| In order for your tortoise to remain healthy good | | | | When you are researching what tortoises eat you |
| nutrition is paramount. This will ensure it has a strong | | | | also have to take into account the age of your pet. |
| immune system and will have normal growth, plus | | | | Nutritional needs vary with age and the rapidly |
| their shell will not grow to be deformed. There are a | | | | growing hatchlings will need more food or higher |
| number of factors to consider that will contribute to | | | | protein rich foodstuffs, whereas the older specimens |
| your pet's nutritional needs. | | | | would not need such high protein levels. |
| Most are herbivores and will require a variety of | | | | The overall physical health of your pet will also |
| vegetables and soft fruits plus minerals and vitamins. | | | | determine what it will eat. If your pet is ill or injured it |
| In order to provide the optimum nutritional value for | | | | will require a different type of food. Sometimes an |
| your particular species of tortoise you should do | | | | iceberg lettuce will help to provide a sick tortoise with |
| some research into the natural habitat in which it | | | | extra hydration as it does not actually have much |
| would live in the wild. This will give you an idea of the | | | | nutritional value in and of itself but it is useful when |
| type and variety of foods you should provide. For | | | | caring for a sick chelonian. |
| example, a small Pancake tortoise is from East Africa | | | | If you are wondering what do tortoises eat, you just |
| and would naturally eat grasses and dark green | | | | need to think natural foodstuffs, fresh water and |
| vegetables plus some fruits too. Whereas a Red Foot | | | | added vitamins and minerals (in safe and measured |
| is from Southwest America and would naturally eat | | | | quantities). If you also provide a healthy enclosure for |
| fruits such as mangoes, melons, grapes and other | | | | your pet you will ensure you are providing the best |
| sweet fruits. It will also eat flowers such as rose | | | | care for your pet tortoise. |
| blossoms, hibiscus and nasturtiums. | | | | |