Care & Feeding of Tortoises
What and when to feed your tortoise
Feeding Philosophy
Almost no topic is as confused and difficult for a beginner to understand as feeding tortoises in captivity. In the wild, tortoises tend to be browsers — they wander over quite a wide area and in the process take small quantities of a very wide variety of seasonally available food. Some species are known to consume up to 200 different kinds of plants during the year. Even the best captive diets tend to be very restricted when compared to these natural feeding patterns.
What to Feed
Leafy Greens
DailyCollard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, turnip greens, endive
Grasses & Hay
DailyTimothy hay, orchard grass, Bermuda grass, rye grass
Flowers & Weeds
Several times/weekHibiscus, dandelion flowers, rose petals, clover, plantain
Vegetables
A few times/weekSquash, bell pepper, pumpkin, cactus pad (nopal)
Fruits
Occasional treatStrawberries, watermelon, mango, papaya — high in sugar, limit for most species
Mazuri Tortoise Diet
SupplementalMoisten pellets for tortoises under 10 in. The only commercial diet we recommend.
Foods to Avoid
Spinach
Very high in oxalic acid, which binds calcium and can cause deficiencies.
Iceberg lettuce
Almost no nutritional value; mostly water.
Brassicas (broccoli, kale)
Goitrogenic — can interfere with thyroid function if fed in large amounts.
Animal protein (herbivores)
High-protein diets cause pyramiding and kidney damage in herbivorous species.
Dog or cat food
Far too high in protein and fat for any tortoise species.
Rhubarb
Toxic — contains oxalic acid at dangerous levels.
Supplements
Tortoises have a high demand for calcium, especially juveniles and egg-laying females. Leave a cuttlefish bone or calcium block in the enclosure at all times. Dust food with plain calcium carbonate (no D3) 3–4 times per week.
Tortoises kept outdoors in natural sunlight generally produce enough D3 on their own. Indoor tortoises need a UVB bulb (10.0 strength) and/or calcium with D3 dusted on food 1–2 times per week.
A reptile multivitamin (such as Rep-Cal Herptivite) can be dusted on food once every 1–2 weeks to cover trace mineral needs.
Hydration
In captivity, soak your tortoise for 10 minutes twice each week in fresh, shallow, lukewarm water. This ensures adequate hydration and helps flush the bladder. Hatchlings and juveniles should be soaked 3–4 times per week. Always provide a shallow water dish in the enclosure — shallow enough that the tortoise cannot drown, and heavy enough that it cannot be tipped over.
Feeding Schedule
| Age Group | Frequency | Portion Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchlings (0–6 months) | Daily | As much as they will eat in 20 min | Rapid growth phase — do not restrict food. |
| Juveniles (6 months–3 yrs) | Daily | Roughly the size of the shell | Continue daily feeding; variety is key. |
| Sub-adults (3–7 years) | 5–6 days/week | Generous; adjust for body condition | Begin monitoring weight and shell shape. |
| Adults (7+ years) | 5 days/week | Roughly the size of the shell | Avoid overfeeding; obesity causes health issues. |
Ready to find your perfect tortoise?
Our Tortoises