The Tortoise Trust website has detailed information on this subject.
However, for Mediterranean tortoises, experts recommend wild plants like grass, clover, dandelion and sow thistle.
If possible let your tortoise graze in a grassy area.
Wash wild plants and do not pick those contaminated by roadside chemicals or weedkiller.
Lettuce is bad for tortoises if used in excess.
So is spinach, or cabbage, broccoli, pac choi, other brassicas, or fruit.
You can also buy a special tortoise seed mix, either for growing indoors or outside, from Herbiseed, The Nurseries, Billingbear Park, Wokingham RG40 5RY (01344 425586). Info@herbiseed.com www.herbiseed.com
Use a calcium supplement at least three times a week, especially for juveniles and egg-laying females.
DOES MY TORTOISE NEED EXTRA PROTEIN?
No. Tortoises only need fresh plants in their diet. Do not feed dog food or meat. Meat causes kidney damage and lumpy shell syndrome. You will find so-called out of date experts suggesting meat or sometimes peas and beans. This is WRONG. Ignore it.
