What is the Sulcata Diet?

The sulcata is a vegetarian tortoise with a voracious appetite. A diet rich in fiber and calcium, low in sugar, as well as fertilizer- and pesticide-free, can keep any sulcata happy and healthy for the next 80 to 100 years.

  1. Grass

    • A fiber rich diet is essential for the health of the sulcata

      The sulcata diet should consist of 75 percent grass. The best types of grass for the sulcata include buffalo grass, bermuda grass, orchard grass, big bluestem, western wheatgrass, Arizona fescue, lawn fescue, sheep fescue, and creeping red fescue.

    Weeds, Leaves and Flowers

    • Weeds should constitute 25 percent of the sulcata diet.

      Twenty-five percent of the diet should consist of weeds, leaves and flowers, such as dandelion, prickly pear cactus pads, globe mallow, hollyhock, rose flowers, sowthistle, chickweed, mulberry leaves and grape leaves.

    Occasional Treats

    • Romaine lettuce, arugula, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, chicory, spinach and kale are rich in calcium and vitamins. However, they contain oxalic acid, a compound that affects calcium absorption, and should only be used as treats.

    Supplements

    • Calcium supplements can be fed to the sulcata. It is recommended to maintain a 2-to-1 calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in order to avoid shell deformities and other diseases.

    Foods to Avoid

    • Avoid protein-rich foods, dairy products, soy-based products, frozen vegetables, grain products, legumes, fruits, iceberg lettuce, chemically treated greens, and overfeeding.