Russian tortoises should be fed a high fiber diet. They are strictly herbivores, eating mostly weeds, grasses, plants and flowers. When choosing the best foods for a Russian tortoise, you want to keep it fairly simple. There’s no need to make a gourmet meal every day. However, you want to feed a varied diet to ensure health and nutrition. Different foods container different vitamins and minerals.
The best Russian tortoise food is going to be high in fiber. You want to limit any vegetables, avoid fruits if possible and make flowers treats. Add variety to your Russian tortoise’s diet by changing up what you offer. Ensure they can graze throughout the day and add a new greens and even commercial tortoise pellets throughout the week.
Weeds and Grasses
Your yard is likely full of weeds and grasses. And although Russian tortoises don’t eat a lot of grass, they will devour broadleaf weeds.
Safe Weeds for Russian Tortoise
- Chickweed
- Clovers
- Dandelion
- Deadnettle
- Lamb’s lettuce
- Mallow
- Milk thistle
- Nettle
- Plantain (narrow and broad leaf varieties)
- Sow thistle
Safe Grass for Russian Tortoise
- Bermuda grass
- Buffalo grass
- Fescue grass
- Kentucky blue grass
- Oat grass
- Timothy grass
- Wheat grass
Greens and Lettuces
There are many options for safe greens and lettuces for Russian tortoises. Some have higher amounts of oxalates, which you want to limit, but overall, there are many great choices.
Safe Lettuce for Russian Tortoise
- Arugula
- Chicory
- Dandelion greens
- Endive
- Escarole
- Grape leaf
- Green oak leaf
- Radicchio
- Red oak leaf
- Romaine
Tortoise Pellets
There are different types of tortoise pellets on the market. The best tortoise pellets for Russian tortoise food include Mazuri, Zoomed Grassland and Lugarti tortoise pellets.
Different tortoise pellets contain different ingredients, so before choosing the best pellet for your tortoise, compare different pellets. Compare the fiber content, which should be high, protein content, which should be low, and the ingredient lists. You may notice even some of the best pellets don’t have the best ingredients, however their nutritional content is still there. You just need to make the decision that you feel the most comfortable with when choosing Russian tortoise food for your pet Russian tortoise.
