Can Red-eared Sliders 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 addressing oxalate toxicity in aquatic turtles] Wood Sorrel (Oxalis spp.) contains high levels of soluble oxalates, which bind calcium and can cause hypocalcemia and renal damage in red-eared sliders. Repeated or significant ingestion poses a meaningful toxicity risk, particularly affecting kidney function and calcium metabolism in aquatic turtles.
How much / how often
Should be avoided entirely; no safe serving quantity is established for red-eared sliders.
Preparation
No preparation method significantly reduces soluble oxalate content to safe levels; avoidance is recommended.
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