To answer this question fully we would need much more research into both wild and captive chameleons' metabolism and longevity studies to see the effect of high protein diets including vertebrates. It simply does not exist. We don't know the correct ratio or levels of vitamin A or even if they have the ability to convert precursors into vitamin A! And this is just one of many things we truly do not know. We have to go on experience and community involvement to see what seems to work.
An excellent summary. The argument that this justifies feeding them in captivity makes the assumption that animals know what is best for them and will never eat anything they shouldn't. A dangerous assumption. Why then have I watched dogs and cats die or be hospitalized to recover from countless toxicities from chocolate, coffee, drugs, toxic plants, etc? Because animals do not have that ability. We as humans barely have that ability because it takes so many studies to analyze full nutritional value and long term effects. We have revised what is good to eat versus what is bad to eat many, many times based on new data. How can we expect an animal to do that?
In the wild a meal now may be the difference between life and death so they will take what they can get. Do they live longer with vertebrates in their diet? We have no idea! Is is better for them? We have no idea! The science cannot support it because it does not exist. But back in the day at the start of widespread captive iguanas the recommendation was to feed them dog food because it stopped MBD due to higher calcium levels than people were otherwise offering, and it incidentally had much more animal protein. Then they all started dying of gout and kidney failure down the line. It was not a coincidence.
Variety yes, small vertebrates in moderation (I'm talking like a few times a year) sure, but no one will be convincing me that they NEED vertebrates until the science shows it. Vertebrates are not a notable part of a chameleon's normal diet in the wild. Even in those that have been documented it is usually less than 5-10% of stomach contents - hardly a noteworthy component. Gout is a very painful and incurable buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints and/or internal organs. Everything your chameleon needs can be obtained through an all-insect diet with good gutloading and proper supplementation. So why risk it?
An excellent summary. The argument that this justifies feeding them in captivity makes the assumption that animals know what is best for them and will never eat anything they shouldn't. A dangerous assumption. Why then have I watched dogs and cats die or be hospitalized to recover from countless toxicities from chocolate, coffee, drugs, toxic plants, etc? Because animals do not have that ability. We as humans barely have that ability because it takes so many studies to analyze full nutritional value and long term effects. We have revised what is good to eat versus what is bad to eat many, many times based on new data. How can we expect an animal to do that?
In the wild a meal now may be the difference between life and death so they will take what they can get. Do they live longer with vertebrates in their diet? We have no idea! Is is better for them? We have no idea! The science cannot support it because it does not exist. But back in the day at the start of widespread captive iguanas the recommendation was to feed them dog food because it stopped MBD due to higher calcium levels than people were otherwise offering, and it incidentally had much more animal protein. Then they all started dying of gout and kidney failure down the line. It was not a coincidence.
Variety yes, small vertebrates in moderation (I'm talking like a few times a year) sure, but no one will be convincing me that they NEED vertebrates until the science shows it. Vertebrates are not a notable part of a chameleon's normal diet in the wild. Even in those that have been documented it is usually less than 5-10% of stomach contents - hardly a noteworthy component. Gout is a very painful and incurable buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints and/or internal organs. Everything your chameleon needs can be obtained through an all-insect diet with good gutloading and proper supplementation. So why risk it?
I highly suspect those who are regularly feeding simply don't say anything out of fear of persecution. Especially if those people happen to be successful Parsons breeders and don't want to impact sales?
