Can Red-footed Tortoises eat Opuntia Cactus Pads?
Chelonoidis carbonarius · Opuntia ficus-indica
Safe
Offer 1–2 times per week
The Tortoise Table
Safe and nutritious, good fiber and calcium source.
Feeding frequency
DailyWeeklyOccasionalNever
Safe
Offer 1–2 times per week
OmnivoreVegetableLow oxalateNot toxic
The short answer
Safe and nutritious, good fiber and calcium source.
Feeding it safely
How much / how often
Offer 1–2 times per week. Remove spines.
How to prepare
Remove spines before feeding.
What's inside
Per 100 g of raw opuntia cactus pads
164mg
Calcium
24mg
Phosphorus
6.8:1
Ca:P ratio
Low
Oxalate
1.3g
Protein
3.6g
Fiber
Backed by sources
The Tortoise TableThe Tortoise Table
Opuntia — safe. Good fiber and calcium. Remove spines.
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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