Red foot tortoises in the wild graze on plant matter such as grasses, flowers and fruits for food. To stay healthy, these creatures require a combination of protein and calcium in their diet.
To achieve this goal, feed your pet a base diet of mixed leafy greens and fruit along with animal-based foods no more than once a week. Examples of such items include canned snails, hard-boiled eggs, meal worms and lean ground turkey.
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Vegetables
Vegetables are an integral part of the red foot tortoise’s diet. Tortoises in the wild eat a wide range of plants, grasses and weeds, so providing your tortoise with these kinds of foods is beneficial for their wellbeing.
Fresh leafy greens and vegetables such as collard greens, kale and mustard greens make great snacks for your tortoise to eat. Be sure to offer them a variety of leaves so they don’t become bored with one type of diet.
Vegetables such as turnip and dandelion greens, escarole and cactus pads can also provide your tortoise with plenty of nutrition. These foods are high in calcium and low in phosphorous (essential for redfoot health), so be sure to incorporate them into their daily diet.
It is best not to overfeed your red foot tortoise vegetables and fruit, as this can lead to malnutrition. Salads can be a beneficial addition to their diet but should only be offered in limited amounts.
Fruits
Red foot tortoises are omnivores by nature and should be provided with a variety of fruits in addition to their vegetable diet. Additionally, they may benefit from occasional exposure to animal protein.
Red foot tortoises thrive in their natural environment, eating a wide range of plants such as grasses, flowers, fungi, insects and carrion. Their diet is highly dependent on the season and climate where they live.
Tropical species in captivity should be offered dark leafy greens like collard greens, mustard greens, kale and beet tops to mix it up. Furthermore, offering a variety of hays to add fiber is beneficial.
Insects
Insects are an ideal addition to your red foot tortoise’s diet. Not only do they provide calcium and vitamin D3, but also other trace elements.
Pet tortoises enjoy natural grazing, as well as helping to disperse parasites and other harmful organisms around their enclosure. You can offer various kinds of insects to your tortoise, such as ants, beetles, termites, spiders and birds.
Your red foot tortoise’s primary food should be fruits and vegetables. Vegetables make up approximately 40% of their overall diet, so provide as many different varieties as possible.
Leafy greens like dandelion greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, watercress, broccoli, escarole, Swiss chard, parsley, kale spinach and romaine lettuce can be included in a child’s diet for added nutritional benefit. Carrots peas and cooked sweet potatoes also make great snacks.
Dried Food
Dried foods are an excellent source of calcium, as they contain both phosphorus and vitamin D3. Furthermore, dried fruits and vegetables boast high levels of antioxidants.
Red foot tortoises can benefit from a diet that provides them with an assortment of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Include leafy greens such as spring mix or dark lettuce along with fruits like bananas, melons and plums for variety.
Your tortoise’s daily diet should include a small amount of dried food, depending on their size and age. Juveniles should be fed daily while adults can have one serving every other day.
It is essential to provide your tortoise with a large habitat, at least 6’x3′ for each adult. This way, they can freely roam around and not feel cramped as they grow larger.
