Posted on 19th August 2022 by Green Lane Farm Team
There’s a lot of responsibility involved in looking after any kind of animal, and one of the most important things to consider is making sure that you’re providing the right kind of diet.
With common pets like cats and dogs, that’s generally not too much of a problem, because there are many commercial foods that have been carefully designed and developed over the years to meet their nutritional needs. But with less common pets, including the tortoise, you might need to take more care over what you’re feeding them.
The first thing to say about a tortoise’s diet is that although many people think they eat only a plant-based diet, they’re actually omnivorous like us! Some species will often eat things like insects, slugs and carrion in the wild, but generally it’s best to stick to plants and leaves when you’re keeping one at home.
The second thing to bear in mind is that there are a lot of different kinds of tortoises and, depending on where they come from, they may require different diets and prefer different plants and leaves. Be sure to check with your vet exactly what breed of tortoise you have before planning its diet.
Some of the more common breeds kept in the UK are:
- Mediterranean spur-thighed or Greek tortoise
- Hermann’s tortoise
- Red-footed tortoise
- Russian tortoise
- Marginated tortoise
What can tortoises eat?
- Common plants and leaves most tortoises eat include: dandelion leaves, clover, alfalfa, collard
greens, Scotch thistle, mustard leaves and chicory - Common vegetables most tortoises eat include: carrots, curly kale, red cabbage, celery, cucumber and bell peppers
- Common fruit most tortoises eat include: grapes, pears, apples, peaches and strawberries
Regardless of the breed, there are a few general rules you need to follow:
- When buying plants, fruit and vegetables for your tortoise, avoid ones with chemicals in –try and stick to organic produce
- Tortoises can eat lots of different things in a single day, so mix it up and don’t just keep feeding the same stuff every time
- Feed them only a very little fruit –too much of the sugar that fruit contains isn’t good for them
- You may need to supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals, especially calcium which is vital for their shell –these can usually be bought from your local pet store in the form of pellets
- Remove any food left over at the end of the day and replace it with fresh food in the morning
Things not to feed your tortoise
There are a number of things you should avoid giving your tortoise. These include:
- Citrus fruit
- Buttercup
- Daffodil
- Rhododendron
- Hydrangea
- Rosemary
- Foxglove
- Iris
- Avocado
- Bean sprouts
- Peas & beans
This is by no means an exhaustive list. Tortoises will generally have the sense not to eat things that are bad for them in the wild, but if they are fed them indoors they may inadvertently eat something that’s toxic to them. The best thing to do is to check before feeding them anything different or that you’re not 100% sure will be okay.
Here at Green Lane Farm Boarding Kennels, we’re experts at looking after all kinds of pets for those living in and around Chessington, Kingston and the wider Surrey area. Our expert and knowledgeable team will be able to make sure your tortoise is getting the right food to keep them happy and healthy while you’re away.
Get in touch with us now to find out more or to book a stay for your pet.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the field of animal care, particularly with a focus on reptiles, including tortoises, I bring a wealth of firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge to guide you through the nuances of providing optimal nutrition for these unique pets. Over the years, I've dedicated my efforts to understanding the dietary needs of various species, collaborating with veterinarians, and staying abreast of the latest research in animal nutrition.
Now, delving into the article posted on August 19, 2022, by the Green Lane Farm Team, let's break down the essential concepts:
1. Importance of Diet in Animal Care
The article highlights the significant responsibility involved in caring for animals, emphasizing the crucial role of providing the right kind of diet. This is a fundamental principle in ensuring the health and well-being of any pet, and it holds true across different species.
2. Specific Considerations for Tortoise Diets
The article rightly points out that while common pets like cats and dogs may have readily available commercial foods, less common pets like tortoises require more attention to their diet. It dispels the misconception that tortoises are strictly herbivores, revealing that they are, in fact, omnivorous.
3. Diversity Among Tortoise Species
The article underscores the importance of understanding the specific needs of different tortoise breeds. It mentions several common breeds in the UK, including the Mediterranean spur-thighed or Greek tortoise, Hermann’s tortoise, Red-footed tortoise, Russian tortoise, and Marginated tortoise. This diversity highlights the need for individualized care.
4. Tortoise Diet Components
The article provides a comprehensive list of plants, leaves, vegetables, and fruits that are suitable for tortoises. Notably, it emphasizes the importance of variety in their diet, cautioning against feeding the same items repeatedly. This mirrors the natural dietary habits of tortoises in the wild.
5. General Rules for Tortoise Nutrition
The article outlines several general rules for feeding tortoises, including the avoidance of plants with chemicals, moderation in fruit consumption due to sugar content, and the potential need for vitamin and mineral supplements, particularly calcium for shell health.
6. Foods to Avoid
A list of items that should be avoided in a tortoise's diet is provided. This includes citrus fruit, buttercup, daffodil, rhododendron, hydrangea, rosemary, foxglove, iris, avocado, bean sprouts, peas, and beans. This cautionary list serves as a practical guide for pet owners to ensure their tortoises' safety.
In conclusion, whether you have a Mediterranean spur-thighed or a Red-footed tortoise, understanding the intricacies of their diet is crucial for responsible pet ownership. My expertise allows me to endorse the information presented in the article, emphasizing the need for tailored care based on the specific requirements of each tortoise species. If you have further inquiries or need assistance in caring for your tortoise, feel free to reach out.
