Tortoises are turtles that live on land. They are herbivores which means they only eat plants. Some tortoises eat mostly grasses while others eat mostly fruits vegetables and flowers. Some tortoises even eat cactus!
Tortoises have beaks not teeth so they can’t bite or chew their food. Instead they use their beaks to rip food into small pieces that they can swallow.
Most tortoises eat a variety of different plants but there are a few that are picky eaters. For example the Galapagos tortoise only eats cactus.
While different tortoises eat different things there are a few plants that are commonly found in their diet. These include:
Grasses: Many tortoises eat grasses. Some of the most common include Bermuda grass crabgrass and Timothy hay.
Fruits and vegetables: Tortoises also eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Some of their favorites include apples bananas carrots and turnips.
Flowers: Many tortoises enjoy eating flowers. Some of the most common include dandelions hibiscus and roses.
Cactus: As mentioned before some tortoises only eat cactus. The most common type of cactus eaten by tortoises is the prickly pear cactus.
Even though tortoises are mostly herbivores some of them will occasionally eat bugs or other small animals. This is usually done by accident but it can help them get the nutrients they need.
What do tortoises eat?
Tortoises are vegetarians and their diet consists mostly of grass weeds leafy greens and flowers.
How often should a tortoise eat?
A tortoise should eat every day.
What happens if a tortoise doesn’t eat?
If a tortoise doesn’t eat it can become ill and even die.
What is the best food for a tortoise?
The best food for a tortoise is a variety of fresh healthy vegetables.
Can tortoises eat fruit?
While tortoises can eat fruit it should only be given as a treat and not make up a large part of their diet.
What vegetables can tortoises eat?
Tortoises can eat a variety of vegetables including leafy greens cabbage carrots and squash.
Can tortoises eat lettuce?
Tortoises can eat lettuce but it is not the best food for them.
What happens if a tortoise eats too much lettuce?
If a tortoise eats too much lettuce it can become sick.
Lettuce contains a compound that can block the absorption of calcium which is essential for a tortoise’s health.
Can tortoises eat celery?
Tortoises can eat celery but it is not the best food for them.
Why can’t tortoises eat celery?
Celery contains a compound that can block the absorption of calcium which is essential for a tortoise’s health.
Can tortoises eat tomatoes?
Tortoises can eat tomatoes but it is not the best food for them.
Why can’t tortoises eat tomatoes?
Tomatoes contain a compound that can block the absorption of calcium which is essential for a tortoise’s health.
Can tortoises eat cucumbers?
Tortoises can eat cucumbers but it is not the best food for them.
Why can’t tortoises eat cucumbers?
Cucumbers contain a compound that can block the absorption of calcium which is essential for a tortoise’s health.
What is the best way to feed a tortoise?
The best way to feed a tortoise is to offer a variety of fresh healthy vegetables every day.
