Russian tortoises are broadleaf eaters. That means they should have a diet with a lot of weeds and greens. They’ll eat grasses from time to time, but the bulk of a Russian tortoise diet should be broadleaf greens. You may find many broadleaf weeds and lettuces that grow naturally in your yard. Many of these weeds are safe for Russian tortoise.
Common Weeds Safe for Tortoises
- Bindweeds
- Bittercress
- Bristly Ox Tongue
- Broad leaf filaree
- Broad leaf plantain
- Cats ear
- Chickweed
- Chicory
- Clovers
- Creeping thistle
- Dandelion
- Deadnettle
- Field Madder
- Filaree
- Goat head weed
- Goat’s beard
- Ground elder
- Harebell
- Hawksbeard
- Hawksbit
- Hawkweed
- Hedge mustard
- Hensbit
- Kidney weed
- Knap weed
- Lamb’s lettuce (corn salad)
- Mallow
- Milk thistle
- Narrow leaf plantain
- Navelwort
- Nettle
- Nipplewort
- Prickly sow thistle
- Ragweed
- Shepherd’s Purse
- Silverweed
- Small sow thistle
- Spear thistle
- Trefoil
- White deadnettle
- Winter cress
Dried Weeds for Tortoises
Because Russian tortoise’s are broadleaf eaters, the need greens and weeds year round. If you find yourself lacking weeds in your yard or you can’t find a safe place to harvest, offer dried weeds and leaves. Because unlike grocery store greens, you aren’t likely to find trefoil or Hensbit or Nettle at your local supermarket.
Sprinkle dried weeds on top of fresh greens. Or add them to tortoise pellets for more flavor, variety and nutrition.
On the other hand, if you find yourself with a surplus of weeds during spring and summer, dry the extra for the cooler months. You can purchase a cheap food dehydrator to dry out batches of weeds. Store them in a resealable bag or container, and offer them during the winter months when fresh weeds and grasses may not thrive.
