Nutrition in Alligators, Crocodiles, and Other Crocodilians

Captive alligators and crocodiles are usually fed a combination of rodents, poultry, fish, and meat. A varied diet is recommended. Diets consisting primarily of fish should include three or more different fish species and be supplemented with 30–35 mg of thiamine and 100 IU vitamin E/kg of fish, as fed (1). Clinical signs of vitamin E deficiency (eg, steatitis) have been reported in crocodilians fed fish inadequately supplemented with vitamin E. Although previously reported otherwise, alligators can digest some carbohydrate; however, the total carbohydrate in the diet should not exceed 20%. Commercial dry alligator diets are being marketed, largely to decrease cost and to improve nutrient intake of farmed alligators; use of these diets is still uncommon in zoos.