What do tortoise eat?

Answer 1

Depending on the type of tortoise, diet could range from vegetables and fruits to worms and crickets. Most tortoises are vegetarian, but all tortoises could use a little protein once a month. A good protein source is a little wet dog food or live food such as meal worms. A processed tortoise food is a great addition to meals. My tortoise appreciates Land Turtle and Tortoise Fortified Food by R-Zilla. This can be found a Petco. A meal should consist of various veggies such as lettuce or spinach (but spinach should be given in small amounts only). Fruits are great for them. Good choices are strawberries, blueberries, papaya, raspberries, etc. Feed once a day and always have fresh water available

The above is a recipe for disaster! First of all dog pellets cause deformities in herbivore tortoises! ALL the protein they need they get from leaves and some natural weeds! Lettuce an spinach are not suitable either and can cause major health problems. Fruits are a NO! They should only be eating plants and weeds that grow in your garden! Young tortoises will die in 4-5 years if given the diet above and older tortoises will live longer but with major health issues ! Don't ask a vet or an expert at a pet-shop, most people are misinformed and will give you the wrong advice by accident. NO meal worms. This only applies to herbivore tortoises though so make sure you know the difference !

EDIT: Never, ever, EVER feed an animal food that is NOT part of it's NATURAL diet ! Since WHEN did tortoises come across 'dog food' in the wild ? As a herpetologist of 25+ years, I would NEVER feed a tortoise on dog-food ! Even if it is '..an addition to meals...' !

Answer 2

A baby tortoise, up to 3 years, should only eat leaves. When it reaches 4, try to encourage it to eat fruit or other vegetables (grapes, carrot gratings, tomatoes).