I can’t find the thread where these two (iguana, and tortoise) diets were being discussed. The ingredients list is somewhat similar between the two, the major difference was in the protein and fiber levels. My gut instinct was to get the one that had higher fiber and lower protein (the tortoise diet I think) but if anyone can refresh my memory on the pros and cons of these two foods I would appreciate it.

For what it is worth- here is my personal experience with Mazuri.

Approx six months before Doug started using the Mazuri tortoise diet I had begun using the Mazuri Iguana diet to increase the fiber in my uromastyx diet. When Doug called and mentioned he was using Mazuri Tortoise I explained to him that I had been using the Iguana and was not overly enthusiastic about the ingredients contained in the mix or the results I was seeing. I further explained that I had started adding in another source of fiber and may be phasing out the Mazuri all together. I told Doug that I decided on the iguana diet over the tortoise due to the fact that the tortoise diet had ground soybean hulls and ground corn as the first two ingredients whereas the iguana diet had ‘dehulled’ soybean hulls and dehydrated alfalfa meal for the first two ingredients. (Doug was not aware at the time that the iguana diet existed). The only noticeable drawback that the iguana diet had over the tortoise was a higher crude protein level (25% vs 15%) but keep in mind that this is plant protein not animal protein. The fat was a little lower than the tortoise as was the overall Ca:P ratio.

Doug is the first to admit that corn should be avoided so I am a little surprised that he is continuing to use this product. If you notice on Doug’s site under his supplies he mentions that he has hundreds of animals and fresh greens are not always available in the amounts that he needs and thus he added frozen vegetables to the diet. From past discussions with Doug and this statement I have come to the conclusion that fresh greens are probably the diet of choice but not always economical or feasible for those with larger numbers of reptiles. I have had discussions with Doug about frozen vegetables and was aware a long time ago that Doug primarily used frozen vegetables due to availability and convenience not due to frozen vegetables being the best diet item to provide. He actually now states on his site that overuse of frozen veggies limited his productivity and thus needed something to replace the amount he was using and has added in Mazuri as a replacement.

Although I only have half as many animals as Doug, I do not have a problem with my animals gaining weight or getting into prime breeding condition on a diet primarily made up of fresh greens. Yes, this does take a little more work (shopping, washing, cutting) and expense but I feel the benefits far out weight these two inconveniences.

One thing that I do agree with Doug on is the fact that we need to increase the fiber content of the diet for these animals. Some of you know that I have been working on this issue for well over a year. Fiber content (too high or too low) has a direct relationship on the digestion process of uromastyx and herbivores in general.

As mentioned above, after not being satisfied with the results I was seeing from the Mazuri, I started adding another source of fiber to my uro diet and cutting out the Mazuri. The fiber source I selected (after much research) was orchard and timothy grass. The grass is dried but is processed in a way that it comes to you green and smelling extremely fresh- not like the bales you find in the pet store. (Oxbow and Turtlestuff.com both sell a high quality product) After almost four months of using the grass, I can share a few things that I have witnessed first hand. First, my uromastyx like it. Most will readily eat the grass and some even prefer the grass to the fresh greens. You do not have to disguise this with peas or any other enticement. A nice thing about the grass is unlike other items a uro takes a liking to- they WILL continue to eat the fresh greens along with the grass.

Second, the feces became much more uniform in size, texture and regularity than what I experienced with Mazuri.

Third, the overall energy level, appetite, and coloration of my animals improved. I must mention here that I started using Westron bulbs during this time also so I cannot say for certain how much the grass actually plays a part in this. My feeling is that the increased uvb levels (200+ microwatts) played a major role and that the increased fiber added a little to this.

My personal opinion is that feeding a dried grass is more in sync with the items found in their natural habitat. I have my concerns about bulking an animal up on things such as corn and molasses or heavy carb items such as legumes and frozen veggies. The grasses I use are considered low protein high fiber grasses. The grasses have a moderate calcium level (compared to other grasses) and are close to a 1:1 Ca:P ratio which can be offset with the addition of a little calcium to the diet. For those panicking from this last statement- keep in mind that Mazuri ‘adds’ calcium to both the iguana and tortoise mix so what I am recommending here is really no different.

I mentioned to a few of you that I would let you know how the grass was working for me and I now believe that I have used it long enough to give some opinions on the advantages I see. So far, I have not seen any negatives.

I started the process (adding grass) slowly so that I did not disrupt the digestive function of my animals. I stopped when I saw regularity and consistency that I believed to be beneficial. (this is subjective and I would suggest research) I would say that approx 1/6- 1/4 of my diet now consists of dried grasses.

Please note that I have nothing to gain from this post as I do not sell the grass that I am commenting on. Doug Dix is a friend and I am not here to slam Doug or his use of Mazuri or the fact that he sells it to others. I just felt it important to be honest and open with my experience and thoughts on using Mazuri and the alternate route that I have chosen and why.

Thanks for the rundown.

Fiber was the main reason I was looking at the Mazuri diet. Fresh greens as always are the main part of my diet, but I am always looking for ways to refine that last 25% of the diet that consists of other things.

I just picked up a couple of Hollyhock Mallow (Malva sylvestris) to throw into the mix of plants I am growing.

I will look into the Timothy and Orchard grasses. Luckily I live in a rural area and fresh timothy should be easy to find, or if not it grows very well around here. Timothy grass seems to be low in calcium so I assume dusting with calcium would be in order just like when feeding peas.

I will probably pick up a can of the Mazuri iguana diet to throw in my emergency box. It looks a bit better than the juvenile ig pellets that I have in there now which are mostly corn and soy.

Thanks for pointing out to whoever may be reading this thread that we are talking about refining a diet consisting mainly of good staple greens not about replacing them.