Can Russian Tortoises eat Rhubarb?

Q: Can Russian Tortoises eat Rhubarb?

Rhubarb is rated toxic for Russian Tortoises. Leaves contain extremely high concentrations of oxalic acid — sufficient to cause acute kidney failure and death. Stalks also contain elevated oxalate. Do not feed any part of the plant.

Agrionemys horsfieldii · Rheum × hybridum

Toxic

Do not feed

The Tortoise Table

Leaves contain extremely high concentrations of oxalic acid — sufficient to cause acute kidney failure and death. Stalks also contain elevated oxalate. Do not feed any part of the plant.

Toxic

HerbivoreVegetableHigh oxalate

The short answer

Leaves contain extremely high concentrations of oxalic acid — sufficient to cause acute kidney failure and death. Stalks also contain elevated oxalate. Do not feed any part of the plant.

Backed by sources

The Tortoise TableThe Tortoise Table

Rheum sp. — toxic. Contains very high levels of oxalic acid, particularly in the leaves. Potentially fatal.

Cross-referenceASPCA Animal Poison Control — Rhubarb (Rheum spp.)

Contains oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides. Toxic — kidney damage.

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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