Can Leopard Tortoises eat Purslane?
Portulaca oleracea
Safety verdict
Caution
Why
[confidence: high] [source: The Tortoise Table plant database (tortoisetable.org.uk) and exotic reptile veterinarian review specializing in chelonian nutrition] Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is high in soluble oxalic acid, which binds dietary calcium and can impair calcium absorption — a significant concern for leopard tortoises, which require a high calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for proper shell and bone development. It also contains relatively high moisture content and omega-3 fatty acids, which are not inherently harmful but do not suit the low-moisture, high-fiber diet this species requires.
How much / how often
Offer only occasionally as a very small component of a varied diet — no more than once or twice per month and in small amounts.
Preparation
Offer fresh and unwashed of any pesticides or herbicides; do not offer wilted or decaying plant material. Pair with high-calcium foods such as dandelion or cuttlebone supplementation to offset oxalate binding.
Nutrition (per 100 g)
65 mg
Calcium
44 mg
Phosphorus
1.5:1
Ca:P ratio
high
Oxalate
2 g
Protein
0.4 g
Fiber
Reviewed by admin on May 2026