Testudo graeca subspecies thrive in their wild habitat by feeding on low-protein and calcium-rich edible plants that provide essential vitamins, fiber and minerals.
Fresh, organic weeds and herbs such as dandelion, clover, plantain, hawksbit and wild strawberry should be introduced into their diet as 10% of their diet. Mazuri tortoise diet as well as soaked timothy hay should also be provided as other food items.
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Vegetables
Greek tortoises found in the wild consume an array of vegetables, grasses, fruits and weeds to stay healthy and thrive. Therefore it is vital that their diet includes different sources of nutrients.
Leafy greens such as collard greens, turnip greens, endive, fresh parsley, dandelion greens, zucchini and shredded carrot should be fed daily to your tortoise for maximum fiber intake. You could also consider mixing in Timothy hay for additional nourishment.
Tortoises may enjoy eating fruits as part of their diet; however, this should constitute no more than 10%. Some fruits such as those high in citric acid and phosphorus can negatively impact digestion, calcium absorption and lead to obesity due to high sugar content.
Fruits
Greek tortoises are primarily herbivorous creatures and don’t need meat products, like grass-fed animal protein which contains high levels of fat and phosphorous and can hinder their growth. Cuttlefish bones may provide some additional calcium and minerals; this should only be done occasionally as their intake will self-regulate over time. Alternatively, offer reptile-safe calcium balancers like Nutrobal or Rep-cal which offer higher Ca:P ratios without including any phosphorous sources as an option for offering more calcium sources without including phosphorous content.
Diet should mainly consist of greens such as dandelion leaves, parsley, clover, plantain and wild strawberry; Mazuri tortoise chow and Timothy hay should also be offered regularly as treats; fruit and vegetables should not account for more than 10% of total daily intake.
Hay
Greek tortoises require a balanced and varied diet that provides adequate amounts of hay (timothy hay) as an important source of fiber that will prevent their beak from becoming overgrown, along with some timothy pellets and chopped fruits such as raspberries, strawberries or apples that should make up no more than 10 percent of the diet.
Tortoises, both wild and domesticated, tend to be opportunistic feeders by nature and will eat anything that comes their way, which can lead to overfeeding and an imbalanced diet. A better approach would be offering dark leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, collard greens, endive mustard kale along with some tortoise food that has been soaked in warm water before lightly dusted with supplements for balanced feedings.
Pellets
Tortoises should primarily consume dark leafy greens for optimal health; such as romaine lettuce, collard greens, mustard greens, endive, and kale are good choices. Timothy hay should also be fed regularly and fruits may occasionally be given as treats.
Tortoises in the wild enjoy grazing on an edible landscape rich with vitamins and minerals. Because this can lead to overfeeding of certain plants containing oxalic acid that binds with calcium absorption into their bodies, potentially impairing healthy shell and bone development, moderation is key when offering such plants to domestic tortoises.
Tortoises should receive dietary supplements made specifically for them; daily dosage for babies, every other feeding for half growns and every third day dosage for adults should be provided as part of their care routine.
Supplements
Greek tortoises are herbivores and require a diet rich in plant fibers and greens, including alfalfa sprouts, cabbage outer leaves, turnip greens, mustard greens, romaine lettuce endive Swiss chard and kale; avoid iceberg lettuce and spinach as these should make up no more than 10% of their diet. Other vegetables can include native grasses and weeds; however this shouldn’t exceed 10%.
Tortoises require calcium and vitamin supplements as part of a balanced diet. We advise mixing Repashy Superveggie or Mazuri tortoise diet lightly into their salad, or offering on a terra cotta plate every meal from babies through half growns, with every other feeding for egg laying females; cuttlebones can also be left for them to nibble for additional calcium supplementation.
