Calcium is essential in keeping tortoises’ bones strong, and insufficient intake can result in metabolic bone disease (MBD).
To reduce this risk, provide your tortoise with a calcium supplement in various forms. There are various ways you can do this.
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Calcium Carbonate
Calcium powder can be an easy and cost-effective way for pet tortoises to get enough calcium in their diets, while being inexpensive and simple to apply! Adding just a light dusting of calcium powder every now and then to their food will ensure they receive all of their daily calcium requirements. Plus it’s relatively cheap!
Pet tortoises with calcium deficiency often experience metabolic bone disease – this condition causes their bones to soften, making their lives extremely painful.
Wild tortoises and turtles rely on an elaborate diet rich in calcium and other essential nutrients to thrive, but captive-bred tortoises do not have access to similar vegetation, meaning they don’t get access to enough of it for strong development.
There are numerous commercially available supplements designed specifically to support reptile health that can easily be added into their tortoise’s diet in a simple, hassle-free way. Most pet stores carry them and make this a quick, effortless option.
Calcium Phosphate
Calcium is one of the most essential minerals for your tortoise’s diet, helping ensure proper blood clotting and muscle function as well as being essential in bone formation and cell signaling.
There are various methods you can use to add calcium-rich food into your tortoise’s diet, such as sprinkle a small amount of calcium phosphate onto its food regularly.
Cuttlefish bone, available at most pet stores, is another source of calcium enrichment for your tortoise or aquatic environment. Place it freely nibbling tortoise’s enclosure or use as enrichment in a weed bed of your pond to give them access to it for nibbling enjoyment or enrichment purposes.
When choosing a calcium supplement for your tortoise, make sure that it does not contain phosphorus! Too much phosphorus can leech calcium from its bones, leading to weak bones and joint discomfort for your tortoise.
Rep-Cal
Rep-Cal is a high quality food recommended by veterinarians that offers optimal levels of essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium and Vitamin D3. Its formulation promotes healthy growth, ideal health and overall well-being for your reptile companion.
Tortoises obtain their calcium through calcified bones acquired during natural life. Calcium helps ensure the development and strength of their bones as well as performing metabolic functions such as protein synthesis, blood glucose regulation and hormone regulation.
Captive tortoises have access to several calcium sources specifically tailored by specialist suppliers to their needs. These products include Nutrobal and Ace-High (both featuring very low phosphorus levels) while Reptavite may have slightly more calcium than either one, with only minimal amounts of phosphorus present.
To ensure that your tortoise receives enough calcium, it’s best to provide natural foods like weeds and fruits. Tortoises also need access to fresh water on a regular basis.
Dandelions
Dandelions provide tortoises with an abundant supply of calcium, making them an effective supplement. Their leaves also offer essential sources of potassium – an important mineral during hot weather.
As with other vegetables, dandelion greens provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; in addition, they may help lower blood pressure while being an excellent source of fiber.
The dandelion plant can be found across the world and most frequently in Europe, Asia and North America. A perennial, it can reach 12 inches tall while boasting its signature bright yellow flowers.
The dandelion plant is revered for its healing powers and has long been used to detoxify the body of toxins. Recent research suggests it may also help slow cancer cell growth; more studies must be completed before making definitive statements regarding its efficacy as part of a treatment plan for various illnesses.
