Can Leopard Tortoises eat Wood Sorrel?
Oxalis acetosella
Safety verdict
Toxic
Why
[confidence: high] [source: The Tortoise Table plant database, exotic reptile vet review specializing in chelonians, peer-reviewed herpetology or veterinary toxicology journal covering oxalate toxicity in tortoises.] Wood Sorrel (Oxalis spp.) contains high levels of soluble oxalic acid, which binds calcium and can cause hypocalcemia and renal oxalate deposits in Leopard Tortoises. Leopard Tortoises are particularly vulnerable given their high calcium requirements for shell and bone health.
How much / how often
Should be avoided entirely; no safe feeding quantity is established for this species.
Preparation
No preparation method neutralizes the oxalic acid content sufficiently to make this plant safe for Leopard Tortoises.
Nutrition (per 100 g)
90 mg
Calcium
36 mg
Phosphorus
2.5:1
Ca:P ratio
high
Oxalate
1.5 g
Protein
2 g
Fiber
Reviewed by admin on May 2026