A good meal.
The natural way.
From fresh water to meadow plants. A diet inspired by the world of tortoises.
The meadow is
where the story begins.
Hermann’s tortoise is herbivorous. Its diet is based on plants from its natural Mediterranean habitat.
Meadow plants include dandelion, plantain, mallow and daisies, alongside hibiscus leaves and flowers. Knowing the plants and offering variety are important when choosing food.
Dandelion
A recognisable yellow flower and toothed leaves.
Plantain
Distinctive leaves with prominent parallel veins.
Hibiscus
Large flowers and tender green leaves.
Do not serve food straight from the fridge; let it reach room temperature first. Only gather plants where you know their origin.
Fresh water.
Always close by.
Clean water should be available in both the outdoor enclosure and the terrarium. The dish should be shallow and accessible, allowing the tortoise to get in and out safely.
Change the water regularly, several times a day if it becomes dirty.
Choose with care.
Ivy, oleander and lily of the valley are among the plants that do not belong on a tortoise’s menu. If you are unsure about a plant, do not offer it.
How should you use this guide?+
This guide provides basic information about tortoise feeding. For detailed advice on diet, supplements and care, consult a tortoise specialist.
Read the full text on food and water+
Like people and other animals, tortoises need food and water every day. Water must be available at all times, in both outdoor enclosures and terrariums. Fill a shallow dish with clean water that is not too cold, preferably lukewarm. The tortoise must be able to get in and out easily. The water should be approximately one third of the tortoise’s height, keeping its head above the surface. Hermann’s tortoises cannot swim and can drown in deeper water. Change the water regularly, at least once a day. Tortoises often climb fully into the dish and sometimes soil it. When that happens, change the water more often.
Hermann’s tortoise is a herbivorous animal. Its diet consists of plants found in its natural Mediterranean habitat. Suitable meadow plants for animals in captivity include clover, dandelion, lemon balm, mint, plantain, mallow and daisies, as well as young bramble leaves and hibiscus leaves and flowers. Garden vegetables such as radicchio, rocket, cucumber and courgette can also be offered. Food is generally offered once or twice a day, in the morning and evening.
Gathered vegetables are often stored in the fridge, but tortoises must not be given cold food. Let it reach room temperature before feeding. Pet shops sell pellets formulated specifically for tortoises. Tortoises need calcium and vitamins for healthy shell development. Food supplies some of these nutrients; the original care notes also suggest grated cuttlebone as a calcium source once or twice a month. In the wild or in outdoor enclosures, tortoises sometimes eat snails when seeking calcium. Discuss the appropriate use of supplements for your animal with a reptile vet.
What should tortoises not eat? These herbivorous tortoises should not be offered meat in any form, nor dog or cat biscuits. Food products formulated specifically for tortoises are available.
Unsuitable food can seriously harm the tortoise and its shell development, and may be fatal. Do not feed tomato leaves or ivy. Crocuses, lily of the valley, oleander and other plants can also be poisonous to tortoises. If you are not sure that a food is suitable, do not offer it.
A big story.
Small steps.
Would you like to know more about tortoises or their care? We would be happy to talk.
Food and water.
Food and waterA varied plant-based menu, not just lettuce.+
The RVC veterinary guide recommends that suitable wild plants make up most of the diet. Fresh water should always be available in a shallow, accessible dish. Plants must be reliably identified and free from contamination. Work with a vet to tailor supplements and hatchling care.