Snakes vary in their diet depending on their species, but can consume a range of prey items like birds eggs, fish, insects, small mammals or even frogs.
For captive snakes, the ideal and healthiest food is young mice or rats. These can be purchased frozen from most pet stores in various sizes.
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Raw Meat
Snakes may eat raw meat such as pork and beef if prepared correctly. Pork and beef are generally considered safe to consume for health benefits.
However, eating meat that has not been cooked properly may lead to food poisoning, as it could contain dangerous bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria and Campylobacter.
Raw chicken or fish should also be avoided as these may contain pathogens which could lead to food poisoning.
Eggs are a staple food source for many snakes, particularly vegetarian types. Vegetarian snakes typically consume eggs during bird breeding season and fast the rest of the time.
Eggs
Eggs are an ideal way to give snakes a nutritious meal without the fuss of defrosting rodents. Additionally, eggs provide various vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Calcium, Thiamine and Riboflavin.
Beginners who are uncertain about feeding rodents to their snakes should try these. Unlike many species of snake, they have a flexible head and snout which enables them to swallow eggs up to three times their own size.
African brown snakes are non-venomous species found throughout Africa that make ideal pets for those wanting to avoid rodent feeding. You can purchase these snakes from reptile stores or online captive breeding sites.
Poultry
Poultry is an ideal food choice for snakes as it’s easily available and contains all essential nutrients. However, snakes should never be fed poultry that has been cooked or packaged since this can contain harmful bacteria that will make them ill.
When feeding your snake, opt for whole meats like pork or beef. These contain more nutrients than raw chicken that you can buy at the supermarket.
Eggs can also be fed to pet snakes, though they should be eaten fresh as they may have difficulty digesting them. Quail eggs in particular are ideal because they’re about five times smaller than standard chicken eggs and their shell is easier for snakes to break down without regurgitating it.
Fish
Fish are aquatic creatures with no limbs or fingers that lack digits, that use their rubbery shell for egg laying. There are thousands of different species of fish to choose from – aquatic, craniate creatures lacking gills to carry food around.
There is some debate as to whether snakes can eat fish. It is generally believed that they cannot, as their bodies were not designed for digestion of it properly.
Unfortunately, they will likely succumb to malnutrition if they cannot absorb enough nutrients from the fish.
However, certain snake species such as Garter, Ribbon and Watersnake can be fed a diet of fish. They will accept both live and dead prey provided it’s safe for them to eat.
Fruits & Vegetables
No, unless you are vegetarian or your snake is an herbivore, never feed a snake fruits or vegetables. These items are not part of their natural diet and can be highly toxic for reptiles.
Snakes often prey on birds, lizards, mice and small mammals in the wild. Additionally, they will consume frogs, tadpoles, insects and fish.
Snakes often eat mice or rats, which can be purchased frozen or live from most pet stores.
Frozen rodents are safer to use as they eliminate the potential risk of a rat or mouse biting your snake. However, some snake owners feel compelled to handle live animals due to fear of potential bites.
