Basking

Can Russian Tortoises eat Dandelion Greens?

Agrionemys horsfieldii · Taraxacum officinale

Safe

Staple — offer freely as part of the daily salad mix

The Tortoise Table

Excellent Ca:P ratio (~2.8:1), low oxalate. One of the best staple foods for Russian tortoises.

Feeding frequency

DailyWeeklyOccasionalNever
Safe

Staple — offer freely as part of the daily salad mix

HerbivoreLeafy greenLow oxalateNot toxic

The short answer

Excellent Ca:P ratio (~2.8:1), low oxalate. One of the best staple foods for Russian tortoises.

Feeding it safely

How much / how often

Staple — offer freely as part of the daily salad mix.

What's inside

Per 100 g of raw dandelion greens

187mg

Calcium

66mg

Phosphorus

2.8:1

Ca:P ratio

Low

Oxalate

2.7g

Protein

3.5g

Fiber

Backed by sources

The Tortoise TableThe Tortoise Table

Dandelion is a favourite tortoise food, high in calcium and a good source of vitamins. Leaves, flowers, and stalks are all edible. Feed regularly.

Calcium 187 mg, Phosphorus 66 mg per 100 g. Favorable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

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.

← All Russian Tortoise foods