Calcium phosphorus or Ca:P, what does this mean for my tortoise?
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The calcium requirement of tortoises is variable and increases during their growth phases.
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Egg laying females and young tortoises require a balanced diet rich in calcium and low in phosphorus.
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In the wild, a tortoise would consume plants and weeds typically rich in calcium, low in phosphorus and low in protein but high in fibre.
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Certain foods have a negative Ca:P ratio especially peas, beans, bananas, iceberg lettuce, spinach. Cat and dog food should be avoided at all costs.
A positive Ca:P ratio can be found in the following foods;
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Ca:P Positive |
Ca:P Negative |
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Romaine Lettuce |
Peas |
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Dandelion |
Beans |
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Robinia |
Banana fruit and leaves |
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Plantain |
Tomato |
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Vetch |
Strawberry |
For perfect growth and shell formation, tortoise require foods rich in calcium. During winter months, especially when weeds are not readily available you should supplement the diet regularly with products such as Nutrobal.
Many supplements can be found in the Food and Health section of The Tortoise Lady website.
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