Can Russian Tortoises eat Kale?

Q: Can Russian Tortoises eat Kale?

Kale is rated caution for Russian Tortoises. Goitrogenic — contains glucosinolates that suppress thyroid function when fed excessively. High in calcium which is a positive, but the goitrogen risk makes it unsuitable as a staple.

Agrionemys horsfieldii · Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Caution

Occasional — no more than once per week, small quantity

The Tortoise Table

Goitrogenic — contains glucosinolates that suppress thyroid function when fed excessively. High in calcium which is a positive, but the goitrogen risk makes it unsuitable as a staple.

Feeding frequency

DailyWeeklyOccasionalNever

Caution

Occasional — no more than once per week, small quantity

HerbivoreLeafy greenLow oxalateNot toxic

The short answer

Goitrogenic — contains glucosinolates that suppress thyroid function when fed excessively. High in calcium which is a positive, but the goitrogen risk makes it unsuitable as a staple.

Feeding it safely

How much / how often

Occasional — no more than once per week, small quantity. Do not use as a staple green.

What's inside

Per 100 g of raw kale

254mg

Calcium

HIGH

55mg

Phosphorus

4.6:1

Ca:P ratio

Low

Oxalate

4.3g

Protein

4.1g

Fiber

Backed by sources

The Tortoise TableThe Tortoise Table

Brassica oleracea — caution. Goitrogenic. Feed only occasionally and in small quantities.

USDA databaseUSDA FoodData Central — Kale, raw (ID 323505)

Calcium 254 mg, Phosphorus 55 mg per 100 g. High calcium but goitrogen risk outweighs benefit as a regular food.

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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