Unlike turtles, which are omnivores, tortoises are herbivores. If you have a pet tortoise, you already know that they enjoy a wide variety of plant-based foods. Fresh leafy greens are a must for a healthy tortoise. But what about spinach?
There is some debate about where spinach stands in a tortoise’s diet. Some claim it is fine to feed your tortoise spinach in small amounts, while others suggest avoiding it. However, there have been no conclusive studies showing that spinach can harm tortoises. Therefore, in general, it’s fine to give your tortoise spinach on occasion.
Spinach and Tortoises
The reason there is hesitation about spinach and tortoises is that spinach contains high levels of oxalic acid. This binds with calcium in the tortoise’s diet and becomes insoluble calcium oxalate1. The tortoise is unable to metabolize this kind of calcium and thus cannot absorb it into their body.
Since tortoises need a considerably high amount of calcium in their diets (especially in its ratio to phosphorus), some caregivers have become concerned that spinach in their pet’s diet will prevent calcium absorption. This has not been found to be a problem when tortoises are fed a variety of leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables, even if small amounts of spinach are a part of that mix.
How Much Spinach Is Safe for Tortoises?
So, how much spinach is too much? The exact amount is difficult to say. However, you should aim to give your tortoise a balanced diet that includes 80% leafy greens, 10% fruits, and 10% other vegetables.
They should also be provided with a calcium supplement. Take note that this is just a general guideline. Your pet’s needs may definitely be different depending on their species, age, and health status.
The mix of leafy greens can contain some spinach here and there. However, the bulk of it should be romaine lettuce, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, and dandelion greens. You can also add bok choy, butter lettuce, red leaf lettuce, escarole, parsley, and watercress for variety.
Risks of Too Much Spinach for Tortoises
Again, we want to stress that it is fine to give your tortoises some spinach. You just need to make sure that they are only eating it on occasion. If you only feed your tortoise spinach or feed them a large amount of spinach daily, then there might be problems.
Some of the risks of too much spinach for tortoises include poor calcium absorption leading to shell diseases. Poor calcium absorption, whether from spinach or another cause, can lead to kidney stones.
Benefits of Spinach for Tortoises
In small amounts, spinach can give your tortoises a fiber boost. This helps them maintain a healthy digestive system. Spinach does have a great calcium to phosphorus ratio. However, as mentioned earlier, the high amount of oxalates in spinach largely negates the benefits of this ideal ratio.
Can Russian Tortoises Eat Spinach?
One of the most commonly kept pet tortoises is the Russian tortoise. The same spinach rules that apply to other tortoise species apply to them. Small amounts are fine, but too much can cause problems with calcium absorption.
How Should Spinach Be Prepared for Tortoises?
You don’t need to do much to prepare small spinach leaves for your tortoise. The leaves should be washed and patted dry. They shouldn’t be rotten or have any insects on them. You can then mix a few leaves of spinach in with the other leafy greens you give your tortoise. Greens should be fresh and raw, not cooked.
Other Vegetables Safe for Tortoises
While 80% of a tortoise’s diet needs to come from fresh, leafy greens, they should have some other vegetables for variety
- Bell peppers (all colors)
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Cucumber
- Green beans
- Lima beans
- Peas
- Radishes
- Sweet potatoes
- Winter and summer squashes
Tortoises and Fruit
Depending on the species, around 10% of your tortoise’s diet may come from fresh fruits.
Remember that fruits are treats, so don’t overdo it. Otherwise, the tortoise won’t eat the greens they need for optimal health. Also keep in mind that the lists above are not exhaustive and may not apply to all tortoises. As we’ve mentioned earlier, we do encourage reaching out to your veterinarian for more information specific to your tortoise.
Foods You Should Never Feed Your Tortoise
Your tortoise should only be fed fresh fruits and vegetables, never canned or frozen varieties, as these can contain additives that may be harmful. Don’t feed your tortoise bread, pasta, crackers, rice, or any other type of processed human food.
There are also many common garden plants that are toxic for tortoises. Some of these include:
- Daffodils
- Narcissus
- Crocus
- Hellebore
- Foxglove
- Rhododendrons
- Azaleas
- Tobacco plants
- Lupine
- Peonies
- Rhubarb
- Mistletoe
There are some flowers that are fine for tortoises to eat. However, check with your veterinarian and make sure you know what type of plant you’re giving your tortoise to prevent accidentally poisoning them.
Final Thoughts
Your tortoise can have occasional small bits of spinach without trouble. You’ll need to make sure that you don’t give them too much, however, to prevent possible calcium absorption issues. Most of a tortoise’s diet should come from fresh leafy greens with regular fruit and vegetable treats included for variety and nutrition.
Featured Image Credit: PunkbarbyO, Shutterstock
Contents
- Spinach and Tortoises
- How Much Spinach Is Safe for Tortoises?
- Risks of Too Much Spinach for Tortoises
- Benefits of Spinach for Tortoises
- Can Russian Tortoises Eat Spinach?
- How Should Spinach Be Prepared for Tortoises?
- Other Vegetables Safe for Tortoises
- Tortoises and Fruit
- Foods You Should Never Feed Your Tortoise
- Final Thoughts
