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A tortoise is perfect for people who do not want to vacuum all day long, who have ample outdoor space in the open air, and who are willing to take care of such a reptile for many years. If you are one such person, the peaceful and super patient tortoise will be your ideal pet.
Their diet is not the most complex, but you should know that a tortoise does not eat only lettuce! Raw fruits, such as seedless apples, can and should be part of their diet. Just don’t make it the main part of their meals, and don’t be surprised if your tortoise stubbornly refuses to eat it. Indeed, some of these peaceful giants can be real picky eaters!
Can Tortoises Eat Apples?
Yes, they can—in moderation, of course. Moreover, they have many benefits for your pet reptile. The apple is a fruit rich in antioxidants, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. It has a moderately low amount of sugars and calories compared to other, more “fattening” fruits.
Thus, the apple is a healthy snack for your tortoise. In addition, since it is rich in water, it has the advantage of being refreshing and hydrating, especially during periods of high heat, such as summer. Do keep in mind that no fruit is a substitute for fresh water, though.
What Is the Best Tortoise Diet?
Tortoises are primarily herbivores. They will require a mix of fresh vegetables (80% of the diet) and fruits (20%).
The food of the tortoise will mainly depend on their specific species. Several varieties have varying nutritional requirements. Other variables that can impact your tortoise’s dietary needs include their age, sex, and reproductive status (to name just a few). That said, we can provide general recommendations so you can make your tortoise’s diet as balanced as possible.
Offer mixed meals with different types of vegetables, small portions of fruit, and a few extra supplements, such as herbs. Doing so not only helps provide for your tortoise’s nutritional needs, but it also helps them not get used to just one flavor and subsequently refuse to eat anything else.
Other Important Tips
- Tortoises tend to enjoy colorful food, so use a little creativity to create eye-catching dishes.
- Wash all fresh foods, such as vegetables and fruits, to remove pesticides and other contaminants.
- Next, cut the food into small pieces; remove the seeds if necessary.
- Once you’ve chosen and cut your ingredients, toss them all together to create a beautiful, mouth-watering salad. This way, your tortoise won’t just pick out what they want and leave the rest untouched.
- Don’t leave food all day; remove leftovers when mealtime is over.
- Do not add salt or condiments.
- Change the water every day as needed (minimally, at least once).
What Fruits Can Tortoises Eat?
Tortoises are especially fond of melon, oranges, bananas, kiwi, raspberries, blackberries, and grapes. Apple pieces are also an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Mangoes can be offered, but be sure to remove any leftovers, as it can attract wasps.
Remember that fruit should not make up more than 20% of your tortoise’s diet; you should therefore offer fruit with lower sugar content to prevent obesity.
How Often Should You Feed Your Tortoise Fruit?
Fruit can be offered to your tortoise daily, provided that only you give it to them in small quantities. As for the frequency of their “normal” meals, know that tortoises like to nibble throughout the day.
To feed a meal to your tortoise, scatter their food all over the yard so they have to move around to collect everything. In addition, wild tortoises are apt to eat anything that they find in their path, as they are constantly on the move.
What Vegetables Can Tortoises Eat?
You should offer your tortoise a variety of leafy vegetables, such as kale, collard greens, and spinach. In addition, you can supplement your tortoise’s diet with a few carrots, Brussels sprouts, cucumber, green beans, pieces of squash, cauliflower, broccoli, radishes, and peppers.
A few herbs like dandelions and mustard greens are excellent additions to your peaceful herbivore’s diet.
What Foods Are Toxic to Tortoises?
Foods that are prohibited for tortoises are:
- Certain legumes and seeds
- Certain vegetables, such as beets and zucchini
- Mushrooms
- Tomatoes
- Sweets
- Dairy
- Dog and cat food
- Any product of animal origin
Conclusion
As you can see, apples can and should be part of a balanced and healthy diet for your tortoise. That said, you should think of apples (and other fruits in general) as a tiny part of your pet’s meals, not an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Indeed, you don’t want your tortoise to become a fussy eater and disdain their leafy greens just because they have access to their favorite treats all day long!
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Featured Image Credit: Oleg Kozlov, Shutterstock
