Sulcata Tortoise

Sulcata Tortoise Diet

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Sulcata Tortoise

Sulcata Diet

Sulcata Habitat

In general, the Sulcata will eat, and eat, and eat most any vegetables and plants. When they're finished, they'll eat some more. And then have dessert!

If you are keeping your Sulcata outdoors, it will graze on the grass and other plants growing. Make sure that you don't use any pesticides or inorganic fertilizers, or your Sulcata may get very ill.

Some Sulcata owners have reported good results feeding a diet of about 80-90% grass, plants and dark, leafy greens, with the balance made up of fresh vegetables, and ocassional small ammounts of fruit.

As with many herbivorous annimals, a critical aspect of Sulcata feeding is calcium. In general, a 2:1 calcium to phosphous ratio is recommended. Too little calcium may result in soft shells, or bone problems. A vitamin supplement designed for tortoises is recommended.

Here is a partial list of foods suitable for your sulcata. You will need to experiment to discover what yours likes best. Ideally, consult your vet to disucuss the most appropriate diet for your pet.

Some Sulcata food suggestions
Alfalfa	Hay	A good source of fiber, and a practical alternative to grass for indoor kept sulacatas.
Grass	Live (grazing) or fresh cuttings	Ideally the bulk of your Sulcata's diet, the fiberout materials are important
Carrots	Grated	In moderation, no more than 10% of any feeding
Cactus	Fruits	Good fiber source
Dandelion	greens	In moderation
Greens	Mustard greens, collards, etc...	Dark greens are generally best, keep spinach to a minimum. Lettuce offers very little nutritional value.
Strawberrys		The color works as an attractant, and sulcatas generally like stawberries, but keep all fruits as occasional treats and not a staple part of the diet.
Things to avoid
Brocoloi	also cabage, brussel sprouts	Small quantities are OK. Too much will cause thyroid problems.
Tomato	Leaves only	The leaves of the tomato plant are poisonous - don't grow them in your yard if your tortoise spends time outside.
Fat	soybeans, etc...	Keep your tortoise away from fatty nuts and seeds as much as possible.
Lettuce	iceberg	No value as roughage, little nutritional value.