Can Leopard Tortoises eat Alfalfa?
Stigmochelys pardalis · Medicago sativa
Caution
2–3×/week
Merck Vet Manual specifically recommends grass/alfalfa hay for Leopard Tortoises alongside Sulcata. Tortoise Trust flags Leopard Tortoises as particularly vulnerable to goitrogens and high protein; while alfalfa is not a noted goitrogen, the low Ca:P ratio and relatively high protein content warrant moderation.
Feeding frequency
2–3×/week
The short answer
Merck Vet Manual specifically recommends grass/alfalfa hay for Leopard Tortoises alongside Sulcata. Tortoise Trust flags Leopard Tortoises as particularly vulnerable to goitrogens and high protein; while alfalfa is not a noted goitrogen, the low Ca:P ratio and relatively high protein content warrant moderation.
Feeding it safely
How much / how often
What's inside
Per 100 g of raw alfalfa
32mg
Calcium
70mg
Phosphorus
0.5:1
Ca:P ratio
INVERTEDLow
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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