Russian Turtle Diet

In their natural Middle Eastern and Asian habitats, the Russian turtle--also known as a Russian tortoise--forages for green grasses, fresh leaves and nectar-filled flowers. When kept in captivity, pet owners should replicate the fresh, vegetarian diet the Russian tortoise requires. Offering organic greens from a home garden or farmer's market daily keeps the tortoise's digestive system balanced and illness at bay.

  1. Features

    • The Turtle Rescue of Long Island recommends a high fiber, low protein diet for Russian tortoises. The rescue also warns of feeding Russian tortoises most types of fruit due to intestinal upset. The only fruit suggested by the rescue is cactus pear fruit.

      Providing a large, shallow water dish keeps the Russian tortoise hydrated. The pet will drink, soak and defecate in the water, so change it frequently to keep the pet healthy.

    Types

    • Include many varieties of calcium-rich, high water content leafy greens in the Russian tortoises's diet, recommends the Binghamton Zoo in New York. Favorite foods include romaine, mustard greens, escarole, watercress, chicory, endive, dandelion greens (grown organically, not from a yard sprayed with chemicals), watercress, collard greens and turnip greens. For a treat, the Russian tortoise enjoys a whole carrot or the fibrous stem of a broccoli stalk once a month.

    Supplements

    • If the Russian tortoise's urate excrement looks pasty or gritty, he may suffer from dehydration. Healthy excrement appears moist and slimy. In addition to increasing the pet's time soaking in a shallow water dish, consider giving him nutritional supplements. Powdered vitamins sprinkled on the tortoise's food add nutrition. Choose a supplement containing calcium carbonate to promote strong bone health.

    Treats

    • In the wild, a Russian tortoise considers the blooms of many flowers a tasty treat. Safe flowers to include in the tortoise's diet include hibiscus, clovers, daisies, geraniums, petunias and rose buds. Choose flowers free of herbicides or pesticides that you have grown indoors or purchased at an organic market. For the safety of the tortoise, wash and remove all stems, thorns and leaves before serving.

    Warnings

    • Russian tortoises do not eat animal proteins, according to the San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society. The vegetarian animal's digestive system cannot process the complex proteins.

      After the tortoise eats his fill of greens and treats, remove the fresh produce before it wilts or spoils. Also avoid feeding the tortoise human foods high in calories, fats and sugars.