Can Russian Tortoises eat Butterhead Lettuce?

Q: Can Russian Tortoises eat Butterhead Lettuce?

Butterhead Lettuce is rated caution for Russian Tortoises. Very high water (~96%), low Ca and nutritional value. Never a dietary staple. Occasional hydration treat or supplement carrier only.

Agrionemys horsfieldii · Lactuca sativa var. capitata

Caution

Treat only

Cross-reference

Very high water (~96%), low Ca and nutritional value. Never a dietary staple. Occasional hydration treat or supplement carrier only.

Caution

Treat only

HerbivoreLeafy greenLow oxalateNot toxic

The short answer

Very high water (~96%), low Ca and nutritional value. Never a dietary staple. Occasional hydration treat or supplement carrier only.

Feeding it safely

How much / how often

Treat only

What's inside

Per 100 g of raw butterhead lettuce

35mg

Calcium

33mg

Phosphorus

1.1:1

Ca:P ratio

Low

Oxalate

1.4g

Protein

1.1g

Fiber

Backed by sources

Cross-referenceKeeper consensus (multiple 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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