Can Tortoises Eat Grass?

can tortoises eat grass

Many people wonder: Can tortoises eat grass? There are numerous options, including wheat grass, broccoli, alfalfa, and hays. Here are a few guidelines to consider before letting your pet eat grass. Some of these options are beneficial to your tortoise, while others are harmful. In either case, always use common sense and avoid feeding your tortoise citrus fruits.

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Contents

Grass hays

Tortoises enjoy a variety of diets, and one of them is grass hay. The hays mimic natural foraging behavior and provide the tortoise with essential enrichment. The high fiber content of grass hays encourages digestion, and a solid bowel movement is a sign of overall good health. The hays are easily digestible, and if they’re given in the right amounts, your tortoise will have no trouble eating them.

Wheat grass

Generally, yes. Turtles do eat wheat grass. Wheat-grass is often provided to tortoises during the winter months when grasses are scarce. While most tortoises will enjoy wheat-grass, others may reject it. If you are unsure of whether wheat grass is good for tortoises, try providing it as an occasional treat. However, be sure not to make it their staple diet. Wheatgrass can be purchased at most pet stores.

Alfalfa

Turtles can eat grass, but they may not be fond of it. The most common types of grass are cereals and weeds, which are considered nutritious sources of vitamins and minerals. While tortoises can eat these types of grass to some degree, it is recommended that they be given plenty of other, healthier greens. Grass is also highly hydrating for tortoises.

Broccoli

If you are interested in feeding your tortoise broccoli, here are some tips. It is best to only feed them small amounts at a time. Too much broccoli can affect their kidney function and digestion. To avoid this, try to mix the broccoli with another vegetable. Tortoises can accept whole pieces or chopped broccoli. Tortoises that do not have access to sunlight should receive supplements. For best results, choose organic varieties.

Alfalfa hay

You can feed your tortoise a diet of grasses. Alfalfa hay is high in protein, minerals, and digestible energy. It is also palatable, and it has more amino acids than grass hay. However, alfalfa is also high in oxalic acid, which can cause bladder stones and kidney problems. In addition, too much Alfalfa can cause pyramiding and systemic kidney failure.

Grass

While many species of reptiles can survive on a diet of grass, there are several reasons why they should not. Not only is grass high in protein, but it also contains fiber, which is good for tortoises. Fiber aids the digestive system by making stools heavier and softer, preventing constipation. Tortoises can also benefit from eating grass, as it contains lots of water.

Grass hay

There are many advantages to feeding grass hay to your tortoise. Not only will it encourage a healthy digestion, but it will also promote solid stools, an indicator of good health. A common type of hay is timothy hay, which is a great choice for tortoises because of its high fiber content, balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio, and 8% protein. Although it may be tough, some tortoises do enjoy chewing on these stems.