Can Leopard Tortoises eat Stinging Nettles (dried or cooked)?
Stigmochelys pardalis · Urtica dioica
Caution
2–3×/week
Specialist resource
Same guidance. Excellent dried nettle when properly prepared.
Feeding frequency
DailyWeeklyOccasionalNever
Caution
2–3×/week
HerbivorePlantModerate oxalateNot toxic
The short answer
Same guidance. Excellent dried nettle when properly prepared.
Feeding it safely
How much / how often
2–3×/week
How to prepare
Must be dried, wilted, or briefly blanched to neutralize sting before feeding.
What's inside
Per 100 g of raw stinging nettles (dried or cooked)
481mg
Calcium
HIGH71mg
Phosphorus
6.8:1
Ca:P ratio
Moderate
Oxalate
2.7g
Protein
6.9g
Fiber
Backed by sources
Specialist resourceReptiFiles – Tortoise & Turtle Care Sheets
Cross-referenceKeeper consensus (multiple 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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