Can Red-eared Sliders eat Alfalfa?
Trachemys scripta elegans · Medicago sativa
Safe
Weekly
ReptiFiles lists alfalfa as safe for herbivore tortoises and Tortoise Trust endorses alfalfa hay broadly; for omnivorous Red-eared Sliders, the plant component benefits from varied leafy greens. The protein content is not a concern for this omnivore species, and alfalfa poses no identified toxicity.
Feeding frequency
Weekly
The short answer
ReptiFiles lists alfalfa as safe for herbivore tortoises and Tortoise Trust endorses alfalfa hay broadly; for omnivorous Red-eared Sliders, the plant component benefits from varied leafy greens. The protein content is not a concern for this omnivore species, and alfalfa poses no identified toxicity.
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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