Although these species are omnivores, we recommend feeding your tortoise greens, flowers, vegetables and fruits as the main bulk of your diet. You can give them a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as dandelions, mustard greens, and even hibiscus flowers.
Tortoises can also be fed a high-protein diet such as chicken;
- Beef
- Pork
- Lamb
- Turkey
- Fish
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Beans
- Peas
- Lentils
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Sweet corn
However, this is not recommended as it can lead to weight gain and may not be suitable for all species.
Table of Contents
What can tortoises not eat?
Do not feed tortoises frozen vegetables or sodium-rich foods including canned vegetables, dairy products, breads and celery. Please make sure that captive tortoises are not allowed to consume plants that may be toxic to them. If you are feeding tortoise food, please make sure that it is suitable for your pet.
Tortoise foods should not contain high levels of salt, sugar, or other additives that can cause digestive problems in captive animals. If you have any concerns about the quality of the food that you feed to your pets, you may want to consider purchasing a pet food from a reputable pet store that has been tested and approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
How often do you feed a tortoise?
It is a general rule to give an amount of food equivalent to the size of the tortoise’s shell. They should be fed once a day, 5 days a week. Any season can see the implementation of the 2 starve days.
For example, if you have a 10-pound tortoiseshell turtle, and you feed it every other day for a month, it will grow to 10 pounds by the end of the month.
If you are feeding them every 2-3 days, they will get used to it and be able to eat a larger amount in a shorter period of time than if they were fed every day. This is especially important if your turtle is a juvenile.
Juveniles need more time to acclimate to their new environment, so it is important to give them a chance to adjust to a new diet before they are too big for their shell to hold.
What vegetables does tortoise eat?
Up to 10% of the daily ration can be given to your tortoise as a variety of vegetables. Try cabbage, carrots, Brussels sprout, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, yellow wax beans, and parsley.
If you don’t have any vegetables on hand, you can add a small amount of cooked chicken, beef, pork, lamb, turkey, goat, chicken or turkey breast.
Can tortoises eat banana?
Bananas can be eaten, and cherries, in strict moderation. The cherry stone should be removed prior to the event. As part of a mixed diet to rainforest species such as the Red footed parrot, these fruits should only be offered in moderation.
Cherries are a good source of vitamin C, which is important for the health of the skin and eyes. They are also rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc and selenium. Cherries can also be used as an ingredient in a variety of foods, including jams, jellies, preserves, soups and stews.
Do tortoises drink water?
Fresh water should be provided to all tortoises on a regular basis. The true desert species such as Testudo kleinmanni will drink from the right source of water. Tortoise water needs will vary depending on the tortoise’s age, size, diet and other factors. It is best to provide water at least once a day, but it is not necessary to do so every day.
If you do not have access to fresh water, you can purchase bottled water from your local pet store. You can also make your own water by adding a few drops of distilled water to a glass of water and adding some salt to taste.
Can a tortoise eat carrots?
Vegetables should make up about 15% of the diet. raw carrots, winter squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, broccoli, corn on the cob, and greens such as collards, dandelions, leafy greens and turnip greens. Fruits and vegetables should not be more than 10% or less than 20%. apples, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries.
