Russian tortoises are primarily herbivores and thrive on a diet consisting of leafy greens, vegetables and flowers. Additionally, they consume plenty of water.
They survive in dry desert environments where water is scarce and their primary source of nutrition comes from food sources. Thankfully, these incredible creatures have developed incredible adaptations that enable them to get by without drinking much liquid.
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Hay
Tortoises require a variety of vegetables and fruits in their diet to stay at an ideal body weight, as well as hay to satisfy their natural grazing urges.
Timothy hay is a popular choice for small tortoises due to its higher levels of fiber and protein than other types of hay. However, it should be noted that not all tortoises will eat timothy hay.
As an occasional treat, you can add fruit to their diet. However, remember to do this sparingly as fruit is high in sugar and could disrupt their microbiome and cause diarrhea.
Russian tortoises make excellent pets and require minimal upkeep while in captivity, making them a great choice for first-time reptile keepers. Furthermore, these long-lived creatures tend to be docile and social in nature.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are an incredibly nutritious vegetable, capable of adding texture, flavor and color to sandwiches, soups and salads. Some are mild and sweet like lettuce; others have a slight bitter taste like spinach; still others possess peppery bites such as rocket or mustard greens.
Leafy green vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, fibre and phytonutrients that promote health and wellbeing. These include B vitamin folate which supports cardiovascular health as well as may prevent birth defects; antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin that protect your eyes; these help keep them in optimal condition.
It is essential to handle and store leafy greens safely in order to prevent contamination. Germs can enter into your plate at multiple points before they reach your plate, such as fields where they grow or irrigation water that comes into contact with them.
Vegetables
Russian tortoises are herbivorous creatures and thrive in their natural environment, feeding on a variety of greens such as leafy vegetables, hay for grazing, and additional foods for supplementation.
The amount of food a Russian tortoise eats depends on their age, shell size and level of activity. On average, they should consume four to five cups per day.
Vegetables can be added to a Russian tortoise’s diet, but you should limit their exposure to high oxalic acid plants like spinach and mustard greens.
Additionally, they should not be fed rhubarb due to its high levels of oxalates that could harm their health or even cause death. Other toxic plants include black cherry, trumpet flower, sweet pea, night-shade, lily of the valley and English ivy.
Fruits
Russian tortoises are herbivores and can be fed a variety of fruits; however, only in small amounts as this will disrupt their microbiome in the digestive system and lead to diarrhea.
It is essential to provide your tortoise with a balanced diet that includes various vegetables. Doing this ensures they get all of the essential vitamins and minerals they require.
Eating the right foods for your tortoise can help them avoid metabolic bone disease and respiratory infections, as well as keep them healthy. Be sure to steer clear of foods high in oxalic acid, phytic acid, and tannins.
You can add calcium supplements to your tortoise’s food for them to ensure they get enough of this mineral. Sprinkle this into their food once daily for younger tortoises, and several times a week for adults.
Supplements
A healthy tortoise requires the correct amounts of calcium, vitamin D and other essential nutrients. A balanced diet combined with the correct supplements can help your pet avoid illnesses like gastrointestinal parasites or metabolic bone disease.
In the wild, Russian Tortoises obtain their calcium and vitamin D needs through food and exposure to UV light outside. If your tortoise is kept indoors, however, this may not always be possible and it’s essential that they receive an appropriate diet along with supplements.
It is recommended to give growing or pregnant tortoises, or those kept indoors, a light dusting of calcium powder with vitamin D3 twice weekly. This is because the sun’s UV rays are essential for their health and the amount of light can diminish over time if not replaced regularly.