Can Russian Tortoises eat Alfalfa?
Agrionemys horsfieldii · Medicago sativa
Caution
2–3×/week
ReptiFiles explicitly lists alfalfa as safe for Russian Tortoises, and Merck Vet Manual supports grass/alfalfa for larger tortoises. However, the Ca:P ratio of 0.46:1 is well below the Tortoise Trust target of 3.5:1, and the high protein content (~25% dry weight) risks renal strain if fed in excess for this low-protein species.
Feeding frequency
2–3×/week
The short answer
ReptiFiles explicitly lists alfalfa as safe for Russian Tortoises, and Merck Vet Manual supports grass/alfalfa for larger tortoises. However, the Ca:P ratio of 0.46:1 is well below the Tortoise Trust target of 3.5:1, and the high protein content (~25% dry weight) risks renal strain if fed in excess for this low-protein species.
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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