Mediterranean tortoises, the Russian (Horsfield’s) tortoise among them, eat mostly weeds: more than 70% of the diet, by RVC’s figure. Their food should be high in fiber, vitamins and minerals and low in fat and protein.
What food is it?
Can it eat this?
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Staple foods
Tortoises feed mainly on green leaves, and one with the run of a garden forages well for itself (BCG). Pick plants free of pesticide and fertilizer, beware of weed killer and slug pellets, especially when gathering away from home, and wash wild foods well before feeding. When weeds run short, RVC offers a mix of vegetables and salad instead.
Calcium and vitamins
Supplements are important, RVC says, particularly with supermarket food, and it alternates dusting with a calcium powder and a combined vitamin and mineral powder. BCG dusts food with a vitamin and mineral supplement two or three times a week and scatters calcium carbonate on the ground daily, especially for egg-laying females.
Foods to avoid
- Fruit: RVC says to avoid it for its sugar, and BCG keeps it to a minor part of the diet.
- Dog food, cat food and peas: high in protein, not natural for a tortoise, and harmful especially to young ones (BCG).
- Too much of one food: BCG gives brassicas, such as cabbage, only as part of a varied diet.
Bathing and the rest of a Russian tortoise’s setup are on what does a Russian tortoise need.