Can Red-footed Tortoises eat Waxworms?
Chelonoidis carbonarius · Galleria mellonella
Caution
Rarely — no more than monthly
Red-footed Tortoises are omnivores with approximately 10% animal protein allowance in their diet, making occasional insect protein biologically appropriate. However, waxworms are extremely high in fat and low in nutritional value, so they should be considered a very rare treat if offered at all, dusted with calcium.
Feeding frequency
Rarely — no more than monthly
The short answer
Red-footed Tortoises are omnivores with approximately 10% animal protein allowance in their diet, making occasional insect protein biologically appropriate. However, waxworms are extremely high in fat and low in nutritional value, so they should be considered a very rare treat if offered at all, dusted with calcium.
Feeding it safely
How much / how often
Backed by sources
Reviewed by basking_research · June 2026
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