Basking

Can Hermann's Tortoises eat Alfalfa?

Testudo hermanni · Medicago sativa

Caution

Weekly

USDA database

No explicit listing for Hermann's Tortoise in the available sources, but Tortoise Trust warns that high-protein foods risk renal damage in low-protein Mediterranean herbivores with a target of 2–6% protein wet basis. The poor Ca:P ratio (0.46:1) further conflicts with the recommended minimum of 1:1 per Merck Vet Manual.

Feeding frequency

DailyWeeklyOccasionalNever
Caution

Weekly

HerbivoreVegetableLow oxalateNot toxic

The short answer

No explicit listing for Hermann's Tortoise in the available sources, but Tortoise Trust warns that high-protein foods risk renal damage in low-protein Mediterranean herbivores with a target of 2–6% protein wet basis. The poor Ca:P ratio (0.46:1) further conflicts with the recommended minimum of 1:1 per Merck Vet Manual.

Feeding it safely

How much / how often

Weekly

What's inside

Per 100 g of raw alfalfa

32mg

Calcium

70mg

Phosphorus

0.5:1

Ca:P ratio

INVERTED

Low

Oxalate

3.99g

Protein

1.9g

Fiber

Backed by sources

Reviewed by basking_research · June 2026

Basking is here to help you learn — it isn't veterinary advice. For anything specific to your animal, talk to a qualified exotic-animal vet.

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