Best Treats for Blue Tongue Skinks What Your Scaly Friend Really Wants
Spoil your blue tongue skink the right way with a curated selection of safe proteins, fruits, and vegetables they’ll genuinely love—along with a clear guide to the foods that should always stay off the menu.
If you’re lucky enough to share your home with a Blue Tongue Skink, you already know these charming reptiles have personality for days!
These chunky adorable lizards are omnivores with hearty appetites, and finding the perfect treats can make enrichment time absolutely delightful for both you and your scaly friend.
Understanding Blue Tongue Skink Nutrition
Before we dive into the yummiest treat options, let’s chat about the basics.
Blue Tongue Skinks need a balanced diet of approximately 50% vegetables, 40% protein, and 10% fruit.
Treats should complement their regular meals rather than replace them – think of them as the cherry on top of an already nutritious diet!
Live Insects
Your Blue Tongue Skink will absolutely go bonkers for live insects! These protein packed treats provide mental stimulation and satisfy their natural hunting instincts.
- Dubia roaches are the gold standard of feeder insects. They’re nutritious, easy to digest, and won’t make a racket in your home like crickets do. Plus, they’re super high in protein and calcium!
- Hornworms are like candy for Blue Tongues – soft, juicy, and absolutely irresistible. These bright green caterpillars are packed with moisture and make an excellent occasional treat, though they’re a bit low in calcium.
- Superworms offer a satisfying crunch and great protein content. Just remember to use these sparingly since they’re quite fatty. Think of them as the potato chips of the reptile world!
Cooked Proteins
- Scrambled eggs (no butter or seasoning, please!) are a fantastic source of protein that many Blue Tongue Skinks adore. Offer these once or twice a month as a special breakfast treat.
- Cooked chicken or turkey (unseasoned and chopped into bite sized pieces) can be offered occasionally. Your Skink will feel absolutely fancy with this gourmet option!
Fresh Fruits
Fruits should be offered sparingly due to their sugar content, but they make wonderful occasional treats!
- Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants and most Skinks find them simply delicious. The bright colors seem to catch their attention too!
- Mango and papaya offer tropical sweetness and beneficial enzymes. Just remember to remove any pits or seeds before serving.
- Figs are naturally calcium rich and have a texture many blue tongues enjoy. They’re definitely a winner in the treat department!
Veggie Based Treat Options
While vegetables form the bulk of your Skink’s diet, certain options make particularly exciting treats.
- Butternut squash (lightly steamed) is sweet, colorful, and nutritious. Most Blue Tongues absolutely love the taste!
- Dandelion greens are calcium powerhouses that you can even forage from your yard (as long as they’re free of pesticides). How’s that for a farm to table experience?
- Flowers like hibiscus, nasturtiums, and rose petals add variety and visual interest. Just ensure they’re pesticidevfree and safe for reptile consumption!
Commercial Treat Options
- Canned snails (without seasoning) are high in calcium and protein. Many Blue Tongue Skinks go absolutely wild for these!
- Freeze Dried insects – though live insects are preferable for enrichment value.
Treats to Avoid
Let’s keep our Blue Tongue besties safe by avoiding these no-nos:
- Avocado (toxic to reptiles)
- Citrus fruits (too acidic)
- Onions and garlic (harmful to reptiles)
- Processed foods with artificial ingredients
- Dairy products (reptiles can’t digest lactose)
- Fireflies or wild caught insects (potentially toxic)
Tips for Treating Your Blue Tongue Skink
- Variety is the spice of life! Rotate different treats to keep your Skink interested and ensure a broad nutritional profile.
- Size matters. Cut treats into appropriately sized pieces – nothing larger than the space between your Skink’s eyes.
- Dust those insects! Always dust feeder insects with calcium powder to boost nutritional value.
- Observe and adjust. Every Blue Tongue Skink has unique preferences. Pay attention to what your individual buddy loves most!
- Moderation is key. Treats should comprise no more than 10% to 15% of your Skink’s overall diet.
The Bottom Line on Healthy Treats for Your Pet Skink
Giving your Blue Tongue Skink yummy treats should be a joyful experience that strengthens your bond while supporting their health.
Whether you’re offering a plump dubia roach, a sweet berry, or a gorgeous hibiscus flower, watching your chunky friend enjoy their special snack is absolutely priceless!
Remember that treats work best when they complement a balanced and varied diet of vegetables, proteins, and occasional fruits. When in doubt, consult with a reptile veterinarian about the best dietary choices for your specific Blue Tongue Skink.
