Snakes are omnivorous animals, capable of eating a variety of foods. What they eat depends on the species they belong to and the ecology in the wild.
Snakes often prefer lizards and rats, though some can change their preferences over time. To ensure your snake stays healthy and happy in the wild, it’s essential to know what types of prey your reptile eats in its natural environment.
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Vegetarian
Snakes are obligate carnivores and cannot survive on a vegetarian diet. They feed on warm-blooded prey such as rats, rabbits and birds as well as invertebrates (frogs and toads), eggs and reptiles.
Snakes require less food and water for each weight than mammals do, which makes them a popular choice among people with smaller pets or those who do not want their snakes fed rodents.
If you’re searching for a vegetarian snake, Dasypeltis scabra (African Egg-Eating Snake) is your best bet. These reptiles only eat eggs and can be considered the closest thing to a true vegetarian snake. Quail eggs make ideal food for these snakes since they’re smaller and safer to consume than chicken eggs.
Uncooked Human Food
Snakes do not need to eat human food, but they still enjoy occasional treats like uncooked eggs, fatty meats and fruit.
Reptiles that are not vegetarian must supplement their diet with iron and vitamin B12. These vitamins can only be obtained naturally through animal products, so vegans must obtain these essential minerals through supplemental means.
When feeding your snake uncooked human food, be sure to only give it the raw version. Avoid giving your pet any fried or saucy dishes as these often contain extra ingredients that could make your pet ill.
If you want to introduce human food into your pet’s diet, first research the breed to see if they will accept it. If so, only offer it as a treat occasionally.
Fish is an excellent source of protein for snakes, but should only be fed fresh, dead and without oil. Doing this prevents the fish from producing thiamine absorption blockers which could lead to stomach upset and other health issues for your snake.
Raw Fish
Snake owners who practice vegetarianism will be pleased to know that certain human foods can be safely fed their pets. These include raw meat, eggs and fish.
Many snakes, such as water snakes and ribbon snakes, feed on fish. This food source provides them with essential protein and fat for growth.
Be mindful that fish can lead to thiamine deficiency if not properly sourced and prepared. This shortage may result in illness or nervous system disorders.
When feeding your snake raw fish, select species that do not contain thiamine-blocking enzymes. Guppies, platies, trout and salmon are some examples of safe types of fish to feed your pet without worrying about damaging its health.
No, never feed snakes anything cooked, fried or dipped in sauces. Doing so could wreak havoc on their digestive systems and lead to illness.
Raw Red Meat
Advocates of raw meat claim it is easily digestible and absorbable. Furthermore, raw meat contains important vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, phosphorus.
No doubt, raw red meat offers certain health advantages and is an excellent source of protein for vegetarians. However, you must be wary when selecting your food since some raw meats may contain diseases and parasites which could pose risks to your wellbeing.
Generally, raw meat should only be consumed if it is fresh and organic. Furthermore, ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked before consumption to prevent pathogen formation and other health complications. Furthermore, some meats may contain parasites like toxoplasmosis which could cross the placenta and lead to miscarriage or even death for the fetus.
