A Redfoot Tortoise's Diet

The redfoot tortoise is a common sight in the pet trade. These hardy tortoises rarely exceed 14 inches in length and are completely terrestrial, meaning they require only a shallow water dish and nothing more. Known for their reddish orange scales and markings, these tortoises are native to South America, but have made their way to several Caribbean islands. Omnivorous by nature, redfoot tortoises are known to eat a very wide variety of foods.

  1. Fruits

    • Fruits constitute around 70 percent of a redfoot tortoise's diet and should be the primary component. The redfoot tortoise can thrive on numerous different fruits. These fruits include strawberries, pears, melons, kiwi, pineapples, peaches, plums, cantaloupes and papayas.

    Greens

    • Along with fruits, redfoots need greens. Redfoot tortoises need high amounts of calcium for proper shell growth, and should be fed greens that contain lots of it. Types of greens include dandelion greens, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, hibiscus leaves, endives and grape leaves.

    Flowers

    • In the wild, the redfoot tortoise also eats numerous different edible flowers. These flowers include dandelions, hibiscus and nasturtium. These flowers are not typically fed to animals in captivity, however, as captive animals usually thrive on a fruit and greens diet.

    Vegetables

    • Many vegetables can be fed to redfoot tortoises provided they are properly cut. Vegetables include carrots, which should be diced, sliced cucumber, and potatoes, all of which not only contribute vitamins to the animal's diet but water as well.

    Protein

    • Redfoot tortoises are omnivorous, but eat almost 90 percent vegetation. However, some protein is important in the animal's diet. In the wild, they may eat worms, bugs or even carrion (animal carcasses). In captivity, redfoots can be fed wet cat foods once a week or so, preferably sprinkled with some calcium powder to promote shell growth.

    Foods to Avoid

    • Spinach can be fed to redfoot tortoises, as they will often readily accept it, but should only be provided sparingly and in small quantities. Spinach contains oxalates which alleviate dietary calcium, which is essential for your turtle's shell. Corn should also be avoided, as its starchy nature makes it difficult for the tortoise to digest and could lead to an impaction; it will have difficulty defecating and may expel bits of its innards. Banana is also not a great food because of its lack of water content as opposed to other fruits.