The Grazing Library

Plant safety database for tortoise owners — 300+ plants, 6 species.

301 plants
CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Acorn Squash?

Cucurbita pepo

Acorn squash can be offered occasionally.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Agave?

Agave spp.

Agave leaves are not commonly used as tortoise food.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Alder Leaves?

Alnus spp.

Alder leaves are generally safe browse.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Alfalfa?

Medicago sativa

Alfalfa can be fed occasionally.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera

Aloe vera should be used cautiously.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Amaranth?

Amaranthus spp.

Amaranth leaves are edible for tortoises.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Angel’s Trumpet?

Brugmansia spp.

Angel's trumpet plants are highly toxic.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Anise Hyssop?

Agastache foeniculum

Anise hyssop leaves are generally safe.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Apple Leaves?

Malus domestica

Apple tree leaves are safe for tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Apple?

Malus domestica

Apple can be fed occasionally to some tortoise species.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Apricot?

Prunus armeniaca

Apricots can be fed occasionally.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Arugula?

Eruca sativa

Arugula is generally safe in a varied diet.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Ash Leaves?

Fraxinus spp.

Ash tree leaves are safe browse plants.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Aster?

Aster spp.

Aster flowers are generally safe.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Autumn Crocus?

Colchicum autumnale

Autumn crocus is extremely toxic.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Avocado Leaves?

Persea americana

Avocado leaves contain persin toxin.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Azalea?

Rhododendron spp.

Azaleas are toxic plants.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Bamboo Leaves?

Bambusa spp.

Bamboo leaves are safe browse plants.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Banana Leaves?

Musa spp.

Banana leaves can be eaten by tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Banana?

Musa spp.

Banana should only be fed rarely.

SafeDaily

Can Tortoises Eat Barley Grass?

Hordeum vulgare

Barley grass is safe forage.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Basil?

Ocimum basilicum

Basil leaves are generally safe for tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Bean Leaves?

Phaseolus spp.

Bean leaves have limited feeding data for tortoises.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Bee Balm?

Monarda spp.

Bee balm leaves and flowers are generally safe.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Beet Greens?

Beta vulgaris

Beet greens should be limited for tortoises.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Bell Pepper?

Capsicum annuum

Bell peppers can be fed occasionally.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Belladonna?

Atropa belladonna

Belladonna plants are extremely toxic.

SafeDaily

Can Tortoises Eat Bermuda Grass?

Cynodon dactylon

Bermuda grass is an excellent grazing plant.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Birch Leaves?

Betula spp.

Birch leaves may be eaten occasionally.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Bittercress?

Cardamine spp.

Bittercress leaves are generally safe for tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Black Eyed Susan?

Rudbeckia hirta

Black eyed susan plants have limited feeding data.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Blackberry?

Rubus fruticosus

Blackberries can be offered occasionally.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Blanket Flower?

Gaillardia spp.

Blanket flowers are safe edible flowers.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Blueberry?

Vaccinium spp.

Blueberries may be offered occasionally.

SafeDaily

Can Tortoises Eat Bluegrass?

Poa spp.

Bluegrass is safe for grazing tortoises.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Bok Choy?

Brassica rapa (Chinensis Group)

Bok choy can be fed in moderation.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Borage Flowers?

Borago officinalis

Borage flowers should be used cautiously.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Bougainvillea?

Bougainvillea spp.

Bougainvillea may be eaten in small amounts but should be used cautiously.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Boxwood?

Buxus spp.

Boxwood plants are toxic to animals.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Broadleaf Dock?

Rumex obtusifolius

Broadleaf dock should be limited.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Broadleaf Plantain?

Plantago major

Yes, broadleaf plantain is safe and nutritious for tortoises.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Broccoli?

Brassica oleracea

Broccoli can be fed in moderation.

SafeDaily

Can Tortoises Eat Buffalo Grass?

Bouteloua dactyloides

Buffalo grass is safe grazing forage.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Bull Thistle?

Cirsium vulgare

Bull thistle is generally safe as forage.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Burdock?

Arctium spp.

Burdock leaves can be eaten by tortoises.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Buttercup?

Ranunculus spp.

Buttercups contain toxic compounds.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Butternut Squash?

Cucurbita moschata

Butternut squash may be fed occasionally.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Calendula?

Calendula officinalis

Calendula flowers are safe edible flowers.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Camellia?

Camellia spp.

Camellia plants have limited feeding data for tortoises.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Canada Thistle?

Cirsium arvense

Canada thistle can be offered as part of a varied forage diet.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Cantaloupe?

Cucumis melo

Cantaloupe can be fed occasionally.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Carrot Tops?

Daucus carota

Carrot tops are generally safe for tortoises.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Carrot?

Daucus carota

Carrots can be fed occasionally.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Castor Bean?

Ricinus communis

Castor bean plants are extremely toxic.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Castor Oil Plant?

Ricinus communis

Castor oil plants contain ricin toxin.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Cat's Ear?

Hypochaeris radicata

Cat's ear is safe for most tortoise species.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Catnip?

Nepeta cataria

Catnip leaves are safe in moderation.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Cauliflower?

Brassica oleracea

Cauliflower can be fed occasionally.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Chayote?

Sechium edule

Chayote can be fed occasionally.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Cheeseweed Mallow?

Malva parviflora

Cheeseweed mallow is generally safe for tortoises.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Cherry Leaves?

Prunus spp.

Cherry leaves are toxic to many animals.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Cherry?

Prunus avium

Cherries can be fed occasionally to some tortoises.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Chestnut Leaves?

Castanea spp.

Chestnut leaves are safe browse plants.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Chickweed?

Stellaria media

Chickweed is safe for tortoises when fed in moderation.

SafeDaily

Can Tortoises Eat Chicory?

Cichorium intybus

Chicory leaves are excellent tortoise forage.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Chives?

Allium schoenoprasum

Chives are part of the allium family.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Chrysanthemum?

Chrysanthemum spp.

Chrysanthemum plants should be used cautiously.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Cilantro?

Coriandrum sativum

Cilantro is generally safe for tortoises.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Clover Sprouts?

Trifolium spp.

Clover sprouts can be eaten occasionally.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Collard Greens?

Brassica oleracea (Acephala Group)

Collard greens are generally safe as part of a varied diet.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Common Groundsel?

Senecio vulgaris

Common groundsel contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Coneflower?

Echinacea purpurea

Coneflower plants are generally safe forage.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Coreopsis?

Coreopsis spp.

Coreopsis flowers and leaves can be eaten by tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Corn?

Zea mays

Corn should be fed rarely if at all.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Cosmos?

Cosmos bipinnatus

Cosmos flowers are generally safe for tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Cucumber Leaves?

Cucumis sativus

Cucumber leaves have limited feeding data.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Cucumber?

Cucumis sativus

Cucumber is safe but not very nutritious for tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Curly Dock?

Rumex crispus

Curly dock should be fed sparingly.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Cyclamen?

Cyclamen spp.

Cyclamen plants are toxic to animals.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Daffodil?

Narcissus spp.

Daffodils are toxic plants.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Dahlia?

Dahlia pinnata

Dahlia flowers may be edible but data for tortoises is limited.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Daikon Radish?

Raphanus sativus

Daikon radish root can be fed occasionally.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Dandelion Flowers?

Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion flowers are safe and nutritious.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Dandelion?

Taraxacum officinale

Yes, dandelion is safe and commonly fed to tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Date?

Phoenix dactylifera

Dates should almost never be fed.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Dead Nettle?

Lamium purpureum

Dead nettle is generally safe forage.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Deadly Nightshade?

Atropa belladonna

Deadly nightshade is extremely poisonous.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Delphinium?

Delphinium spp.

Delphinium plants contain toxic alkaloids.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Dieffenbachia?

Dieffenbachia spp.

Dieffenbachia plants are toxic.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Dill?

Anethum graveolens

Dill leaves are generally safe.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Dogbane?

Apocynum spp.

Dogbane plants contain toxic cardiac glycosides.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Dragon Fruit?

Hylocereus spp.

Dragon fruit may be offered occasionally.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Durian?

Durio zibethinus

Durian should be fed very rarely.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Eggplant?

Solanum melongena

Eggplant should be fed cautiously.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Elephant Bush?

Portulacaria afra

Elephant bush is a safe edible succulent for tortoises.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Elm Leaves?

Ulmus spp.

Elm leaves can be eaten by tortoises.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Endive?

Cichorium endivia

Endive is generally safe for tortoises.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Escarole?

Cichorium endivia (var. latifolium)

Escarole is generally safe for tortoises.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Evening Primrose?

Oenothera spp.

Evening primrose leaves and flowers are generally safe.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Fennel Leaves?

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel leaves are generally safe.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Fenugreek Leaves?

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Fenugreek leaves have limited tortoise feeding data.

SafeDaily

Can Tortoises Eat Fescue Grass?

Festuca spp.

Fescue grasses are safe grazing plants.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Field Bindweed?

Convolvulus arvensis

Field bindweed should be limited.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Fig Leaves?

Ficus carica

Fig leaves should be fed cautiously.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Fig?

Ficus carica

Fig fruit can be offered occasionally.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Fireweed?

Chamerion angustifolium

Fireweed leaves are safe browse plants.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Fleabane?

Erigeron spp.

Fleabane may be eaten occasionally.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Foxglove?

Digitalis purpurea

Foxglove is highly toxic.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Gardenia?

Gardenia jasminoides

Gardenia plants are not well studied as tortoise food.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Garlic?

Allium sativum

Garlic contains toxic compounds.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Geranium?

Pelargonium spp.

Geranium plants should be used cautiously.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Goldenrod?

Solidago spp.

Goldenrod is a safe wild forage plant.

SafeDaily

Can Tortoises Eat Goosegrass?

Eleusine indica

Goosegrass is safe forage grass.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Grape Leaves?

Vitis vinifera

Grape leaves are safe for tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Grapefruit?

Citrus paradisi

Grapefruit may be offered occasionally.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Green Beans?

Phaseolus vulgaris

Green beans can be eaten in small amounts.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Green Cabbage?

Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group)

Green cabbage can be fed occasionally.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Green Leaf Lettuce?

Lactuca sativa

Green leaf lettuce is safe but low in nutrition.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Guava?

Psidium guajava

Guava may be offered occasionally.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Hackberry Leaves?

Celtis spp.

Hackberry leaves are safe browse plants.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Hawkbit?

Leontodon spp.

Hawkbit is generally safe forage.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Hawkweed?

Hieracium spp.

Hawkweed is generally safe forage.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Hemlock?

Conium maculatum

Hemlock is extremely poisonous.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Henbit?

Lamium amplexicaule

Henbit is generally safe in mixed forage.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Hens and Chicks?

Sempervivum spp.

Hens and chicks should be fed cautiously.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Hibiscus Flowers?

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Hibiscus flowers are safe and commonly fed to tortoises.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Hibiscus Leaves?

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Hibiscus leaves are safe for most tortoise species.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Hollyhock?

Alcea rosea

Hollyhock leaves and flowers are safe forage plants.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Honeydew?

Cucumis melo

Honeydew melon may be offered occasionally.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Horseweed?

Conyza canadensis

Horseweed may be eaten by tortoises.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Hydrangea?

Hydrangea spp.

Hydrangea plants are toxic.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Ice Plant?

Carpobrotus spp.

Ice plant leaves are generally safe for tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Iceberg Lettuce?

Lactuca sativa (Iceberg Group)

Iceberg lettuce is not recommended beyond rare use.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Ivy?

Hedera helix

Ivy plants are toxic to animals.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Jackfruit?

Artocarpus heterophyllus

Jackfruit can be offered occasionally.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Jade Plant?

Crassula ovata

Jade plants are considered toxic to animals.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Jimsonweed?

Datura stramonium

Jimsonweed contains potent toxic alkaloids.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Kale?

Brassica oleracea (var. sabellica)

Kale can be fed, but not as a daily staple.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Kiwi?

Actinidia deliciosa

Kiwi can be fed occasionally.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Knotweed?

Polygonum spp.

Knotweed may be eaten occasionally.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Kohlrabi?

Brassica oleracea

Kohlrabi can be fed occasionally.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Lamb's Quarters?

Chenopodium album

Lamb’s quarters can be fed occasionally.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Lantana?

Lantana camara

Lantana is toxic to animals.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Larkspur?

Delphinium spp.

Larkspur contains toxic alkaloids.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Lavender?

Lavandula spp.

Lavender should be fed cautiously.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Leek?

Allium porrum

Leeks contain toxic allium compounds.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Lemon Balm?

Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm leaves are safe for tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Lemon Verbena?

Aloysia citrodora

Lemon verbena contains aromatic oils.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Lemon?

Citrus limon

Lemons should be fed cautiously.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Lentil Sprouts?

Lens culinaris

Lentil sprouts can be fed occasionally.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Lily?

Lilium spp.

Lily plants may be toxic.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Lime?

Citrus aurantiifolia

Limes should be fed cautiously.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Linden Leaves?

Tilia spp.

Linden leaves are safe browse plants.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Longan?

Dimocarpus longan

Longan fruit can be offered occasionally.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Loquat Leaves?

Eriobotrya japonica

Loquat leaves contain cyanogenic compounds.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Lovage?

Levisticum officinale

Lovage has limited feeding data for tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Lychee?

Litchi chinensis

Lychee can be offered occasionally.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Mallow?

Malva sylvestris

Mallow is considered safe for tortoises.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Manchineel?

Hippomane mancinella

Manchineel is one of the most toxic trees.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Mango Leaves?

Mangifera indica

Mango leaves contain irritating sap compounds.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Mango?

Mangifera indica

Mango can be fed occasionally to tropical tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Mangosteen?

Garcinia mangostana

Mangosteen fruit may be offered occasionally.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Maple Leaves?

Acer spp.

Maple leaves may be eaten by tortoises.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Marigold?

Tagetes spp.

Marigold flowers are safe for tortoises.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Marjoram?

Origanum majorana

Marjoram leaves are generally safe.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Milkweed?

Asclepias spp.

Milkweed plants contain toxic cardiac glycosides.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Mint?

Mentha spp.

Mint leaves are safe in small amounts.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Monkshood?

Aconitum spp.

Monkshood is highly toxic.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Morning Glory?

Ipomoea spp.

Morning glory plants have limited safety data for tortoises.

SafeDaily

Can Tortoises Eat Mulberry Leaves?

Morus spp.

Mulberry leaves are excellent forage for tortoises.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Mustard Greens?

Brassica juncea

Mustard greens can be fed in moderation.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Mustard Sprouts?

Brassica spp.

Mustard sprouts should be fed sparingly.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Napa Cabbage?

Brassica rapa (Pekinensis Group)

Napa cabbage can be fed occasionally.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Narrowleaf Plantain?

Plantago lanceolata

Yes, narrowleaf plantain is safe for tortoises.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Nasturtium?

Tropaeolum majus

Nasturtium leaves and flowers are safe for tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Nectarine?

Prunus persica

Nectarines can be fed occasionally.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Nightshade?

Solanum spp.

Nightshade plants contain toxic alkaloids.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Oak Leaves?

Quercus spp.

Oak leaves contain tannins.

SafeDaily

Can Tortoises Eat Oat Grass?

Avena sativa

Oat grass is safe grazing forage.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Okra?

Abelmoschus esculentus

Okra can be fed occasionally to tortoises.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Oleander?

Nerium oleander

Oleander is extremely toxic.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Onion?

Allium cepa

Onions are toxic to animals.

SafeDaily

Can Tortoises Eat Opuntia Cactus?

Opuntia spp.

Opuntia cactus pads are one of the best foods for grazing tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Orange?

Citrus sinensis

Oranges can be fed occasionally to tropical tortoises.

SafeDaily

Can Tortoises Eat Orchard Grass?

Dactylis glomerata

Orchard grass is safe forage.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Oregano?

Origanum vulgare

Oregano leaves are generally safe in moderation.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Pansy?

Viola tricolor

Pansy flowers are generally safe for tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Papaya?

Carica papaya

Papaya can be fed occasionally.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Parsley?

Petroselinum crispum

Parsley can be fed occasionally.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Parsnip?

Pastinaca sativa

Parsnip root can be fed rarely.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Passionfruit?

Passiflora edulis

Passionfruit may be fed occasionally.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Pea Shoots?

Pisum sativum

Pea shoots can be eaten occasionally.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Pea Sprouts?

Pisum sativum

Pea sprouts can be fed occasionally.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Peach?

Prunus persica

Peaches may be fed occasionally.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Pear Leaves?

Pyrus communis

Pear leaves are generally safe browse plants.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Pear?

Pyrus communis

Pear can be fed in small amounts occasionally.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Peas?

Pisum sativum

Peas should only be offered rarely.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Pecan Leaves?

Carya illinoinensis

Pecan tree leaves are generally safe browse.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Pennywort?

Hydrocotyle spp.

Pennywort has limited feeding data for tortoises.

Can Tortoises Eat Pennywort?

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Peppermint?

Mentha × piperita

Peppermint leaves are safe in moderation.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Persimmon Leaves?

Diospyros kaki

Persimmon leaves are safe browse plants.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Persimmon?

Diospyros kaki

Persimmon may be offered occasionally.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Petunia?

Petunia spp.

Petunia should be fed cautiously.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Philodendron?

Philodendron spp.

Philodendron plants are toxic.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Pigweed?

Amaranthus spp.

Pigweed leaves can be eaten by tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Pineapple?

Ananas comosus

Pineapple should be offered rarely.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Plum Leaves?

Prunus domestica

Plum leaves are toxic to animals.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Plum?

Prunus domestica

Plums may be offered occasionally.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Poison Ivy?

Toxicodendron radicans

Poison ivy contains urushiol oil.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Poison Oak?

Toxicodendron diversilobum

Poison oak contains urushiol oils.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Poison Sumac?

Toxicodendron vernix

Poison sumac contains urushiol oils.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Pomegranate?

Punica granatum

Pomegranate may be fed occasionally.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Poplar Leaves?

Populus spp.

Poplar leaves are safe browse plants.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Pothos?

Epipremnum aureum

Pothos plants contain calcium oxalate crystals.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Prickly Lettuce?

Lactuca serriola

Prickly lettuce is a safe wild weed forage.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Prickly Pear Fruit?

Opuntia spp.

Prickly pear fruit can be offered occasionally.

SafeDaily

Can Tortoises Eat Prickly Pear Pads?

Opuntia spp.

Prickly pear cactus pads are an excellent food for tortoises.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Prickly Sow Thistle?

Sonchus asper

Prickly sow thistle can be eaten by tortoises.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Privet?

Ligustrum spp.

Privet plants are toxic.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Pumpkin Flowers?

Cucurbita spp.

Pumpkin flowers are edible for tortoises.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Pumpkin Leaves?

Cucurbita spp.

Pumpkin leaves are edible forage for tortoises.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Pumpkin?

Cucurbita maxima

Pumpkin can be fed occasionally to tortoises.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Purslane?

Portulaca oleracea

Purslane is generally safe in small amounts.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Queen Anne's Lace?

Daucus carota

Queen Anne's lace is wild carrot.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Radicchio?

Cichorium intybus (Chicory Group)

Radicchio is generally safe for tortoises.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Radish Leaves?

Raphanus sativus

Radish leaves are generally safe for tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Radish Root?

Raphanus sativus

Radish root can be eaten in very small amounts.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Ragweed?

Ambrosia spp.

Ragweed may be eaten by tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Rambutan?

Nephelium lappaceum

Rambutan may be offered occasionally.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Raspberry?

Rubus idaeus

Raspberries can be fed occasionally to some tortoise species.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Red Cabbage?

Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group)

Red cabbage can be fed occasionally in small amounts.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Red Clover?

Trifolium pratense

Red clover can be fed occasionally to tortoises.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Red Leaf Lettuce?

Lactuca sativa

Red leaf lettuce is safe but not a staple food.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Rhododendron?

Rhododendron spp.

Rhododendron plants are toxic to animals.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Romaine Lettuce?

Lactuca sativa

Romaine is safe but not nutritionally strong as a staple.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Rose Leaves?

Rosa spp.

Rose leaves are generally safe for tortoises.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Rose Petals?

Rosa spp.

Rose petals are safe edible flowers for tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Rosemary?

Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary should be fed cautiously.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Rutabaga?

Brassica napus

Rutabaga should be fed sparingly.

SafeDaily

Can Tortoises Eat Rye Grass?

Lolium spp.

Rye grass can be eaten by tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Sage?

Salvia officinalis

Sage contains strong aromatic oils.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Sapote?

Pouteria spp.

Sapote fruit may be offered occasionally.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Sedum?

Sedum spp.

Sedum should be fed cautiously.

ToxicToxic

Can Tortoises Eat Shallot?

Allium cepa

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SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Shepherd’s Purse?

Capsella bursa-pastoris

Shepherd’s purse is generally safe forage.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Snapdragon?

Antirrhinum majus

Snapdragon flowers are generally safe.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Sorrel?

Rumex acetosa

Sorrel leaves contain high oxalate levels.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Soursop?

Annona muricata

Soursop may be fed occasionally.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Sow Thistle?

Sonchus oleraceus

Sow thistle is generally safe for tortoises to eat.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Speedwell?

Veronica spp.

Speedwell should be treated cautiously unless ID is certain.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Spinach?

Spinacia oleracea

Spinach should be limited for tortoises.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Spurge?

Euphorbia spp.

Spurge plants contain irritating latex sap.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Squash Leaves?

Cucurbita spp.

Squash leaves can be eaten by tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Starfruit?

Averrhoa carambola

Starfruit can be fed rarely.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Stevia?

Stevia rebaudiana

Stevia leaves contain natural sweet compounds.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Stinging Nettle?

Urtica dioica

Nettle can be used carefully (often dried/wilted).

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Strawberry?

Fragaria × ananassa

Strawberries can be fed occasionally.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Sugar Cane?

Saccharum officinarum

Sugar cane contains very high sugar.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Sunflower Leaves?

Helianthus annuus

Sunflower leaves are generally safe for tortoises.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Sunflower Petals?

Helianthus annuus

Sunflower petals are safe edible flowers.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Sunflower Sprouts?

Helianthus annuus

Sunflower sprouts may be fed occasionally.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Sweet Potato Leaves?

Ipomoea batatas

Sweet potato leaves are generally safe forage.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Sweet Potato?

Ipomoea batatas

Sweet potato can be offered occasionally.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Swiss Chard?

Beta vulgaris (Cicla Group)

Swiss chard should be limited.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Sycamore Leaves?

Platanus spp.

Sycamore leaves may be eaten by tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Tamarind?

Tamarindus indica

Tamarind pulp may be offered rarely.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Tansy?

Tanacetum vulgare

Tansy contains toxic compounds.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Tarragon?

Artemisia dracunculus

Tarragon should be fed cautiously.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Teasel?

Dipsacus spp.

Teasel has limited feeding data for tortoises.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Thorn Apple?

Datura spp.

Thorn apple plants contain toxic alkaloids.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Thyme?

Thymus vulgaris

Thyme leaves are safe in small amounts.

SafeDaily

Can Tortoises Eat Timothy Grass?

Phleum pratense

Timothy grass is a staple grazing plant.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Tomato Leaves?

Solanum lycopersicum

Tomato leaves contain toxic alkaloids.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Tomato?

Solanum lycopersicum

Tomato fruit can be fed rarely.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Tree Tobacco?

Nicotiana glauca

Tree tobacco plants contain nicotine alkaloids.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Tulip?

Tulipa spp.

Tulip plants are toxic to animals.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Turnip Greens?

Brassica rapa

Turnip greens can be used in moderation.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Turnip Root?

Brassica rapa

Turnip root can be fed rarely.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Verbena?

Verbena spp.

Verbena plants have limited feeding data for tortoises.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Violet?

Viola spp.

Violets are generally safe for tortoises.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Walnut Leaves?

Juglans spp.

Walnut leaves contain juglone compounds.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Water Hemlock?

Cicuta spp.

Water hemlock is extremely poisonous.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Watercress?

Nasturtium officinale

Watercress is generally safe in moderation.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Watermelon?

Citrullus lanatus

Watermelon may be offered occasionally.

SafeDaily

Can Tortoises Eat Wheatgrass?

Triticum aestivum

Wheatgrass is safe and nutritious forage.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat White Clover?

Trifolium repens

White clover can be eaten occasionally by tortoises.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Wild Carrot?

Daucus carota

Wild carrot leaves are safe forage.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Wild Garlic?

Allium spp.

Wild garlic contains toxic allium compounds.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Wild Geranium?

Geranium spp.

Wild geranium should be treated cautiously.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Wild Lettuce?

Lactuca spp.

Wild lettuce should be limited unless clearly identified.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Wild Mustard?

Sinapis arvensis

Wild mustard can be fed in moderation.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Wild Onion?

Allium spp.

Wild onions contain toxic allium compounds.

SafeRotation

Can Tortoises Eat Willow Leaves?

Salix spp.

Willow leaves are safe browse for tortoises.

CautionNever

Can Tortoises Eat Wood Sorrel?

Oxalis spp.

Wood sorrel is best avoided for routine feeding.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Yellow Squash?

Cucurbita pepo

Yellow squash can be eaten occasionally.

ToxicNever

Can Tortoises Eat Yew?

Taxus spp.

Yew trees are extremely toxic.

CautionRare

Can Tortoises Eat Yucca?

Yucca spp.

Yucca plants contain saponins.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Zinnia?

Zinnia elegans

Zinnia flowers are safe edible flowers.

SafeOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Zucchini Flowers?

Cucurbita pepo

Zucchini flowers are safe edible flowers.

CautionOccasional

Can Tortoises Eat Zucchini?

Cucurbita pepo

Zucchini can be fed in moderation to tortoises.

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