Can Red-footed Tortoises eat Wood Sorrel?
Oxalis acetosella
Safety verdict
Toxic
Why
[confidence: high] [source: The Tortoise Table plant database (tortoisetable.org.uk), peer-reviewed herpetology or veterinary toxicology journal reviewing oxalate toxicity in chelonians, and exotic reptile vet review specializing in tortoise nutrition.] Wood Sorrel (Oxalis spp.) contains high levels of soluble oxalic acid and oxalates, which bind calcium and can cause hypocalcemia and metabolic bone disease in red-footed tortoises; repeated ingestion can also lead to oxalate nephrosis and kidney damage. This toxicity mechanism is well-documented in chelonians and makes Wood Sorrel unsuitable even in small quantities.
How much / how often
Should be avoided entirely; do not offer as food.
Preparation
No preparation method neutralizes the oxalic acid content sufficiently to make this safe for 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