I know a little about the importance of phosphorous and calcium in my iguana's diet, but i'm not sure I understand it fully. Please could you explain to me? (Brian Timms - Arkansas)
Both calcium and phosphorous are very important nutrients for your iguana. The unfortunate thing is that if they are fed too much phosphorous they are less able to absorb the calcium from their food. For this reason, the correct amount of each that they should be eating has been calculated. Their diet should include twice as much calcium as it does phosphorous. In vegetables (and especially fruits) there is more phosphorous than calcium present, so to combat this iguana keepers sprinkle the plain calcium supplement into the food to boost the calcium level to something more acceptable.
Disclaimer: This service is meant to provide advice only and is not meant to replace an appointment with a registered veterinarian. Users should always seek a second opinion. Unfortunately we are only able to answer several questions per week so not everyone gets a published answer. And, unfortunately we can't answer by email.
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