Gary Lynch, Ph.D. and David Salmon, Ph.D.

While differing in details the nutritional requirements of chelonians in general follow those of more familiar animals with similar GI tracts. Particularly with captive tortoises it is preferable to offer the animals a generally high plane of nutrition rather than to address their clinical nutritional deficiencies one by one on an ad hoc basis. As much as possible all relevant nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, fiber) should be calculated and deliberately formulated into the diet, rather than relying solely on trial and error. Unfortunately typical feed tags do not contain adequate information to accomplish this and keepers of captive tortoises often have little idea of the nutrient levels in the hays, grasses and greens that they commonly offer. Tortoises GI tracts are characterized by a large cecum which carries out significant hind gut fermentation. Consequently they require a low protein, high fiber diet. One must be careful, though, to remember that a great many food items contain a high proportion of water and that nutrient levels should be calculated on a dry matter basis. Metabolic bone disease is a significant cause of death and suffering for many chelonians kept in captivity. In the vast majority of cases this problem is the result in an imbalance in three nutrients – calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3 – and usually can be easily prevented by improving the animals’ diet.
Captive Husbandry & Veterinary Management Oral

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