A tortoises daily nutrition is what will lead them to a long and healthy lifestyle however some tortoise owners may struggle when it comes to feeding them. I know it’s something that I had trouble with when I first got my tortoise which is why I put this website together so I could help people who were confused. Tortoises require a low fat high calcium diet in order to thrive. Does this mean foods like squash are suitable to feed them? Let find out.
Can tortoises eat squash? Tortoises can eat all different kinds of squash like butternut squash and pumpkin as they aren’t known to be toxic to them. While it’s not harmful to tortoises it isn’t a food you want to make a staple in their diet. Many types of squash are high in sugar which will upset the digestive system of a lot of tortoise species.
In this article we are going to cover different types of squash along with what potential advantages and disadvantages they bring to tortoises.
Potential Benefits Of Feeding Your Tortoise Squash
A Number of Vital Vitamins
Vitamin A – Vastly important for eye health, vitamin A is also in many types of squash. It’s also needed for immune system function, skin health and can lower the risk of certain cancers.
Vitamin A deficiency is a problem among reptiles and causes problems such as :
- Increased infection due to a weakened immune system
- Swollen and inflamed eyes
- Swollen limbs
- Horny parts of the skin thickening
- Poor epithetical development
- Trouble breathing/wheezing
A deficiency in vitamin A is mainly treated by supplementing it more in a tortoises diet by feeding them foods like leafy greens. In bad cases a vitamin A injection may be required.
Vitamin B6 – Tortoises need vitamin B6 in order to convert food into much needed energy. It’s also responsible for creating feel good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This can help your tortoises overall mood and reduce the chances they become depressed.
Vitamin C – There’s also a significant amount of vitamin C found in squash however as tortoises can synthesize their own via the kidneys, it doesn’t need to be supplemented through the diet.
Vitamin C is needed for immune system protection, cardiovascular health, wound healing and it can reduce the risk of chronic illness such as cancer or heart disease.
It Contains Healthy Minerals
Magnesium – Magnesium plays a big role in your tortoises heart health, it does this by lowering blood pressure further improving cardiovascular health. It’s also important for keeping their bones and shell strong, supports proper nerve function and is needed for muscles to work efficiently.
Calcium – One of the most important minerals a tortoise needs is calcium. It’s the foundation that keeps their skeletal system, bones and shell intact. Without enough in their diet tortoises are open to multiple problems like metabolic bone disease which comes with an array of problems on it’s own.
Squash has some calcium but you should always feed your tortoise different sources. Other foods high in calcium include : dandelion, kale, brussels sprouts and swiss chard.
Some owners also like to sprinkle a bit of calcium supplement onto their reptiles meals a few times a week in order to meet calcium requirements. However there is such thing as too much calcium, be sure to monitor how much you give them.
Iron – Finally squash contains iron. This mineral is needed for supplying your tortoise with energy for them to live an active life. An iron deficiency causes lethargy and inactiveness.
Iron is also important for creating hemoglobin, a protein needed for creating red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.
Potential Risks Of Feeding Your Tortoise Squash
High Sugar Content
As squash is a fruit this usually means that it’s quite high in natural sugars. While sugar isn’t deadly to tortoises it does tax the digestive system quite a bit.
Tortoises are known for having quite sensitive digestive systems and as high amounts of sugar upsets the digestive system, sugar is recommended to be kept to a minimum.
However some species of tortoise are naturally equipped with a stronger digestive system allowing them to cope better with higher amounts of sugar. They include the Red-footed and Yellow-footed tortoise. As these tortoises would frequently eat fruit out in the wild, their digestive systems are much stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Squash?
For tortoises in general you want to feed them foods they would typically eat if they were out in the wild. This means for Hermann’s tortoises foods like leafy greens, carrots, watercress and dandelions should all be in their diet.
Hermann’s tortoises can eat squash but you shouldn’t give it to them very regularly. As long as you are feeding it to them in moderation combined with the foods above there won’t be a problem.
Squash is also known to have de-worming properties that can benefit if you think your tortoise might have worms.
What Kind Of Squash Can A Sulcata Tortoise Eat?
The majority of a Sulcata tortoise’s diet should be filled with different types of grasses and hay. However in the wild there are times they may come across fruit which makes squash a safe alternative to feed your Sulcata tortoise.
Kinds of squash Sulcata tortoise’s can eat includes winter squash, butternut squash, pumpkin and acorn squash.
Remember to make sure squash doesn’t appear too frequently in their diet as Sulcata’s mostly require grass and hay.
Can Tortoises Eat Squash – Summary
Whether it be butternut squash or pumpkin, all kinds of squash are generally safe for tortoises to eat. They aren’t immediately toxic to them but contain a high amount of sugar that can cause problems within the digestive system of tortoises.
We would recommend feeding squash to your tortoise no more than once every two weeks. Pair this with a well balanced diet full of healthy greens, vegetables, flowers and leaves.
I hope this article has made you more confident with your tortoises nutrition, don’t hesitate to share it with other tortoise owners who you think may find it useful!
