Spinach is not harmful for tortoises and should be fed as part of a balanced diet, though its high content of oxalate could potentially lead to stone formation.
Oxalate also binds calcium in tortoises’ digestive systems and prevents its absorption; accordingly, spinach should only be given in small doses and infrequently.
Contents
Vitamin A
Many vegetables contain vitamin A, including spinach; however, the amount found in one serving may not meet your tortoise’s daily requirements for this nutrient. Therefore, other leafy greens such as dandelion greens, endive, collard greens, Swiss chard and turnip greens would provide better coverage.
Additionally, incorporate foods such as kale (in small amounts), mustard greens and cilantro, more commonly known as coriander. All three of these provide many essential nutrients but should be served sparingly due to high levels of oxalic acid which binds calcium preventing absorption – same goes for broccoli and cauliflower which should only be given in moderation.
Vitamin C
Tortoises need plenty of vitamin C in their diet in order to protect themselves from calcium deficiencies. Their primary sources include broccoli, kale, spinach, mustard greens, turnip greens, turnip tops, dandelions greens, endive, and watercress.
Some caregivers worry about giving spinach to tortoises because it contains high concentrations of oxalic acid, which binds with their calcium and forms insoluble calcium oxalate – potentially leading to shell diseases in tortoises.
However, most tortoises can safely consume spinach as part of a varied diet that also includes other leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, and grasses. The key is offering these items in small amounts so as to prevent too much oxalic acid being present.
Vitamin K
Tortoises tend to enjoy eating an abundance of leafy greens and vegetables to prevent vitamin deficiencies.
Tortoises require a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and secondary metabolic compounds for proper growth and health. Furthermore, adequate calcium and phosphorus intake will prevent Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).
Assure their diet includes timothy or orchard grass hay and broad leafy weeds such as sow thistles, plantain weeds, clover and spineless prickly pear cactus pads are varied. Add dark leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard, escarole endive turnip collard mustard greens dandelion greens watercress for additional nutrition – however do not feed cabbage which contains goitrogens which could potentially harm tortoises kidneys in long term effects if given regularly – avoid this food source as this could have long term negative impacts on tortoises’ kidneys.
Calcium
Tortoises with insufficient calcium levels often experience skeletal issues in their plastron, carapace and neck areas. Their bones also bend easily and break apart easily as their shell loses its original form. Earthworms, nightcrawlers, worms, whole feeder goldfish and live fish; snails with shells; tofu; cooked yams and kale make great sources of calcium.
Spinach should only make up a minor part of one’s diet as its high oxalic acid levels inhibit calcium absorption. Instead, other leafy greens like collard greens, dandelion greens, turnip greens, kohlrabi and mustard greens are better choices; squash, carrots, prickly pear cactus pads melons and other vegetables also make good additions.
Phosphorus
Tortoises need a variety of fruits and vegetables in their diet for proper health. Additionally, they may consume small amounts of pelleted food which contains vitamins and minerals.
Calcium is essential in helping tortoises form strong bones. Therefore, only feed them foods with an appropriate ratio of calcium-to-phosphorus content.
Tortoises in the wild feed on plants such as prickly pear cacti pads, dandelion leaves and grasses to meet their protein requirements, so cheese or boiled eggs that may be recommended by websites and books are inadvisable due to their high protein levels causing health complications in tortoises.
Iron
Tortoises in the wild get all of their protein requirements from eating leaves, flowers, seeds and grasses – they do not require additional sources such as cheese, boiled eggs, burgers or other sources recommended by websites or books as “protein supplements.”
To keep their health at peak performance, tortoises require specific diets that help support them. One effective method to accomplish this goal is providing them with a vivarium and feeding them similar foods they would find in nature; that allows you to gain complete control over their diet and prevents toxic build-up while simultaneously monitoring their wellbeing and monitoring its progress.
