Can Tortoises Eat Dandelions?

I remember when I became a new tortoise owner it seemed like there was so much information available that it was hard to wrap my head around things. One of the most challenging things as a tortoise owner is their diet, even now after decades of owning tortoises I still learn new things. Tortoises are herbivores who require a high calcium, high fiber and low protein diet. Do dandelions fit this criteria? Let’s find out.

Can tortoises eat dandelions? Yes tortoises can eat dandelions as they are a good source of nutrients like vitamin A, C, K, fiber and calcium. However they shouldn’t be a staple in your tortoises diet as they are high in oxalates which can prevent your tortoise from absorbing calcium leading to a number of problems. A few dandelions two to three times a week is the recommended amount to limit the negative effects but still provide them with all the benefits.

In this article we are going to outline the health benefits of dandelions, can tortoises eat the stems and a few other important topics you need to be aware of so read on!

Are Dandelions Safe For Tortoises?

There are no toxins found in dandelions that make them unsuitable for tortoises to have. Dandelions contain some oxalic acid which is safe for them to eat as it’s found in many foods but it means dandelions should be fed in moderation.

When given sparingly dandelions can provide your tortoise with a number of health benefits due to the nutrients they have.

We will explain them in the next section.

Nutritional Benefits Of Dandelions

Vitamin C

Dandelions contain vitamin C which helps tortoises create and repair tissues within the body. It’s also needed for healing wounds, protecting the immune system, allowing tortoises to absorb calcium better and lowering blood pressure.

Vitamin C is found in many leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is important for tortoises as it’s helps with bone health. This is needed for tortoises to keep their shell and bones healthy reducing the risk of breaks.

It’s also responsible for blood clotting and helping your tortoise heal wounds quickly and efficiently. Without sufficient vitamin K in their diet a minor cut might bleed more than it should, leading to further health problems.

High In Antioxidants

Antioxidants are used in the body to fight and slow down oxidative stress. This is caused by free radicals in the body which are unstable atoms that cause things like ageing and chronic illnesses.

The majority of the antioxidants found in dandelions are within the flower itself.

There are two main types of antioxidants that are in dandelions :

Beta-carotene – Needed for creating vitamin A, beta carotene helps the body with eye health, protecting the immune system, skin health and the production of healthy mucous membranes.

Polyphenols – These kind of antioxidants have been studied to manage blood pressure levels, help with circulation, reduce inflammation and keep blood vessels functioning. All of these things combined make polyphenols great for your tortoises cardiovascular health.

Good Source Of Fiber

Dandelions also contain a good amount of fiber, soluble fiber in particular. Fiber aids with your tortoises digestive system helping them to absorb nutrients better along with promoting better bowel movements reducing constipation.

Calcium

Tortoises require a diet high in calcium, this makes dandelion a suitable option on the menu. Calcium is vital for bone and shell health in tortoises, particularly when they are babies as they need it to grow.

As calcium plays such a big role in their development a deficiency in it can have grave consequences like weak bones and further problems like metabolic bone disease which can lead to death if it isn’t treated.

Are Dandelions Bad For Tortoises?

High In Oxalates

Oxalic acid isn’t an immediate cause for concern, however when it features too heavily in your tortoises diet it can become a problem.

In the body oxalic acid attached itself onto calcium forming calcium oxalate. This prevents tortoises from being able to make good use of this mineral.

As we read above calcium is vitally important for a tortoise so if they can’t use it in the body it becomes a problem.

If a tortoise can’t use calcium in the body it stores to remove it from their bones instead, which can lead to metabolic bone disease.

Another problem with oxalates is the body can’t flush them from the system. As a result this can lead to kidney stones.

Mild Diuretic Properties

A smaller problem dandelions bring is that they are a diuretic. What this means is they force the body to flush water and excess fluid.

This can become a problem because if they eat too many they will urinate more than they can hydrate themselves, which often leads to dehydration.

Can Tortoises Eat Dandelion Stems?

The stems of the dandelion are a safe part of the flower making it edible for your tortoise.

Can Tortoises Eat Dandelion Flowers?

The majority of antioxidants dandelions have are mainly found in the flowers. Therefore if you want to slow down ageing in your tortoise and lower their risk of chronic illness feeding them dandelion flowers are a great option.

How Many Dandelions Can Tortoises Eat?

Due to the high oxalate content in dandelions you should only feed them to your tortoise around 2-3 times a week. This is the perfect amount to limit the downside of oxalic acid but also ensure they receive all the nutrients dandelions contains.

Dandelions should be fed a few times a week alongside an already well-balanced diet. Don’t make them a staple in their diet and include other foods like leafy greens, vegetables and plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Feed My Tortoise Dandelions From My Yard?

If dandelions grow in your yard and you know nothing has been put on them such as pesticides then your tortoise is free to eat them. It’s best to feed your tortoise things you have organically grown, this way you know there is little to no risk they contain any toxins to harm your tortoise.

Can Tortoises Eat Wild Dandelions?

Like most flowers it’s preferred that you have grown them yourself. This is because they may have chemical pesticides sprayed on them to keep away insects. They can make your tortoise ill if ingested in large amounts.

Can My Sulcata Tortoise Eat Dandelions?

A Sulcata tortoises diet should be primarily made up of grasses and hay. However flowers are a safe snack for them so they can eat dandelions too on occasion . Make sure you feed them as part of a well varied diet that’s 90% made up of grass and hay.

Dandelions For Tortoises – Summary

Dandelions make for a safe flower that you can add to their diet two to three times a week. They aren’t a food that should be given daily due to the oxalates present however if they are fed a few times a week it won’t be a problem for them. Tortoises can enjoy a number of health benefits due to the antioxidants and nutrients packed inside this vibrant flower.

I hope this post has been useful and you have learned something new that you can apply to further improve your tortoises quality of life!