Many of us know tortoises but we do not exactly know what they feed on. Have you ever observed tortoises when it is feeding to know exactly what they are feeding on?
Being an herbivore, tortoise-like a variety of plant-based food. Depending on the species, about 80% of the tortoise diet should be fresh vegetables.
Broccoli is an edible green plant in the cabbage family. It has a large flowering head, stalk, and small associated leaves that are eaten as vegetables by human beings.
The question is, can tortoises eat broccoli? Of course, yes. As tortoises feed on a combination of greens, then there are high chances that they can feed on broccoli.
However, it depends on the species. Some tortoise species can feed on broccoli regularly but some cannot as the largest part of their diet contain greens
Do Tortoises Like Broccoli?
Broccoli is a vegetable like any other hence tortoise can feed on it comfortably. However, it depends on the species of the tortoise.
Some tortoise species like broccoli hence the owner of the tortoise can feed them with the broccoli. Broccoli contains high oxalic acid which can interrupt calcium metabolism.
If the pet likes broccoli, then you can feed it with it occasionally. There are some effects of overeating broccoli that should be put into consideration.
Too much broccoli may cause thyroid problems, goiter, damage organs, kidney and liver issues, and iodine deficiency syndrome.
In case your tortoise-like broccoli, then you have to maintain a limit in order to avoid the problems associated with overeating broccoli.
Can Tortoises Eat Raw Broccoli?
Broccoli can be either eaten raw or cooked by human beings. The same applies to tortoises, they can either eat it raw or cooked.
However, the preferred one is raw as tearing crisps raw food enables the tortoise to keep its beak in shape. When the food is cooked, it becomes mushy hence too easy to eat.
Anyway, if the broccoli has to be cooked then it should just be steamed and no additives should be added.
According to research, if the tortoise is given raw food that they are used to and steamed food, they opt for steamed food hence they know what is best.
So, can tortoises eat raw broccoli? Absolutely. The reptile prefers eating raw vegetables. Thus, the tortoise will eat raw broccoli if it is served to them.
Can Tortoises Eat Broccoli Rabe?
Broccoli has several parts that can be consumed. Broccoli has two main edible parts; the florets which is the dark green forest top and the stalk which is the pale green undercarriage like the trunk of a tree.
What is consumed with human beings does not mean it will also be suitable for tortoise. We need to look into the effects that can be caused if our pets consume them.
Broccoli rabe is a green cruciferous vegetable with leaves, buds, and stems which are all edible. It is different from the usual broccoli.
It contains some kind of bitterness which makes it have a different taste from usual broccoli. It is also too fibrous and hard.
So, can tortoises eat broccoli rabe? Yes, when it is chopped into small pieces it can eat it in small amounts.
However, the amount should be limited as the broccoli rabe enhances goitrogenic consequences. It also affects thyroid glands hence it is not good to feed the tortoise with it.
Can Tortoises Eat Broccoli Leaves?
The whole plant of broccoli is high in oxalic acid. Yes, the tortoise can eat broccoli leaves but the problems associated with it should be considered.
The leaves are high in fiber, low protein content, and contain small traces of vitamin A. The leaves are also rich in purines which contributes to the production of uric acid that can lead to several kidney problems.
If the leaves are to be given to the tortoise, then they should be in minimal amounts. If the tortoise is fed with leaves 2 to 3 times a month, then they will not create a health issue for them.
We should also put into consideration whether they like to eat broccoli leaves or not before drawing their regular diet chart.
Can Tortoises Eat Broccoli Stalks?
Broccoli stalks are also referred to as broccoli stems. Yes, they can be consumed by tortoises. Although a variety of leafy greens and grass are suitable for their diet.
Broccoli stalks contain goitrogens which is a compound that interfere with thyroid activity and uptake of iodine.
As a result of this, the tortoise may suffer, kidney diseases, liver diseases which may lead to a hazardous final situation hence death.
It is not necessary for tortoises to be fed with broccoli stalks as it may cause more harm to them than good.
As pets act as our companions in our homes, we should not bother ourselves with a varying diet that can cause the death of the animals.
What Species of Tortoises Can Eat Broccoli?
Can Russian Tortoises Eat Broccoli?
Yes, Russian tortoise can eat broccoli but it should be occasionally. As their diet consists of a mixture of greens such as pre-packed bags available in grocery stores.
A more ideal diet would include leafy weeds like dandelions, plantain, and mallow leaves such as mulberry, hibiscus, and pumpkin leaves.
However, broccoli can be avoided in their diet as it may interfere with tortoise’s ability to absorb calcium. Calcium plays an important role in their body where it increases the growth and improvement of healthy shells and skeletons.
Their diet should be high in fiber content, low in protein, and rich in calcium. This will enable them to stay healthy.
Broccoli can be served to them occasionally in small portions for the purpose of diversifying the diet as this may not cause great harm to them.
Can Sulcata Tortoises Eat Broccoli?
Sulcata tortoise is the third largest tortoise in the world. They are deprived of direct sunlight hence they require a diet that will enable them to cover up for the deficiency.
Broccoli should not be given to the tortoise as it contains a high amount of oxalic acid as it may interrupt the ability of the tortoise to absorb calcium.
Calcium is very necessary for the tortoise as it increases the growth and improvement of a healthy shell and skeleton.
Although even the healthy food when they overeat still it can cause problems to them. Serve them with the right amount of feed.
Broccoli can be included in their diet once in a while just to break the monotony as it may not be that hazardous to their health.
Can Leopard Tortoises Eat Broccoli?
Broccoli has high fiber content. You need to confirm if your tortoise is a baby or an adult. If it is a baby, it will not be able to feed on it. If it is an adult it can feed on it but in a small portion.
As these tortoises are deprived of direct sunlight, they require additional supplements to make up for the deficiency.
They should be served with high-quality tortoise food that containss calcium and vitamin D3 contents to make up for the lack of direct sunlight.
Their daily diet should comprise grass or hay. Small amounts of other vegetables such as dandelions should also be included in the diet.
The amount of food to be served should be eaten between 15 to 30 minutes. The food is offered as per the size of the tortoiseshell. It should be directly proportional to the size of the shell.
They can be fed with an amount of broccoli regularly. They need a high-fiber diet rich in calcium. Intake of broccoli may interrupt the intake of calcium hence not highly recommended.
Can Red-Footed Tortoises Eat Broccoli?
Red-footed tortoises are omnivores. Their diet consists of 60% dark leafy greens and grasses, 15% vegetables, 15% fruits, and 10% tortoise pellets or animal proteins.
They can be fed with broccoli but occasionally and in small amounts. It is low in iodine and it may make the tortoise suffer from goiter. Small amounts of it will not cause harm.
It should be fed same time every day preferably in the morning. The food should be measured according to the size of the shell to avoid overeating which may cause health problems.
They tolerate fruits more than any other tortoise species. Add calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to their food three times a week to make up for the minerals they are not able to get from direct sunlight.
Tortoise pellets that are enriched with vitamins and minerals should be included in their diet once every two weeks in form of moistened low-fat food.
In Conclusion
Can tortoise eat broccoli? Yes, they can eat. This does not mean you should continuously feed your tortoise with broccoli. Consider the health of your tortoise first.
Broccoli has high oxalic acid that may end up causing a lot of problems to your tortoise. For instance, it may cause kidney diseases, liver complications, thyroid problems, and goiter.
The right amount of food should be given to your tortoise. This is because overeating may make the shell also increase which could be fatal.
It is always better to have slow, steady, and healthy growth. Choose wisely what kind of food to give your tortoise.
