Desert tortoises feed on annual wildflowers, annual and perennial grasses, the pads and flowers of certain cacti species, leaves from certain shrubs as well as fruits of these shrubs.
As soon as a clutch of pingpong-ball sized eggs hatches, its babies quickly begin searching for edible plants in their hot habitats. A study of tortoises indicated that those inhabiting low-forage environments selected more nutritious herbaceous flowering plants than perennial bunchgrasses as food sources.
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Annual Wildflowers
As spring transitions into summer, desert tortoises feed on herbaceous annual wildflowers like leafy-stemmed coreopsis (Coreopsis calliopsidea) and whispering bells (Emmenanthe penduliflora). They also graze on native perennial bunch grasses as well as edible cacti pads and fruits for sustenance.
Tortoises require a diet high in fiber that includes plenty of natural plants for proper digestion, supplemented by garden vegetables such as turnips, radish tops, mustard greens, kale collard greens and bok choy. Sweet fruit should only be offered occasionally and as treats – regular consumption could result in obesity in reptiles.
All tortoises require access to pesticide-free forage (grasses and weeds) for grazing. If possible, cultivate a garden in your yard, so the tortoise can graze safely within its enclosure (with proper escape-proof measures in place). As another source of nutrition you could provide timothy or Bermuda grass hay or seed mixes from Orchard grass; for pellet feeding use Mazuri LS Tortoise Pellets no more frequently than once weekly.
Perennial Grasse
Desert tortoises are herbivores and require a diet rich in fiber, moderate protein and low in fat content. Eighty-five percent (85%) of their forage should consist of grasses, weeds and dark leafy greens such as clover hay, alfalfa hay, clover brooms, clover flowers from dandelion greens/flowers/leaves, savory weeds (savory grass), mallow or other native or introduced bunch grasses.
Other perennial forage plants include prickly pear buds, cholla cactus buds, wild carrots and other roots, saguaro fruit, yucca buds, as well as various herbs such as fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis) and basil (Ocimum basilicum). Common culinary herbs such as nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus), daylilies (Hemerocallis species) and violets (Viola x wittrockiana) all have edible flower blooms.
Tortoises may benefit from feeding on vines such as Ramires indica which provide protein-rich flowers, leaves and berries for consumption. Also mucuna (Mucuna polylepis), as this legume produces both proteins and nitrogen via its relationship with bacteria in the soil.
Cactus
Cacti, particularly spineless beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris), play an integral part in tortoise diets. Their pads, flowers and fruits supply water and minerals essential for their survival – essential components in their food chain!
Tortoises need nutrition from plants such as grasses and weeds in order to survive through long summer droughts, while herbs, fruit, and shrub leaves supplement their plant-based diet.
Captive tortoises require an abundance of pesticide-free grasses and weeds for grazing, along with dark green vegetables like collards, kale, turnip greens, dandelion greens, flowers endive escarole and watercress for nutrition. Iceberg lettuce provides little or no nutritional benefit while offering occasional grated carrots or romaine can also be beneficial. Calcium carbonate preparations that do not contain phosphorus may help provide ample calcium. Incorporating these into their diet will ensure proper bone/shell development and development in captivity.
Shrubs
Tortoises may consume non-native shrubs such as Coreopsis calliopsidea and Whispering Bells (Emmenanthe penduliflora), though these varieties don’t provide as much nutrition or visual appeal than local desert grasses.
Some weeds such as dandelion and clover may be added to their diet, though no more than about 20% should comprise their food source. Other options for vegetable offerings are brassicas such as turnips (feed tops only), radish, and kale; dark greens like romaine, endive, or collards are also suitable options.
Tortoises that roam freely should have access to an abundance of plant material; while those kept indoors should receive pesticide-free forage. Outdoor sun exposure helps maintain normal calcium metabolism in tortoises. For an attractive twist, grow some forage in your yard for your tortoise to graze in while making sure its enclosure provides shade and security.
