Hermann’s tortoises are herbivorous creatures. To simulate wild foraging, their diet should consist of herbs, grasses and dark leafy greens as well as supplement food sources like commercial tortoise food or occasional treats like fruit treats.
All foods should be consumed in moderation. Legumes, grains and certain vegetables high in oxalic acid should be avoided to minimize exposure.
Contents
Vegetables
Tortoises should consume a wide array of vegetables in their diet. Examples include kale, carrots, broccoli, collard greens, turnip leaves, dandelion and chickweed; adding mint and parsley will give the food extra flavor!
Hermann’s tortoises are grazers, so it is best to feed them a variety of grass, weeds, and hay such as Timothy or orchard grass hay for proper nutrition.
It’s also beneficial to offer some of the specially-made pellet foods designed for tortoises; however, be mindful not to overindulge in these as they contain high quantities of protein that could potentially harm their health. Furthermore, dog/cat food and human food is likely too high in protein content and could result in mineral deficiency for Hermann’s tortoises.
Fruits
Tortoises must be fed a variety of plants and vegetables to maintain an enjoyable diet; otherwise it could lead to health issues in their system.
Always offer food that does not contain high sugar or carbohydrate contents as this could lead to nutritional deficiency or obesity in tortoises.
Add small portions of fruit and tomatoes to their diet as a source of vitamins and minerals, but only occasionally. This will provide them with all they require for optimum health.
Avoid feeding your tortoise kale as its high oxalate content and lack of calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is not optimal for their needs. Instead, switch it out with other greens that provide more nutrition while being less bitter, such as turnip or collard greens.
Herbs
Hermann tortoises require a diet consisting of hay, certain plants, flowers and weeds in order to thrive. Dog or cat food or high protein food would be detrimental to their health and should never be fed directly.
Herbs such as dandelion, parsley, thyme, fennel marigolds and hibiscus can make great additions to an edible garden space. When planning the layout for this type of space, plant these herbs alongside grasses and clovers as an aromatic combination.
Hermann tortoises enjoy foraging for food in their garden, such as dandelions, oat grass, dandelion greens and stems, bramble shoots, nettle leaves, acai, sweet potato or petunias. But be careful not to feed them any poisonous plants like rhododendrons, foxglove, nettle or buttercup which could be toxic; citrus plants or fruits could also pose risks to their health and should also be avoided as these could pose risks!
Hay
Tortoises require a varied diet that contains multiple food items, with hay being an integral component. Tortoises need access to grass hay such as Timothy or Orchard grass hay as well as alfalfa, oat, or barley hays to provide essential fiber and nutrition more beneficial than most vegetables.
Tortoises have specific nutritional requirements based on their species. When choosing hay for their enclosure, make sure that a variety of fresh and dried varieties is always present – read through this list of toxic plants!
Water
Always provide clean water for your Hermann’s tortoise enclosure to help ensure they remain hydrated and aid their digestion, as well as monitor their bowel movements.
Testudo tortoises in their natural habitat eat herbs rich in vitamins, raw fiber, minerals and calcium. You should provide this food source alongside store-bought pellets such as Mazuri LS Tortoise Food or Zoo Med Grassland Tortoise Food.
Avoid feeding your Hermann’s tortoise dog or cat food or human food that contains too much protein; too much protein can cause health problems in tortoises like pyramiding, metabolic bone disease and lung damage. Furthermore, legumes or grains not part of their natural diet could potentially harm them as well as be detrimental to their wellbeing.