationals
Rotationals are food that is given once or twice per week or per fortnight; it is important to use your
own judgement when doing so. Rotationals include the following:

Collard Green (Brassica oleracea) - High calcium, moderate oxalates

Radicchio (Cichorium intybus)

Rucola/Rocket/Arugula (Eruca sativa)

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) - High vitamin C, A, and oxalates (6:1 ox:ca)

Bok Choy/Choi/Pak Choi (Brassica rapa - See below) - High vitamin C, A, goitrogens

Soaked Lentils (Lens culinaris)

Shredded carrots (Daucas carota) - High vitamin A, moderate

Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo) - e.g. zucchini/courgette; high phosphorous

Hubbard squash (Cucurbita maxima) - High fibre & Vitamin A

Scallop Squash (Cucurbita pepo) -

Acorn Squash (Cucurbita pepo)

Coriander/Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) - High vitamin A, moderate oxalates

Bell/Sweet Peppers (Capsicum annuum)

Green -Moderate oxalates

Red - High vitamin C, A, moderate oxalates

Yellow - Moderate oxalates

Occasionals
Occasional greens that can be added to spice up your Uromastyx' diet can include the items on this
page. It is recommended to give occasional items not more than once or twice a month.

Green beans (usually Phaseolus vulgaris) - Canned, moderate oxalates

Green beans (usually Phaseolus vulgaris) - Raw

Green Peas (Pisum sativum) - Raw

Sugar Snap Peas (Pisum sativum) - Pea & pod - moderate oxalates

Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea) - High vitamin C & A, moderate oxalates, goitrogens. Feed very
sparingly or not at all.

Turnips Greens (Brassica rapa) - Leaves only! High vitamin C & A, moderate oxalates. Feed very
sparingly or not at all.

Romaine lettuce (Latuca sativa orlongifolia)

red and green; mainly consists of water, contains little nutritional value for uros but very good for
hydration. It is relatively high in oxalates, and should only be fed when high water content/rapid
rehydration is required.