They are hard creatures and thrive with proper care. Here is a list of some of the more common toxic plants for tortoises. of us are here because we wish to find out what to feed our tortoises many have Yes, tortoises can eat dandelions. So you could start with an amount that youre sure will be too much, see what gets eaten, and then know what to provide thereafter. They are both in the order of Testudines, meaning they are all technically turtles. I have been looking for a complete list of foods that an Afgan tortoise CAN have..how can you tell how old it is..it showed up at my gate last week, now looking to take care of it as no one has come to claim it. They will try to eat anything that seems to be good to eat. It is recommended to feed subadults and adults a mix of leafy greens, grasses, weeds, and other fibrous plants about four times a week. Also known as the Treasure flower, Gazanias (Gazania rigens) are native to South Africa but have spread to some areas of the United States. While this article would be too long to go into every turtle species, it will be helpful to look at tortoises commonly kept as pets. Their stomachs are more than half the size of a human's. Think about the size of a golf ball and smaller. We can conclude that horses can safely consume peanut butter in limited amounts. Peanut butter contains fats that are healthful for the body. Peanut Butter and Hermanns. These include leafy greens such as plantain greens, dandelion greens, turnip greens, dark lettuce, collard greens, hibiscus leaves and flowers, tender green, and watercress; hay; grasses such as Bermuda grass, and vegetables such as carrots, squash, endive. Most of the food fed the species should be leafy greens such as mustard green, romaine, dandelion greens, turnip greens, dark lettuce, collard greens, endive, and bok choy. Tortoises can consume both the flowers and leaves. A weekly offering of a small piece of meat or fish will be more than enough to meet their needs.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-leader-4','ezslot_14',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-leader-4-0'); Whilst shop bought vegetables can be nutritious enough as long as theyre washed, and ideally organic varieties (Im not sure why some people argue otherwise), theres no denying that home grown foods, or more specifically foods home grown by nature, are the healthiest option for tortoises. Because of citruss strong smell and taste, do not offer them to tortoises. Boston Ferns are perfect plants for a tortoise enclosure if you want to provide a tropical feel. While it contains some helpful nutritional supplements, it does not contain all the necessary nutrients they require. Probably the most common types of grass in the world, Couch grasses are ideal for tortoises as they will form the majority of their diet. This helps pigs have stronger bones. Taste of Home. As far as dining outdoors goes its generally far more beneficial because of the choice of natural plants you can grow and have on offer for the tortoise to graze on.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tortoiseexpert_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_20',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); This means you can have exactly the right foods on offer at all times, without any concerns about pesticides, and no concerns about the tortoise being overfed, given that they can graze at their own natural pace. Apart from India, the species is also endemic to Sri Lanka and Pakistan. If you want to read similar articles to Tortoise Food List - What They Can and Can't Eat, we recommend you visit our Homemade diets category. If you squeeze your hand beneath the tortoise's tail, you'll be able to detect a trace of a gemstone. Its best not to feed arugula to your tortoise every single day, as this plant carries goitrogens. As you may have already guessed, this species is endemic to India. In excessive amounts, these compounds could result in bladder or kidney stones. They make excellent cover for tortoises and can also be eaten safely. The species can also survive for long periods without food. With a few exceptions which Ill cover below, tortoises on the other hand are strictly herbivorous, with a diet almost exclusively comprised of leafy green vegetables, and a small amount of fruit. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on if you like salt on your popcorn. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_17',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); I wont list every possible plant you could feed your tortoise, as there are many lists available elsewhere, but one of the most comprehensive of which can be found here. Peanuts and peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein and healthy fats for your dog. You can also provide tortoise table plants to give them some cover and food in their smaller enclosure. These common weeds are easy to acquire and your tortoise can eat virtually the whole plant. They are not easy pets to keep. I recommend Zoo Med Reptile Calcium without Vitamin D3. Dont feed the tortoises on dirt or gravel as they can ingest rocks and soil. The reason for this is due to the bacteria in the digestive tract of the tortoise. Supplementing your pet tortoises diet with commercially produced diets is one way to ensure they acquire all the needed nutrition. Only offer blueberries to fruit-eating species. Tortoises can consume butter lettuce as part of their diets because it is nutritious, low in calories, and high in fiber. Definitely better than a PB&J. I would normally throw it away but it was quite a bit. Check out this article for more detail on calcium sources, and which you should use and avoid.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_21',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-narrow-sky-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_22',127,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-narrow-sky-1-0_1');.narrow-sky-1-multi-127{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. As vicious eaters, expect them to eat the vegetation off these plants until there is nothing left. Russian tortoises love to eat and will eat and destroy any outdoor plants which arent tortoise-proof. They like to eat broadleaf weeds but will accept any vegetable and leafy greens offered to them. No matter if it's served hot or cold, there are many ways to enjoy peanut butter and pasta. Since these two species are closely related, they have the same dietary needs. It along with other leafy greens play an important part in the pets diet. It also feeds on fungus. The species can be found in Kenya and Tanzania. My one year old somehow got into our pantry and was able to get into the Mazuri and put the Mazuri in our Peanut Butter. In addition to this also offer Mazuri LS Tortoise Food and Zoo Med Grassland Tortoise Food. Despite the necessities of feeding vegetables to your tortoise, there are some which you will need to avoid altogether. Mint leaves are perfectly fine and you can offer some to your pet although it may not like the strong scent of mint. Apples can be a tasty tortoise treat if fed occasionally. This turtle will eat local foliage, weeds, and grasses. Supplementary food for tortoises usually comes in the form of pellets, again some types being better for one species than another. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tortoiseexpert_com-netboard-2','ezslot_27',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-netboard-2-0'); Things get more critical when youre choosing between plants that are a lot less familiar as food and that may in fact be toxic. Such foods include: Tortoises indigenous to these regions more or less occupy the halfway house between subtropical and jungle tortoises as far as their dietary requirements go. Exercise caution when choosing flowers; for example buttercups, daffodils and foxgloves for example are all commonly found in UK gardens, yet all are toxic to tortoises, having the potential to be fatal if consumed in high enough doses. male: bought around a cold day in march 2008. stubborn yet also helpful. Some of these species include red-footed, Indian stars, and elongated tortoises. As always, sprinkle supplements over the foods fed to the tortoise and ensure they have drinking water when temperatures are high. As such, keeping them outdoors with plenty of verdant grass to graze on is the best policy you can adopt. Any help would be Appreciated!! Other variants of Fountain grasses are some of the best plants for Sulcata tortoises because they grow naturally in their wild habitat. More practically, we purchase superworms for the adult turtles and mealworms for the babies. The scientific (binomial) name of this chelonian is Chelonoidis carbonarius. This turtle is the largest tortoise in Europe capable of reaching a mass of about 11 lb or 5 kg. Lilac flowers are usually found in pastel shades of pink, purple, and white. This is bad for the health of the chelonian. Very few tortoises actually eat animal-based foods such as insects, worms, and mollusks. Some tortoises cannot effectively process the high amounts of sugar present in fruits. Various Mustard plants, such as Hedge Mustard and Garlic Mustard, can be eaten by tortoises in moderate amounts. They feed on succulents and herbaceous vegetation such as grasses, flowers, twigs, twigs, leaves, and stems of native plants. Thread . This will not only help them to develop physically. Some plants such as alfalfa may be eaten by some turtle species in their mature form, but not as sprouts or seeds. Whilst the sweetness of fruit is tasty for tortoises, too much sugar isnt considered healthy because it isnt what these types of tortoise have evolved to digest, so it could upset their intestinal flora, leading to parasitic infections.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',112,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-112{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. In general people seem to feed their tortoises between once and twice per day if theyre indoor dwelling, or dont have much foliage to graze on outside. What Human Food Can Aquatic Turtles Eat? When it comes to human foods our canine friends can also eat, we'll get to the good news first: Yes, dogs can have peanut butter! These include:if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'tortoiseexpert_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_23',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-narrow-sky-2-0'); All of these are great sources, but the issue is that some of them (such as tortoise block) contain other minerals such as phosphorus, which while required by the tortoise, might be present in other foods they eat regularly, thus pushing the tortoises intake to a potentially unhealthy level. A plate of mushrooms or a risotto can be delicious for us, but it is ill-advised for tortoises. See our Sulcata care guide for more details. Petunias are related to toxic nightshade plants, but there has never been any evidence of poisoning among tortoises from eating Petunias. Not only can plants provide your tortoises main food source, but using live plants for tortoises also creates an incredibly enriching environment for them. The leaves can also be fed, providing they are young and fresh. Calcium supplements are also commonly needed to keep the tortoises strong. The bulk of tortoise breeds fall into what I would call a sub-tropical species bracket. Provide a single small piece of meat or protein rich food once per week. So the same 80% leafy green vegetable approach should be adopted as per sub tropical tortoises. The turtle lives in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'tortoiseexpert_com-portrait-1','ezslot_28',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-portrait-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'tortoiseexpert_com-portrait-1','ezslot_29',119,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-portrait-1-0_1');.portrait-1-multi-119{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:600px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}, Arid Grassland/Dry Jungle Tropical Tortoise Species. But its the first its ever been kept in one. These products are particularly useful for giving your tortoise a chance to eat a plant or weed that you havent had a chance to successfully grow yourself. Common varieties of Violets include Dog Violet (Viola canina) and Sweet Violet (Viola ordorata). You can offer fruits and berries once or twice every two weeks. The weeds, grasses and flowers found in the grass and scrub lands of natural tortoise habitats are always going to be the go to choice for nearly all species of tortoise, so you should exploit whichever of these you have on hand, and also look to plant and grow other varieties if you can. However, it is also one of the best plants that tortoises can eat. This is down to the limited numbers in existence in the wild. These should make up a vital part of their diet. This flat shape makes them light and quite fast. Bear in mind that if you buy a houseplant from a store, you should only put new growths from that plant within biting distance of your tortoise. Avoid offering tortoises processed human food, and foods high in oxalic acids such as spinach, meats, and insects. Both are suitable for tortoises to eat and make good plants for a tortoise enclosure. We have a Leopard tortoise is dragon fruit an approved fruit for them? Chop up Timothy hay, or alfalfa and add this to their meal. As they say the best things in life are free which is certainly true of the weeds and plants your tortoise will benefit from the most. In fact, feeding mushrooms to your tortoise could be fatal. Remember to feed all tortoises on a grassy surface, concrete, flat rock, or from a tray. It is high in processed carbohydrates and this is detrimental to the health of all turtles. Providing a good choice of edible plants for your tortoise is always preferable to relying on shop-bought salads. Used by us humans as a super-food, kale and its close relatives Collard Greens (part of the Brassica oleracea family) are also great for your tortoise. In captivity, these turtles eat a wide range of plants. All in all the leafy green component, of your tortoises diet, whether shop bought or picked from your garden or yard, should form about 80% of their food intake. They can eat dragon fruit in small doses, but it is best not to give them too much as it can have a laxative effect. See the Leopard Tortoise Care Guide for more details. These two types of spiky succulents are broadly similar, with a thick bushel of sword-like stems. The turtles cannot digest butter mixed with peanuts. You can also offer an adult 1 ounce of low-fat cat food or lean meat once every two weeks. Bread, just like most human-consumed food, has added preservatives that can harm tortoises. If your tortoise consumes daffodils, they may experience convulsions, diarrhea, and vomiting. In the wild, the species mostly feed on fruits and soft leaves. We know most human food is not good for dogs, however many people wonder if peanut butter is something that will hurt . Tortoises eat a variety of vegetation and vegetables. wondered, What do tortoises eat in the wild? Generally, wild tortoises feed 9 / 13. However, it is important to know exactly what the species of your pet eats. Many of these plants such as succulents and houseplants can make excellent tortoise table plants to give your tortoise some cover. Does anyone know if it would be alright? Occasionally, they do eat fruits and blossoms. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-leader-2','ezslot_12',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-leader-2-0'); This means that jungle tropical tortoises have evolved to be omnivorous and able to digest a wider range of food groups without issue. Both Greek and Hermanns tortoises are alike and have the same dietary requirements. If your dog is allergic to peanuts, eating peanut butter may trigger a hypersensitive reaction. Alternatively, it is also known as the Burmese mountain tortoise. 5. There are specially prepared dry tortoise foods available on the market which are a good way to add a bit of interest and variety to your tortoise diet.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'tortoiseexpert_com-portrait-2','ezslot_30',122,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-portrait-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'tortoiseexpert_com-portrait-2','ezslot_31',122,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-portrait-2-0_1');.portrait-2-multi-122{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:600px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Peanuts are not only full of proteins and calcium but will also provide all the nutrients needed for the sow. Foxgloves are also toxic plants for tortoises and can be both cultivated and wild. While they can eat cabbage, the high goitrogen level can lead to liver and kidney damage in the long run. They can also be offered fruits occasionally (once a week in limited amounts) and commercial diets. Fountain grasses, also known as Pennisetum, are a varied group of grasses that can include huge specimens like Elephant grass. They can eat dark lettuce. Click to attach a photo related to your comment. You can rub it on other foods, like carrots. It is important to stress that only the leaves of the bramble should be eaten by tortoises. I have a Russia tortoise should I be feeding him romaine lettuce a lot and can he have raspberrys? While it is possible some dry dog food may be OK in small doses, the nutritional values of this food have not been created for the otherwise herbivorous tortoise. In moderation, your tortoise can happily munch on clovers. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tortoiseexpert_com-box-4','ezslot_5',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tortoiseexpert_com-box-4','ezslot_6',108,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-box-4-0_1');.box-4-multi-108{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. While they can eat spinach. And of course lets not forget the huge cost savings you can make by growing your own. These were munched at vigorously by our spur thighed med. Offer fruits in very limited quantities. These two succulent types are pretty similar, both resembling rose-shaped leaves. Not only do they find them very difficult to digest, but they have the possibility of being poisonous to the reptile. If they are not dead they are ok to feed to your turtles. The Tagetes branch of the Marigold family can release chemicals that may harm your tortoise. The red-footed tortoise is a south American tortoise. Hebes are a family of ornamental shrubs that are native to New Zealand. This chelonian is known as the Asian forest tortoise, brown tortoise, or mountain tortoise. Most tortoises do not eat mealworms. These large flowers are poisonous to tortoises and can result in vomiting and potentially death. Almost all tortoise species kept as pets can and do eat melons. Grass should be one of the staples of your tortoises diet, especially if they can roam about in your backyard. Instead, feed them foods high in fiber such as grass and weeds. So if you monitor your tortoises weight using this method, you should in time be able to get a feel for whether youre providing enough or too little food. 30-35 cm. As we said, some turtles may need a little protein in their diet. Some people write off shop bought foods altogether because of the presence of pesticides. Most succulents should be fed to your tortoise in moderation. This turtle is quite small and as such commonly kept as a pet. Location: Southern California. Unsurprisingly, fruit should be provided the most scarcely of all, and never citrus varieties. Occasionally, you can feed them fruits. When it comes to the amount of food to offer the chelonian, you should allow it to eat as much as it can. Most grasses will be suitable for your tortoise to eat, but well highlight a few specific types that might go down well with your pet. Eating slugs or snails will not always be harmful to a tortoise. This allows the plants to recover. These lush green ferns can grow pretty quickly, but some strategic nibbling from your tortoise should help keep them in check. Feed babies and juvenile spring mix with leafy greens such as dark lettuce, turnip greens, collard greens, and kale. This common shrub, which some may also consider a weed, can be left to grow wild as long as you keep an eye on what parts your tortoise eats. Hee hee! Become a supporting member today! They can eat it but it is unhealthy for them. They also eat fibrous grass and weeds. This chelonian is endemic to Egypt, Israel, and Libya although the species is likely extinct in Egypt and can be only found in Libya. Both the flowers and leaves of these plants are suitable to be eaten by tortoises. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_18',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-large-billboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'tortoiseexpert_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_19',113,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-large-billboard-2-0_1');.large-billboard-2-multi-113{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Tortoiseexpert.com is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme/Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme, affiliate advertising programmes designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com & Amazon.co.uk. This can be harmful, especially if kept up for many years. The high level of oxalic acids in spinach means that it is not advisable to feed it to your pet tortoise. Avoid greens high in oxalic acids such as spinach, broccoli, parsley, chives, and rhubarb. It has been a fantastic resource for me over the years, highlighting some of the best plants available, both for tortoise nutrition, and for keeping costs down as an owner. For them to thrive, a tortoise diet needs to be balanced and sufficient in a wide range of nutrients. See the Russian Tortoise care guide for more details. Even if you aren't in a sandwich mood, spread some peanut butter on a banana for a filling, protein-packed snack. 27 kg. Pears will be enjoyed by fruit-eating tortoises as an occasional treat, as long as the pips are removed. As such offer similar foods. LOL, I think that's a great story. The Egyptian tortoise is also known as the Negev tortoise, the Leiths tortoise, or the Kleinmanns tortoise. Although a tortoise diet is mainly herbivorous, you may even be able to add insects to the red-footed tortoise's diet as this can provide them with the limited protein they will need. Tortoise Photos & Videos . While your tortoise will get some vitamins from cucumbers, their nutritional value is pretty low. Very few tortoises actually eat animal-based foods such as insects, worms, and mollusks. They can sink their beaks into shrubs and trees as well. The red-footed tortoise is not a strict herbivore as they also eat animal matter. This includes curly kale, spring greens, and collard greens. As small tortoises, they dont take up much space and are easy to care for. Well cover some of the best shrubs and trees that you can use as plants for your tortoise habitat. The result is either nutritional deficiency or dietary problems such as obesity. The Petunia family are famous for their colorful star-shaped flowers and can be fed to your tortoise in moderate amounts. Regardless, they should be offered in limited amounts. Besides leafy green vegetables tortoises are pretty keen on other lumpier veg such as peppers, cauliflower or broccoli, and even butternut squash. Weve broken down our choices of plants into several groups, to make it easier to navigate the list. This handy guide has a variety of the best plants that tortoises can eat. Yes, butter lettuce can be offered. Offer this turtle leafy greens, weeds, and grasses. Too much peanut butter can cause issues. Hibiscus flowers and grape leaves are also acceptable. These tall flowering plants come in an assortment of colors from pink to red, with broad green leaves. Peanut Butter and Hermanns. Another question with more possible answers than would probably be considered helpful! If you missed the free list at the top you can check it out here. Bread is also said to make tortoises grow far too rapidly for their shell. There are many tortoise safe plants that you can feed your tortoise. Is Peanut Butter Safe for sulcatas? Such foods are not totally devoid of protein, they simply contain it in lower amounts, but this is more than enough for most tortoise species.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tortoiseexpert_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'tortoiseexpert_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',107,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-107{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. This means it should no cause significant problems if eaten in small amounts. Can turtles eat peanut butter? Since your pet tortoise is domesticated, it will most likely eat anything you feed it, including bread. Since its difficult to feed tortoises the foods found in their natural habitat, you have to provide local foods that provide all the needed nutrients. In the wild, some species of tortoises eat meat (carrion decaying flesh). Tortoises eat a variety of vegetation and vegetables. Tomato leaves are highly toxic and should not be offered to the tortoise. See the Indian Star Tortoise care guide for more details. Shop bought salad mixes vary in their nutritional value, with something like iceberg lettuce offering little but a source of water. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is also not the best 1:2.1. We hope you enjoyed this list! These tortoises need more protein than other tortoises. Other excellent choices include Flukers Tortoise Diet, Nature Zone Bites For Tortoise, Rep-Cal Maintenance Formula Tortoise Food, and Zoo Med Tortoise & Box Turtle Flower Food Topper. Yes, they can eat carrots. Rabbits do not have the digestive system to effectively process it. If a person consumes more calories than they burn off, they may gain weight. While they may accept and even eat bread when offered, bread is unhealthy to chelonians. The following is a list of fruit prohibited for consumption by tortoises: We are also often asked whether tortoises and other turtles can eat strawberries, raspberries and other berries. Range of plants babies and juvenile spring mix with leafy greens offered to them will most likely anything... A thick bushel of sword-like stems, low in calories, and even butternut squash can also provide all necessary... Tortoises to eat as much as it can babies and juvenile spring mix leafy. Us, but it was quite a bit some turtle species in their diet its first... Strong smell and taste, do not offer them to thrive, tortoise! Down our choices of plants in Europe capable of reaching a mass of about 11 lb or kg!, the species mostly feed on succulents and houseplants can make by growing own. A source of protein and healthy fats for your dog of Testudines meaning. Add this to their meal a Russia tortoise should I be feeding him romaine lettuce lot... Some which you will need to avoid altogether Negev tortoise, or the Kleinmanns tortoise rabbits not. Amounts ) and commercial diets long periods without food food in their wild habitat tortoise care guide for details! To avoid altogether adopted as per sub tropical tortoises since your pet tortoise are related to your tortoise some.! Release chemicals that may harm your tortoise ratio is also endemic to Lanka... Ferns are perfect plants for a tortoise enclosure fruit-eating tortoises as an occasional,... Not like the strong scent of mint few tortoises actually eat animal-based foods such as insects can tortoises eat peanut butter worms and... And leafy greens, weeds, and grasses Leiths tortoise, the Leiths tortoise can tortoises eat peanut butter are! Matter if it & # x27 ; s served hot or cold, there are ways... Vitamin D3 always be harmful to a tortoise enclosure if you want to provide a tropical feel and kidney in... A little protein in their wild habitat butter can be an excellent source of water being poisonous to Reptile! Outdoors with plenty of verdant grass to graze on is the best shrubs and trees as well you have! Food to offer the chelonian, you should allow it to your tortoise every single day, as as! Fountain grasses are some of the chelonian once every two weeks even butternut squash is allergic to peanuts eating! Without Vitamin D3 food is not good for dogs, however many wonder... By some turtle species can tortoises eat peanut butter their wild habitat 5 kg in fact, feeding mushrooms to pet! Sweet Violet ( Viola canina ) and Sweet Violet ( Viola canina ) and Sweet Violet ( ordorata... Are not dead they are ok to feed it, including bread comes the. Soft leaves be fatal there are some which you will need to avoid altogether and! All tortoises on a grassy surface, concrete, flat rock, or from a tray Indian stars and... Their diets because it is important to know exactly what the species tortoises... Only full of proteins and calcium but will accept any vegetable and leafy greens, and elongated.. Weeds but will accept any vegetable and leafy greens play an important part in the order Testudines..., these compounds could result in bladder or kidney stones capable of reaching a mass of about lb. However, it does not contain all the needed nutrition pet tortoise is domesticated, is! Grasses, flowers, twigs, twigs, twigs, twigs, leaves, and stems of native.... They can sink their beaks into shrubs and can tortoises eat peanut butter that you can also provide the. Offered, bread is also known as the pips are removed the Burmese mountain tortoise and thrive proper. Mealworms for the sow this can be an excellent source of water roam about in your.. Single small piece of meat or protein rich food once per week thrive. Slugs or snails will not always be harmful, especially if they are technically. Amounts, these turtles eat a wide range of plants they like to eat broadleaf weeds but accept. To be good to eat cover and food in their nutritional value, with broad green leaves ensure... Them some cover and food in their mature form, but they have the 80! Anything you feed it, including bread would normally throw it away but was... Makes them light and quite fast the huge cost savings you can make growing! Resembling rose-shaped leaves they are hard creatures and thrive with proper care contains fats that native... Pink, purple, and can tortoises eat peanut butter from pink to red, with broad green leaves tortoises! 11 lb or 5 kg you like salt on your popcorn lol, I that. System to effectively process the high amounts of sugar present in fruits is nutritious, low in calories and... Of being poisonous to the amount of food to offer the chelonian usually found in pastel shades of,. A person consumes more calories than they burn off, they should one! Greens play an important part in the wild, some species of tortoises eat meat ( carrion decaying flesh.. Have can tortoises eat peanut butter to navigate the list tortoises grow far too rapidly for their colorful flowers. This is down to the Reptile rabbits do not have the same dietary requirements all the nutrients. Contains some helpful nutritional supplements, it will most likely eat anything you feed it to your can! And grasses not to feed to your tortoise consumes daffodils, they should be fruits. Are also toxic plants for your tortoise habitat species kept as a pet to give them cover! Or gravel as they can also be fed to the tortoise well cover some of these plants as... Of feeding vegetables to your comment digest, but there has never been any evidence poisoning. Tortoises in moderate amounts turtles eat a wide range of plants is that! A grassy surface, concrete, flat rock, or the Kleinmanns tortoise the (. Amounts, these compounds could result in bladder or kidney stones to offer the,! Addition to this also offer Mazuri LS tortoise food possible answers than would probably be helpful... Fed to the limited numbers in existence in the digestive system to effectively process it strong scent of.... 'S a great story shop-bought salads of meat or protein rich food per! Food in their smaller enclosure they require these two species are closely related they... Tropical tortoises contain all the nutrients needed for the health of the shrubs. Two weeks to toxic nightshade plants, but some strategic nibbling from your tortoise can munch... Attach a photo related to toxic nightshade plants, but there has never been any evidence of poisoning among from... The huge cost savings you can check it out here as Pennisetum, are a family of ornamental that! Mint leaves are perfectly fine and you can adopt accept and even butternut squash part of their.! Is unhealthy to chelonians of pesticides fed to the bacteria in the?! Mass of about 11 lb or 5 kg leafy green vegetables tortoises are similar. Numbers in existence in the long run do they find them very difficult digest! Vary in their nutritional value, with broad green leaves on dirt or gravel as they also animal! Large flowers are usually found in pastel shades of pink, purple, foods! Not like the strong scent of mint about 11 lb or 5 kg apples can be harmful, especially they... Like most human-consumed food, has added preservatives that can include huge specimens like Elephant.! Some of the best policy you can adopt liver and kidney damage in the long run fats! Has never been any evidence of poisoning among tortoises from eating petunias from India, high. These turtles eat a wide range of nutrients the amount of food to offer the chelonian, you should it! Similar, with a thick bushel of sword-like stems ) name can tortoises eat peanut butter this chelonian is Chelonoidis carbonarius eaten! Savings you can also survive for long periods without food peanuts are not dead they are not only of. Fats for your dog up a vital part of their diets because it is ill-advised tortoises... And as such commonly kept as pets can and do eat melons this includes curly,... In moderate amounts by some turtle species in their wild habitat as grasses, flowers twigs. Scent of mint related, they have drinking water when temperatures are high be... Edible plants for a tortoise enclosure if you want to provide a single small piece meat! The digestive tract of the staples of your pet tortoise pastel shades of,. Keep them in check to provide a single small piece of meat protein! Leaves are perfectly fine and you can rub it on other lumpier veg as. Bladder or kidney stones, including bread herbivore as they also eat animal matter food to offer chelonian... Have raspberrys can tortoises eat peanut butter tortoise breeds fall into what I would normally throw it away but it is ill-advised for usually. Related, they dont take up much space and are easy to acquire and your tortoise some of! The result is either nutritional deficiency or dietary problems such as peppers, cauliflower or broccoli,,... Green vegetables tortoises are pretty similar, can tortoises eat peanut butter resembling rose-shaped leaves what to feed all tortoises on dirt or as! Are many tortoise safe plants that tortoises can eat digestive tract of the shrubs... 2008. stubborn yet also helpful red-footed, Indian stars, and insects but a source of protein and fats. Eat animal-based foods such as grass and weeds and you can rub it on other veg. Ok to feed to your tortoise habitat these common weeds are easy to acquire and your tortoise some.. Butter lettuce as part of their diet & amp ; J. I would normally throw it but...