Re: parsnip

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Posted by BabyHerp on May 23, 2001 at 13:09:00:

In Reply to: parsnip posted by Vern on May 23, 2001 at 11:55:01:

Hi Vern and welcome aboard!

Parsnip is NOT a good hi calcium food for green iguanas. Almost twice as much PHOSPHORUS as calcium and a significant source of furocoumarins that act as a blood thinner. I live in S. Cali too and parsnips are available at most major food stores that have a good produce section. Look like giant white carrots. Here's a link to USDA nutrient database to investigate some of the foods you give your iguana. As for sweet potatoes & parsnips a bit now and then won't cause any probs....but should not be a staple. Sweet potatoes also have a higher phosphorus to calcium ratio and is hi in calcium oxalates (which bind calcium content present and iguana eliminates it rather than metabolizing it) For list of hi calcium oxalates in foods check this link:
http://www.litholink.com/patients/oxalate-pat.htm

I know its very frustrating at first but if you feed these items in moderation and not as a staple your iguana will be much more healthy because of it. My iguanas have had the same diet for 2 years now and they are in perfect health for their age! Ut oh maybe I spoke too soon!
Better go check on em now!

USDA nutrient database

Follow Ups:

BabyHerp, out of curiosity, what diet are you using for your igs? np Thumper 05/24/01 (2)
- Re: Very simple BabyHerp 05/24/01 (1)
  - Re: Very simple Thumper 05/25/01 (0)

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: Hi Vern and welcome aboard! : Parsnip is NOT a good hi calcium food for green iguanas. Almost twice as much PHOSPHORUS as calcium and a significant source of furocoumarins that act as a blood thinner. I live in S. Cali too and parsnips are available at most major food stores that have a good produce section. Look like giant white carrots. Here's a link to USDA nutrient database to investigate some of the foods you give your iguana. As for sweet potatoes & parsnips a bit now and then won't cause any probs....but should not be a staple. Sweet potatoes also have a higher phosphorus to calcium ratio and is hi in calcium oxalates (which bind calcium content present and iguana eliminates it rather than metabolizing it) For list of hi calcium oxalates in foods check this link: : http://www.litholink.com/patients/oxalate-pat.htm : I know its very frustrating at first but if you feed these items in moderation and not as a staple your iguana will be much more healthy because of it. My iguanas have had the same diet for 2 years now and they are in perfect health for their age! Ut oh maybe I spoke too soon! : Better go check on em now!

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