Fellow Creatures
Pet match quiz
Food checker

Can my pet eat that?

Pick an animal, type a food. You get one of four answers (staple, occasional, rare treat, or never) and the reason: oxalates, calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, sugar load, a specific toxin.

A food we have not checked comes back as "not on our list", never as a guess. That is the whole point of the tool.

The animals this checker covers

The tool only offers the animals in the tables below; an animal without a table is not in its list, and a food that is not on a table comes back as "not on our list", never as a guess. Absence is not approval.

Rabbits: 65 foods checked

Hay first, greens second, everything else barely at all. A rabbit fed mostly pellets and treats is a rabbit with dental disease waiting to happen.

65 foods checked: 10 staples, 17 occasional, 13 rare treats, 25 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
BindweedToxic, and it grows through hedges where people forage.
never
Bread and baked goodsRefined starch ferments in the hindgut and causes gas and stasis. No nutritional case for it either.
never
ButtercupProtoanemonin, an irritant toxin. Common in lawns, so check what you pick.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
DairyAdults are lactose intolerant and the gut flora cannot handle it.
never
Dried fruitSugar concentrated several times over, and it sticks to the teeth. Most commercial small-pet treats are exactly this.
never
FoxgloveCardiac glycosides. Fatal.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Iceberg lettuceAlmost entirely water with negligible nutrition, and it contains lactucarium, which causes diarrhoea in quantity. It displaces food that would have been useful.
never
Lawn clippingsMown grass ferments quickly in the pile and can cause severe gut upset. Fresh growing grass is fine.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
MeatA hindgut fermenter has no way to process animal protein. It disrupts the gut flora the animal depends on.
never
Muesli mixLets a rabbit pick out the sweet, starchy bits and leave the fibre, which is linked to dental disease, gut problems and obesity. Switch to plain nuggets gradually, over two to four weeks.
never
MushroomsNot part of any of these animals' natural diet, and the risk from misidentified varieties is not worth the zero upside.
never
NutsFat and phosphorus loads a herbivore is not built for, and a choking risk.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
PotatoSolanine in the skin and any green part, plus a starch load the hindgut cannot handle.
never
Raw beansLectins. Also a gas producer in a species that cannot vomit or belch.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
SweetcornThe hulls are indigestible and are a recognised blockage risk in small herbivores.
never
Yogurt dropsSold in every pet shop for rabbits. Dairy plus sugar, and there is no version of this that is appropriate.
never

That plant or food is not on our list. Do not offer it: a rabbit cannot vomit, so anything that goes in has to go all the way through. Check with an exotics vet.

Every food, with the reason, on each rabbit guide →

Guinea Pigs: 57 foods checked

Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, so a daily source is not enrichment; it is the difference between health and scurvy.

57 foods checked: 6 staples, 18 occasional, 12 rare treats, 21 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
Bread and baked goodsRefined starch ferments in the hindgut and causes gas and stasis. No nutritional case for it either.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
DairyAdults are lactose intolerant and the gut flora cannot handle it.
never
Dried fruitSugar concentrated several times over, and it sticks to the teeth. Most commercial small-pet treats are exactly this.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Iceberg lettuceAlmost entirely water with negligible nutrition, and it contains lactucarium, which causes diarrhoea in quantity. It displaces food that would have been useful.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
MeatA hindgut fermenter has no way to process animal protein. It disrupts the gut flora the animal depends on.
never
MushroomsNot part of any of these animals' natural diet, and the risk from misidentified varieties is not worth the zero upside.
never
NutsFat and phosphorus loads a herbivore is not built for, and a choking risk.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
OrangeAll citrus, orange, satsuma, lemon and lime included: the RSPCA lists citrus among the foods guinea pigs can't eat, and it is acidic. Bell pepper is a better vitamin C source.
never
PotatoSolanine in the skin and any green part, plus a starch load the hindgut cannot handle.
never
Raw beansLectins. Also a gas producer in a species that cannot vomit or belch.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
SweetcornThe hulls are indigestible and are a recognised blockage risk in small herbivores.
never
Vitamin C drops in waterDegrades within hours, makes the water taste odd so the pig drinks less, and gives no reliable dose. Feed the vitamin, do not dissolve it.
never

That food is not on our list. Leave it out and check with an exotics vet. Guinea pigs are conservative eaters and a food they have never had can be refused for weeks afterwards.

Every food, with the reason, on each guinea pig guide →

Hamsters (Syrian Hamster): 24 foods checked

Hamsters are granivores with an omnivorous streak. Scatter-feed a varied seed mix rather than filling a bowl with pellets.

24 foods checked: 1 staples, 5 occasional, 3 rare treats, 15 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AlmondsHigh in fat for an animal this size, and hard pieces can lodge in the cheek pouches.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusToo acidic for a hamster's digestive tract.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Iceberg lettuceWater, no nutrition, and it causes diarrhoea in an animal that cannot afford to lose fluid.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
PotatoSolanine in the raw skin and any green part.
never
Raw beansLectins.
never
RhubarbOxalates.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Sticky foodsPeanut butter, dried fruit, anything gluey. It packs into the cheek pouches and causes impaction, which needs a vet to clear.
never

That food is not on our list. A hamster is small enough that a wrong food is a large dose. Leave it out.

Read the Syrian Hamster guide →

Rats: 23 foods checked

Rats are true omnivores and the most food-tolerant animal on this site, which makes the short list of genuine dangers the important part.

23 foods checked: 2 staples, 6 occasional, 0 rare treats, 15 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
Blue cheeseThe mould produces a toxin rats are unusually sensitive to.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
Carbonated drinksRats cannot burp. Gas has nowhere to go.
never
ChocolateTheobromine. The commonly-repeated claim that a little is good for a rat with a chest infection is not a reason to feed it.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Green potatoSolanine.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
Poppy seedsNeurologically active at rat body weights.
never
Raw or dried beansLectins, and dried beans are one of the few genuinely acute poisonings in pet rats.
never
Raw sweet potatoContains compounds that form cyanide during digestion. Cooked is fine.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never

That food is not on our list. Rats tolerate most things, but the short list of exceptions is genuinely dangerous. Check before offering.

Every food, with the reason, on each rat guide →

Ferrets: 21 foods checked

An obligate carnivore with no caecum: animal protein and fat, almost no carbohydrate or fibre. Food clears the gut in three to four hours, so it should be there all day.

21 foods checked: 2 staples, 2 occasional, 0 rare treats, 17 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
Cooked bonesCooked bone splinters and can pierce or block the gut. Bone is only ever fed raw, as part of a raw diet.
never
DairyMerck says not to feed milk or other dairy products. Adult ferrets digest lactose poorly, and dairy causes diarrhoea.
never
Dog foodToo low in animal protein and too high in plant matter for an obligate carnivore.
never
FruitFerrets have no caecum and no use for fruit sugar or fibre. Fruit causes digestive upset and swings in blood sugar, and sugary diets are linked to insulinoma, a common ferret cancer.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Grains, bread and cerealStarch an obligate carnivore has no use for. Carbohydrate-heavy diets are linked to insulinoma.
never
HayHay is a herbivore's food. A ferret cannot digest it and gets nothing from it.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Sugary treatsSugar is linked to insulinoma. No sweet pastes, honey, yoghurt drops or cereal-based treats. (Honey rubbed on the gums is first aid for a blood-sugar crash on the way to the vet, not food.)
never
Vegetables and leafy greensAn obligate carnivore cannot digest plant fibre. It passes through at best, and pieces can cause a blockage.
never

That food is not on our list. If it is not meat, a ferret almost certainly does not need it. Leave it out and check with an exotics vet.

Every food, with the reason, on each ferret guide →

Hedgehogs: 22 foods checked

An insectivore that puts on weight easily: a measured portion of hedgehog food or low-fat cat food, insects, and very little else. Obesity and fatty liver are the usual failures.

22 foods checked: 2 staples, 3 occasional, 1 rare treats, 16 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
Bread and sugary foodsEmpty calories for an animal that gains weight easily and dangerously.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Hard raw vegetablesVCA advises against raw carrot and other hard foods, which are a choking risk. Cook vegetables soft first.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
Lettuce and celeryLittle nutritional value, and VCA advises avoiding them.
never
Milk and dairyHedgehogs are lactose intolerant: VCA says they cannot digest milk, and dairy causes diarrhoea.
never
Nuts and seedsVCA advises against them: hard pieces are a choking risk (peanut halves especially), and they are very fatty.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
Raw meat or raw eggMerck and VCA both rule them out because of the Salmonella risk. Cook both.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Wild-caught insectsGarden insects and worms may carry pesticide residue and parasites. Captive-bred feeders only.
never

That food is not on our list. Leave it out and check with an exotics vet; a hedgehog's diet is narrower than it looks, and weight gain is the usual way a new food does harm.

Every food, with the reason, on each hedgehog guide →

Sugar Gliders: 24 foods checked

Gliders eat a measured nightly plan: a nectar or sap mix, insect protein and a small weighed share of produce. Calcium balance decides whether it works, so follow one recognised plan rather than improvising.

24 foods checked: 3 staples, 3 occasional, 1 rare treats, 17 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
Berries, pears and figsVCA lists strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, pears and figs among the high-oxalate foods to avoid for gliders. Some glider diet plans include them; with calcium balance this critical, this guide follows VCA.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
Canned fruitVCA warns against it: canned fruit carries excess sodium and preservatives.
never
CarrotVCA lists carrots with the high-oxalate produce it advises keeping away from gliders, because it reduces calcium absorption.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
Dairy and yoghurt treatsVCA: never feed gliders dairy products, and yoghurt treats are a common cause of dental disease and obesity.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
Lettuce and collard greensAlso on VCA's list of high-oxalate foods to avoid for gliders.
never
Nuts and seedsFatty, and gliders become obese easily on them; a seed or nut mix as the diet is the classic route to calcium deficiency and hind-leg paralysis.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Spinach, chard and beetrootHigh in oxalate, which binds calcium, in an animal whose commonest diet disease is calcium deficiency. VCA lists spinach and beets among the foods to avoid.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticide residue and parasites. Captive-bred feeders only.
never

That food is not on our list. Leave it out: a glider's diet only works as a balanced plan, and an extra food is how the calcium balance drifts. Check with an exotics vet.

Every food, with the reason, on each sugar glider guide →

Mice: 25 foods checked

Mice are seed-eating omnivores with fast metabolisms: a complete nugget as the base, small fresh extras taken out of the day's ration, and a little animal protein.

25 foods checked: 2 staples, 4 occasional, 4 rare treats, 15 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
DairyRich and fatty, and nothing in it a mouse needs; cheese is not a mouse food, whatever the cartoons say.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Grapes and raisinsThe RSPCA lists grapes and raisins as poisonous to mice.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
LettuceThe RSPCA advises against lettuce for mice because it can cause diarrhoea.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
Raw or dried beansLectins, which are toxic raw.
never
Raw or green potatoSolanine in the raw skin and any green part.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Sugary treatsYoghurt drops, honey-coated seed sticks and sweets add nothing a mouse needs and make obesity more likely.
never

That food is not on our list. A mouse is small enough that a wrong food is a large dose. Leave it out and check with an exotics vet.

Every food, with the reason, on each mice guide →

Gerbils: 24 foods checked

Gerbils are seed-eating desert rodents with an omnivorous streak: a measured, scattered mix or pellet, hay to dig into, fatty seeds rationed, and a little animal protein.

24 foods checked: 2 staples, 3 occasional, 4 rare treats, 15 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic and sugary, and nothing a gerbil needs. The RSPCA lists orange as an acceptable fruit, but this guide leaves citrus out.
never
DairyRich and fatty, and nothing in it a gerbil needs.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Grapes and raisinsThe RSPCA lists grapes as poisonous to gerbils and other rodents, and raisins are dried grapes.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
Raw or dried beansLectins, which are toxic raw.
never
Raw or green potatoSolanine in the raw skin and any green part.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Sugary treatsYoghurt drops, honey-coated seed sticks and sweets add nothing a gerbil needs and make obesity more likely.
never

That food is not on our list. Leave it out and check with an exotics vet. A gerbil is small enough that a wrong food is a large dose.

Every food, with the reason, on each gerbil guide →

Chinchillas: 34 foods checked

Chinchillas evolved on dry, fibrous forage: unlimited hay, a measured plain pellet, a pinch of dried herbs, and very little fresh food, because sudden moisture and sugar upset the gut.

34 foods checked: 2 staples, 3 occasional, 1 rare treats, 28 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
Bread and baked goodsRefined starch ferments in the hindgut and causes gas and stasis. No nutritional case for it either.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
CarrotThe root is sugary. Merck says to give it only rarely, and this guide leaves it out. The leafy tops are a different food.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
DairyAdults are lactose intolerant and the gut flora cannot handle it.
never
Dried fruitRaisins, banana chips and other sugary dried fruit pack sugar several times over, and Merck advises avoiding dried fruit. The dried rose hip is the one exception this guide makes.
never
Fresh fruitNot toxic, but this guide keeps sugar and moisture out of a chinchilla's diet, and the dried rose hip is the treat. Merck's owner guide is looser and allows an occasional slice of apple or pear.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Gassy vegetablesLafeberVet lists cabbage, peas and corn among the foods to avoid for chinchillas; broccoli, sprouts and cauliflower are gas-formers of the same family.
never
High-calcium and high-oxalate greensMerck advises avoiding high-calcium vegetables such as kale, parsley and dandelion greens, which can cause bladder stones in chinchillas, and LafeberVet lists spinach among foods to avoid. Dried dandelion leaf in a herb mix is a different food: a pinch is fine.
never
Iceberg lettuceAlmost all water, with negligible nutrition.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
MeatA hindgut fermenter has no way to process animal protein. It disrupts the gut flora the animal depends on.
never
Muesli-style mixLets a chinchilla pick out the seeds and dried fruit and leave the fibre.
never
MushroomsNot part of any of these animals' natural diet, and the risk from misidentified varieties is not worth the zero upside.
never
NutsFat and phosphorus loads a herbivore is not built for, and a choking risk.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
PeasStarchy, and LafeberVet lists them among the foods to avoid.
never
PotatoSolanine in the skin and any green part, plus a starch load the hindgut cannot handle.
never
Raw beansLectins. Also a gas producer in a species that cannot vomit or belch.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
SeedsFatty, and Merck says seeds and nuts upset a chinchilla's stomach.
never
SweetcornStarchy, and LafeberVet lists corn among the foods to avoid.
never
Watery vegetablesCucumber, courgette, tomato and watermelon are mostly water, which loosens a gut built for dry forage.
never
Yogurt dropsDairy plus sugar, sold for chinchillas and suitable for none.
never

That food is not on our list. Leave it out: a chinchilla's gut copes badly with anything new, and nothing beyond hay, pellets and dried herbs is needed. Check with an exotics vet.

Every food, with the reason, on each chinchilla guide →

Degus: 61 foods checked

Degus are herbivores prone to Type 2 diabetes: unlimited hay, a small measured portion of sugar-free pellets, leafy greens, and no fruit or sweet vegetables at all.

61 foods checked: 6 staples, 18 occasional, 4 rare treats, 33 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AppleDegus are prone to Type 2 diabetes and cannot process sugar properly, so fruit is not a moderation issue: leave it out. The RSPCA and our degu guide agree.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
BananaDegus are prone to Type 2 diabetes and cannot process sugar properly, so fruit is not a moderation issue: leave it out. The RSPCA and our degu guide agree.
never
BeetrootA sugary root. The RSPCA allows only very small, occasional pieces; this guide leaves it out.
never
BlueberryDegus are prone to Type 2 diabetes and cannot process sugar properly, so fruit is not a moderation issue: leave it out. The RSPCA and our degu guide agree.
never
Bread and baked goodsRefined starch ferments in the hindgut and causes gas and stasis. No nutritional case for it either.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
CarrotOne of the sugary roots the RSPCA allows only in very small, occasional pieces; this guide leaves it out for a species this prone to diabetes. The leafy tops are a different food.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
DairyAdults are lactose intolerant and the gut flora cannot handle it.
never
Dried fruitDegus are prone to Type 2 diabetes and cannot process sugar properly, so fruit is not a moderation issue: leave it out. The RSPCA and our degu guide agree.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
GrapesDegus are prone to Type 2 diabetes and cannot process sugar properly, so fruit is not a moderation issue: leave it out. The RSPCA and our degu guide agree.
never
Iceberg lettuceAlmost entirely water with negligible nutrition, and it contains lactucarium, which causes diarrhoea in quantity. It displaces food that would have been useful.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
MeatA hindgut fermenter has no way to process animal protein. It disrupts the gut flora the animal depends on.
never
MushroomsNot part of any of these animals' natural diet, and the risk from misidentified varieties is not worth the zero upside.
never
NutsFat and phosphorus loads a herbivore is not built for, and a choking risk.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
OrangeDegus are prone to Type 2 diabetes and cannot process sugar properly, so fruit is not a moderation issue: leave it out. The RSPCA and our degu guide agree.
never
ParsnipA sugary root. The RSPCA allows only very small, occasional pieces; this guide leaves it out.
never
PearDegus are prone to Type 2 diabetes and cannot process sugar properly, so fruit is not a moderation issue: leave it out. The RSPCA and our degu guide agree.
never
PeasStarchy and sugary, and overfed peas bloat a degu (Degutopia).
never
PotatoSolanine in the skin and any green part, plus a starch load the hindgut cannot handle.
never
PumpkinA sweet vegetable, which our degu guide rules out.
never
Raw beansLectins. Also a gas producer in a species that cannot vomit or belch.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
StrawberryDegus are prone to Type 2 diabetes and cannot process sugar properly, so fruit is not a moderation issue: leave it out. The RSPCA and our degu guide agree.
never
Sweet potatoA sugary root. The RSPCA allows only very small, occasional pieces; this guide leaves it out.
never
SweetcornThe hulls are indigestible and are a recognised blockage risk in small herbivores.
never
WatermelonDegus are prone to Type 2 diabetes and cannot process sugar properly, so fruit is not a moderation issue: leave it out. The RSPCA and our degu guide agree.
never

That food is not on our list. Leave it out and check with an exotics vet. For a degu the label of anything new matters more than its name, because sugar hides in mixes and treats.

Every food, with the reason, on each degu guide →

Roborovski Dwarf Hamster, Campbell's Dwarf Hamster, Winter White Dwarf Hamster and Chinese Hamster: 26 foods checked

Dwarf and Chinese hamsters are granivores with an omnivorous streak, and most of them are prone to diabetes. Scatter-feed a varied, low-sugar seed mix, and leave fruit and sweet vegetables out.

26 foods checked: 1 staples, 5 occasional, 0 rare treats, 20 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AlmondsHigh in fat for an animal this size, and hard pieces can lodge in the cheek pouches.
never
AppleSugar, and most of these hamsters are prone to diabetes. Only a Syrian should have fruit, and then rarely.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
BananaVery sugary, and it goes sticky in the cheek pouches.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
CarrotA sugary root. Campbell's, winter white and Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes; the Roborovski is less so, but a low-sugar diet is still the safe course.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusToo acidic for a hamster's digestive tract.
never
FruitAll fruit is sugar, and most of these hamsters are prone to diabetes.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Iceberg lettuceWater, no nutrition, and it causes diarrhoea in an animal that cannot afford to lose fluid.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
PotatoSolanine in the raw skin and any green part.
never
Raw beansLectins.
never
RhubarbOxalates.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Sticky foodsPeanut butter, dried fruit, anything gluey. It packs into the cheek pouches and causes impaction, which needs a vet to clear.
never
SweetcornSweet and starchy, which none of these hamsters needs.
never

That food is not on our list. A hamster is small enough that a wrong food is a large dose. Leave it out.

Read the Roborovski Dwarf Hamster guide →Read the Campbell's Dwarf Hamster guide →Read the Winter White Dwarf Hamster guide →Read the Chinese Hamster guide →

Bearded Dragons: 37 foods checked

An adult bearded dragon is mostly a herbivore. Getting the greens right matters more than the insects, and the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is the thing to keep in your head.

37 foods checked: 8 staples, 7 occasional, 9 rare treats, 13 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. A single firefly can kill an adult bearded dragon. This is the most dangerous item on this page.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Iceberg lettuceNo nutritional value, and it causes loose stools. It displaces food that would have been useful.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbOxalate load high enough to cause acute kidney injury.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticides and parasites.
never

That food is not on our list. Bearded dragon diets get ruined by well-meaning additions. Check the species guide or ask an exotics vet before offering it.

Every food, with the reason, on each bearded dragon guide →

Snakes (Corn Snake, Ball Python, California Kingsnake, Milk Snake, Western Hognose Snake, Rosy Boa, Kenyan Sand Boa, Children's Python, Carpet Python and Common Boa): 15 foods checked

Whole prey only: frozen-thawed rodents sized to the snake, never live.

15 foods checked: 1 staples, 0 occasional, 0 rare treats, 14 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
Cooked, seasoned or processed meatNot whole prey: muscle meat lacks the bone and organs that make a rodent a complete food, and salt and seasoning do harm.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Greens, vegetables and fruitSnakes are obligate carnivores.
never
Insect feedersNot part of a snake's diet, and loose crickets chew on resting or shedding snakes.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
Live rodentsA live rodent can bite and seriously injure a snake. Frozen-thawed only.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Wild-caught preyParasites and rodenticide.
never

That food is not on our list. A snake eats whole prey and nothing else, so if it is not a correctly sized prey item from the species guide, leave it out.

Read the Corn Snake guide →Read the Ball Python guide →Read the California Kingsnake guide →Read the Milk Snake guide →Read the Western Hognose Snake guide →Read the Rosy Boa guide →Read the Kenyan Sand Boa guide →Read the Children's Python guide →Read the Carpet Python guide →Read the Common Boa guide →

Chameleons (Panther Chameleon): 26 foods checked

A chameleon eats live insects and nothing else does the job: variety in a gut-loaded rotation carries the whole diet.

26 foods checked: 5 staples, 2 occasional, 2 rare treats, 17 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin. Toxic to birds and many mammals; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
Dog or cat foodFormulated for a mammal, and not food for an insect-eater.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. A single firefly has killed adult lizards. This is the most dangerous item on any reptile list and it is the one keepers do not know about.
never
FruitSugar an insect-eater has no use for, and it fills the animal up in place of insects.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Insects larger than the gap between the eyesOversized prey risks impaction and is often refused. Size the feeder to the animal, every time.
never
Leafy greensNot food for an insect-eater: it will not eat it, and it does it no good. Use greens to gut-load its feeders instead.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbOxalate load high enough to cause acute kidney injury.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
VegetablesNot food for an insect-eater: it will not eat it, and it does it no good. Use greens to gut-load its feeders instead.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticide residue and parasites, and the identification risk. Captive-bred feeders only.
never

That food is not on our list. An insect-eater's diet is live, gut-loaded insects, so if it is not a captive-bred feeder of the right size, leave it out and check the species guide.

Read the Panther Chameleon guide →

Anoles: 27 foods checked

Green anoles are small insectivores: a varied rotation of small live insects, dusted, and misted leaves to drink from.

27 foods checked: 6 staples, 2 occasional, 2 rare treats, 17 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin. Toxic to birds and many mammals; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
Dog or cat foodFormulated for a mammal, and not food for an insect-eater.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. A single firefly has killed adult lizards. This is the most dangerous item on any reptile list and it is the one keepers do not know about.
never
FruitSugar an insect-eater has no use for, and it fills the animal up in place of insects.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Insects larger than the gap between the eyesOversized prey risks impaction and is often refused. Size the feeder to the animal, every time.
never
Leafy greensNot food for an insect-eater: it will not eat it, and it does it no good. Use greens to gut-load its feeders instead.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbOxalate load high enough to cause acute kidney injury.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
VegetablesNot food for an insect-eater: it will not eat it, and it does it no good. Use greens to gut-load its feeders instead.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticide residue and parasites, and the identification risk. Captive-bred feeders only.
never

That food is not on our list. An insect-eater's diet is live, gut-loaded insects, so if it is not a captive-bred feeder of the right size, leave it out and check the species guide.

Every food, with the reason, on each anole guide →

Monitors: 27 foods checked

Ackies are insect-eaters first: lean, varied invertebrates as the backbone, with whole prey only now and then.

27 foods checked: 5 staples, 2 occasional, 3 rare treats, 17 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin. Toxic to birds and many mammals; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
Dog or cat foodFormulated for a mammal, and not food for an insect-eater.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. A single firefly has killed adult lizards. This is the most dangerous item on any reptile list and it is the one keepers do not know about.
never
FruitSugar an insect-eater has no use for, and it fills the animal up in place of insects.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Insects larger than the gap between the eyesOversized prey risks impaction and is often refused. Size the feeder to the animal, every time.
never
Leafy greensNot food for an insect-eater: it will not eat it, and it does it no good. Use greens to gut-load its feeders instead.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbOxalate load high enough to cause acute kidney injury.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
VegetablesNot food for an insect-eater: it will not eat it, and it does it no good. Use greens to gut-load its feeders instead.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticide residue and parasites, and the identification risk. Captive-bred feeders only.
never

That food is not on our list. An insect-eater's diet is live, gut-loaded insects, so if it is not a captive-bred feeder of the right size, leave it out and check the species guide.

Every food, with the reason, on each monitor guide →

Water Dragons: 30 foods checked

Primarily an insectivore with an occasional vertebrate meal: closer to a monitor's menu than a bearded dragon's salad.

30 foods checked: 6 staples, 3 occasional, 5 rare treats, 16 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin. Toxic to birds and many mammals; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
Dog or cat foodFormulated for a mammal, and not food for an insect-eater.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. A single firefly has killed adult lizards. This is the most dangerous item on any reptile list and it is the one keepers do not know about.
never
Fish caught from the wildParasites and pollutants. Separately, thiaminase depends on the fish species, not where it was caught: goldfish, carp, many minnows and smelt carry it even when shop-bought, and cause vitamin B1 deficiency if fed regularly.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Insects larger than the gap between the eyesOversized prey risks impaction and is often refused. Size the feeder to the animal, every time.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbOxalate load high enough to cause acute kidney injury.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
VegetablesNot food for an insect-eater: it will not eat it, and it does it no good. Use greens to gut-load its feeders instead.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticide residue and parasites, and the identification risk. Captive-bred feeders only.
never

That food is not on our list. An insect-eater's diet is live, gut-loaded insects, so if it is not a captive-bred feeder of the right size, leave it out and check the species guide.

Every food, with the reason, on each water dragon guide →

Turtles (Red-eared Slider): 27 foods checked

Feed to the species: sliders shift from carnivorous youth to plant-leaning adulthood, while musk turtles stay meat-eaters for life.

27 foods checked: 4 staples, 4 occasional, 3 rare treats, 16 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin. Toxic to birds and many mammals; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
Dog or cat foodToo rich in fat and protein for a turtle, and it fouls the water.
never
Fatty or processed meatDrives obesity and fatty liver, and fouls the water.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. A single firefly has killed adult lizards. This is the most dangerous item on any reptile list and it is the one keepers do not know about.
never
Fish caught from the wildParasites and pollutants. Separately, thiaminase depends on the fish species, not where it was caught: goldfish, carp, many minnows and smelt carry it even when shop-bought, and cause vitamin B1 deficiency if fed regularly.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Iceberg lettuceWater with no nutrition. It fills a turtle up in place of food that would have done something.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbOxalate load high enough to cause acute kidney injury.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticide residue and parasites, and the identification risk. Captive-bred feeders only.
never

That food is not on our list. Leave it out, and remember that anything left uneaten fouls the water within hours.

Read the Red-eared Slider guide →

Uromastyx: 28 foods checked

An adult uromastyx is a herbivore: a daily salad of coarse greens with a little lentil and seed. Adults need no insects.

28 foods checked: 3 staples, 4 occasional, 7 rare treats, 14 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin. Toxic to birds and many mammals; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
Dog or cat foodProtein and vitamin D levels formulated for a mammal. In tortoises it causes irreversible kidney and shell damage.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. A single firefly has killed adult lizards. This is the most dangerous item on any reptile list and it is the one keepers do not know about.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Iceberg lettuceWater with no nutrition. It fills a reptile up in place of food that would have done something.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbOxalate load high enough to cause acute kidney injury.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticide residue and parasites, and the identification risk. Captive-bred feeders only.
never

That food is not on our list. A uromastyx does best on a narrow diet of coarse greens, so leave it out and check the species guide.

Every food, with the reason, on each uromastyx guide →

Tortoises (Russian Tortoise, Hermann's Tortoise, Greek Tortoise and Sulcata Tortoise): 26 foods checked

A tortoise is a grazer, not a fruit eater. For Mediterranean and arid species, fruit and protein are the two things that do lasting damage.

26 foods checked: 3 staples, 4 occasional, 2 rare treats, 17 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
Animal proteinCauses shell pyramiding and irreversible kidney damage. This includes dog and cat food, which is still sometimes recommended.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
ButtercupProtoanemonin.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
DaffodilToxic. Common in gardens where tortoises graze in spring.
never
FoxgloveCardiac glycosides.
never
FruitFor Mediterranean and arid species (Hermann's, Greek, Russian, sulcata, leopard), fruit sugars disrupt the gut flora and are associated with parasitic overgrowth and diarrhoea. Tropical species such as red-footed tortoises are the exception and do take fruit; check the species guide.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Iceberg lettuceNo nutritional value.
never
IvyToxic, and it grows exactly where a tortoise pen tends to be.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbOxalates.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
TomatoA sugary, acidic fruit, so the fruit rule applies: leave it out for Mediterranean and arid tortoises. The leaves, stems and green fruit are toxic to all of them.
never

That plant is not on our list. Tortoises graze indiscriminately and a great many garden plants are toxic, so identify it before it goes anywhere near the pen.

Read the Russian Tortoise guide →Read the Hermann's Tortoise guide →Read the Greek Tortoise guide →Read the Sulcata Tortoise guide →

Geckos (Crested Gecko and Gargoyle Gecko): 22 foods checked

Geckos split into two diets that share almost nothing: insectivores like the leopard gecko, and the fruit-and-insect species like the crested gecko. Check which one you have.

22 foods checked: 4 staples, 4 occasional, 1 rare treats, 13 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. Fatal to geckos.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Insects larger than the gap between the eyesA recognised cause of impaction and neurological injury in small geckos. Size the feeder to the animal, every time.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticides and parasites.
never

That food is not on our list. Check which kind of gecko you have first (the two diets barely overlap), then ask an exotics vet.

Read the Crested Gecko guide →Read the Gargoyle Gecko guide →

Common Garter Snake: 20 foods checked

Garter snakes are the exception among pet snakes: fish and earthworms as well as small rodents, fed more often than a rodent-eating snake.

20 foods checked: 3 staples, 0 occasional, 0 rare treats, 17 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
Cooked, seasoned or processed meatNot whole prey: muscle meat lacks the bone and organs that make a rodent a complete food, and salt and seasoning do harm.
never
Fish caught from the wildParasites and pollutants. Separately, thiaminase depends on the fish species, not where it was caught: goldfish, carp, many minnows and smelt carry it even when shop-bought, and cause vitamin B1 deficiency if fed regularly.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Goldfish and rosy red minnowsThiaminase destroys vitamin B1 and causes a neurological deficiency.
never
Greens, vegetables and fruitSnakes are obligate carnivores.
never
Insect feedersNot part of a snake's diet, and loose crickets chew on resting or shedding snakes.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
Live rodentsA live rodent can bite and seriously injure a snake. Frozen-thawed only.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
Red wigglersSpecialist garter care guides say never to use them as feeders.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Wild-caught preyParasites and rodenticide.
never

That food is not on our list. A snake eats whole prey and nothing else, so if it is not a correctly sized prey item from the species guide, leave it out.

Read the Common Garter Snake guide →

Veiled Chameleon: 26 foods checked

Veiled chameleons are insect-eaters that also nibble plants: live insects carry the diet, and every plant within reach must be safe.

26 foods checked: 5 staples, 3 occasional, 2 rare treats, 16 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin. Toxic to birds and many mammals; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
Dog or cat foodFormulated for a mammal, and not food for an insect-eater.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. A single firefly has killed adult lizards. This is the most dangerous item on any reptile list and it is the one keepers do not know about.
never
FruitSugar an insect-eater has no use for, and it fills the animal up in place of insects.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Insects larger than the gap between the eyesOversized prey risks impaction and is often refused. Size the feeder to the animal, every time.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbOxalate load high enough to cause acute kidney injury.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
VegetablesNot food for an insect-eater: it will not eat it, and it does it no good. Use greens to gut-load its feeders instead.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticide residue and parasites, and the identification risk. Captive-bred feeders only.
never

That food is not on our list. An insect-eater's diet is live, gut-loaded insects, so if it is not a captive-bred feeder of the right size, leave it out and check the species guide.

Read the Veiled Chameleon guide →

Common Musk Turtle: 27 foods checked

Musk turtles are carnivorous bottom foragers: pellets, worms, snails and shrimp, with greens optional.

27 foods checked: 5 staples, 3 occasional, 2 rare treats, 17 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin. Toxic to birds and many mammals; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
Dog or cat foodToo rich in fat and protein for a turtle, and it fouls the water.
never
Fatty or processed meatDrives obesity and fatty liver, and fouls the water.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. A single firefly has killed adult lizards. This is the most dangerous item on any reptile list and it is the one keepers do not know about.
never
Fish caught from the wildParasites and pollutants. Separately, thiaminase depends on the fish species, not where it was caught: goldfish, carp, many minnows and smelt carry it even when shop-bought, and cause vitamin B1 deficiency if fed regularly.
never
FruitNot part of a musk turtle's diet. It is a carnivore, and fruit sugar does it no good.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Iceberg lettuceWater with no nutrition. It fills a turtle up in place of food that would have done something.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbOxalate load high enough to cause acute kidney injury.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticide residue and parasites, and the identification risk. Captive-bred feeders only.
never

That food is not on our list. Leave it out, and remember that anything left uneaten fouls the water within hours.

Read the Common Musk Turtle guide →

Blue-tongue Skink: 30 foods checked

Blue-tongues are true omnivores: as adults about half protein and half greens and vegetables, with fruit no more than a tenth, and juveniles far more protein. Measure rather than guess, because they gain weight easily.

30 foods checked: 6 staples, 7 occasional, 2 rare treats, 15 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin. Toxic to birds and many mammals; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
Dry kibbleUse wet pet food rather than kibble, as ReptiFiles advises: kibble is hard, dry and calorie-dense.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. A single firefly has killed adult lizards. This is the most dangerous item on any reptile list and it is the one keepers do not know about.
never
Fish caught from the wildParasites and pollutants. Separately, thiaminase depends on the fish species, not where it was caught: goldfish, carp, many minnows and smelt carry it even when shop-bought, and cause vitamin B1 deficiency if fed regularly.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Iceberg lettuceWater with no nutrition. It fills a reptile up in place of food that would have done something.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbOxalate load high enough to cause acute kidney injury.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticide residue and parasites, and the identification risk. Captive-bred feeders only.
never

That food is not on our list. Blue-tongues eat a wide diet, but leave out anything unfamiliar until you have checked the species guide.

Read the Blue-tongue Skink guide →

Fire Skink: 27 foods checked

Fire skinks are insectivores: crickets, roaches, black soldier fly larvae and, above all, earthworms.

27 foods checked: 6 staples, 2 occasional, 2 rare treats, 17 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin. Toxic to birds and many mammals; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
Dog or cat foodFormulated for a mammal, and not food for an insect-eater.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. A single firefly has killed adult lizards. This is the most dangerous item on any reptile list and it is the one keepers do not know about.
never
FruitSugar an insect-eater has no use for, and it fills the animal up in place of insects.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Insects larger than the gap between the eyesOversized prey risks impaction and is often refused. Size the feeder to the animal, every time.
never
Leafy greensNot food for an insect-eater: it will not eat it, and it does it no good. Use greens to gut-load its feeders instead.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbOxalate load high enough to cause acute kidney injury.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
VegetablesNot food for an insect-eater: it will not eat it, and it does it no good. Use greens to gut-load its feeders instead.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticide residue and parasites, and the identification risk. Captive-bred feeders only.
never

That food is not on our list. An insect-eater's diet is live, gut-loaded insects, so if it is not a captive-bred feeder of the right size, leave it out and check the species guide.

Read the Fire Skink guide →

Leopard Gecko: 22 foods checked

Leopard geckos are strict insectivores: a rotation of gut-loaded, dusted live insects is the whole diet.

22 foods checked: 3 staples, 3 occasional, 1 rare treats, 15 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
Complete crested gecko diet powderNot food for this gecko. It is a strict insectivore: fruit and fruit-based diets are not part of its diet and can upset its gut.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. Fatal to geckos.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Insects larger than the gap between the eyesA recognised cause of impaction and neurological injury in small geckos. Size the feeder to the animal, every time.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
Mashed fruitNot food for this gecko. It is a strict insectivore: fruit and fruit-based diets are not part of its diet and can upset its gut.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticides and parasites.
never

That food is not on our list. Check which kind of gecko you have first (the two diets barely overlap), then ask an exotics vet.

Read the Leopard Gecko guide →

African Fat-tailed Gecko: 22 foods checked

African fat-tailed geckos are strict insectivores: gut-loaded, dusted live insects are the whole diet.

22 foods checked: 3 staples, 3 occasional, 1 rare treats, 15 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
Complete crested gecko diet powderNot food for this gecko. It is a strict insectivore: fruit and fruit-based diets are not part of its diet and can upset its gut.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. Fatal to geckos.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Insects larger than the gap between the eyesA recognised cause of impaction and neurological injury in small geckos. Size the feeder to the animal, every time.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
Mashed fruitNot food for this gecko. It is a strict insectivore: fruit and fruit-based diets are not part of its diet and can upset its gut.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticides and parasites.
never

That food is not on our list. Check which kind of gecko you have first (the two diets barely overlap), then ask an exotics vet.

Read the African Fat-tailed Gecko guide →

Tokay Gecko: 23 foods checked

Tokays are voracious insectivores: large live insects, with a pinky or a little fruit-gecko diet as a treat at most twice a month.

23 foods checked: 3 staples, 3 occasional, 3 rare treats, 14 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. Fatal to geckos.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Insects larger than the gap between the eyesA recognised cause of impaction and neurological injury in small geckos. Size the feeder to the animal, every time.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
Mashed fruitNot food for a tokay. It is an insectivore, and fruit is not part of its diet.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticides and parasites.
never

That food is not on our list. Check which kind of gecko you have first (the two diets barely overlap), then ask an exotics vet.

Read the Tokay Gecko guide →

Madagascar Giant Day Gecko: 22 foods checked

Day geckos are omnivores: live insects two or three times a week, plus a complete gecko diet or nectar once a week. Juveniles take insects daily and the gecko diet every other day.

22 foods checked: 3 staples, 5 occasional, 1 rare treats, 13 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. Fatal to geckos.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Insects larger than the gap between the eyesA recognised cause of impaction and neurological injury in small geckos. Size the feeder to the animal, every time.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticides and parasites.
never

That food is not on our list. Check which kind of gecko you have first (the two diets barely overlap), then ask an exotics vet.

Read the Madagascar Giant Day Gecko guide →

Red-footed Tortoise: 26 foods checked

Red-footed tortoises are forest omnivores: mostly greens, weeds and flowers, with fruit as a real part of the diet and a little animal protein.

26 foods checked: 4 staples, 4 occasional, 4 rare treats, 14 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
ButtercupProtoanemonin.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
DaffodilToxic. Common in gardens where tortoises graze in spring.
never
FoxgloveCardiac glycosides.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Iceberg lettuceNo nutritional value.
never
IvyToxic, and it grows exactly where a tortoise pen tends to be.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbOxalates.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never

That plant is not on our list. Tortoises graze indiscriminately and a great many garden plants are toxic, so identify it before it goes anywhere near the pen.

Read the Red-footed Tortoise guide →

Other Small Pets: 55 foods checked

Small companion mammals eat very differently: some are strict herbivores, some seed-eating omnivores, and the ferret is an obligate carnivore. Check the species guide as well as this list.

55 foods checked: 6 staples, 17 occasional, 13 rare treats, 19 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin, concentrated in the leaves, skin and stone. It damages the heart in birds and in many mammals, rabbits and rodents among them; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe for them too.
never
Bread and baked goodsRefined starch ferments in the hindgut and causes gas and stasis. No nutritional case for it either.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
DairyAdults are lactose intolerant and the gut flora cannot handle it.
never
Dried fruitSugar concentrated several times over, and it sticks to the teeth. Most commercial small-pet treats are exactly this.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Iceberg lettuceAlmost entirely water with negligible nutrition, and it contains lactucarium, which causes diarrhoea in quantity. It displaces food that would have been useful.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
MeatA hindgut fermenter has no way to process animal protein. It disrupts the gut flora the animal depends on.
never
MushroomsNot part of any of these animals' natural diet, and the risk from misidentified varieties is not worth the zero upside.
never
NutsFat and phosphorus loads a herbivore is not built for, and a choking risk.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
PotatoSolanine in the skin and any green part, plus a starch load the hindgut cannot handle.
never
Raw beansLectins. Also a gas producer in a species that cannot vomit or belch.
never
RhubarbVery high in soluble oxalate, high enough to cause acute kidney injury. The leaves are worse than the stalks.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
SweetcornThe hulls are indigestible and are a recognised blockage risk in small herbivores.
never

That food is not on our list. Do not offer it on a guess. Check with an exotics vet, or leave it out. Nothing in a small mammal's diet is urgent enough to risk it.

Browse all Small Pets →

Other Reptiles: 27 foods checked

Reptile diets split hard by species. An insectivore and a grazing tortoise share almost nothing, so check the species guide as well as this list.

27 foods checked: 6 staples, 4 occasional, 2 rare treats, 15 never.

Never

AlcoholNo safe amount at any body weight on this site.
never
AvocadoPersin. Toxic to birds and many mammals; it has not been studied in reptiles, so treat it as unsafe.
never
CaffeineCoffee, tea and energy drinks. Cardiac and neurological toxicity at tiny doses for an animal this size.
never
ChocolateTheobromine and caffeine. Small mammals and reptiles cannot clear either.
never
CitrusAcidic enough to upset the gut, and sugary. Not worth the risk.
never
Dog or cat foodProtein and vitamin D levels formulated for a mammal. In tortoises it causes irreversible kidney and shell damage.
never
FirefliesLucibufagins. A single firefly has killed adult lizards. This is the most dangerous item on any reptile list and it is the one keepers do not know about.
never
Fish caught from the wildParasites and pollutants. Separately, thiaminase depends on the fish species, not where it was caught: goldfish, carp, many minnows and smelt carry it even when shop-bought, and cause vitamin B1 deficiency if fed regularly.
never
GarlicSame allium toxicity as onion, and more concentrated by weight.
never
Iceberg lettuceWater with no nutrition. It fills a reptile up in place of food that would have done something.
never
LeekAllium family. Same mechanism as onion and garlic.
never
OnionOrganosulphur compounds damage red blood cells. The whole allium family is out.
never
RhubarbOxalate load high enough to cause acute kidney injury.
never
Salty or seasoned human foodSalt, oil and seasoning. Crisps, chips, seasoned leftovers and processed meat are all out.
never
Wild-caught insectsPesticide residue and parasites, and the identification risk. Captive-bred feeders only.
never

That food is not on our list. Reptile diets are narrower than they look. Check the species guide, and ask an exotics vet before offering anything unfamiliar.

Browse all Reptiles →

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Browse the care guides →