Can Russian Tortoises eat Tilapia?
Agrionemys horsfieldii · Oreochromis niloticus
Toxic
Should never be offered — not a suitable food item for Russian Tortoises under any circumstances
[confidence: high] [source: Exotic reptile veterinarian review (e.g., Dr. Susan Donoghue's reptile nutrition work), The Tortoise Table plant and food database, peer-reviewed herpetology journal on chelonian digestive physiology] Russian Tortoises are strict herbivores and their digestive systems are not adapted to process animal protein; feeding tilapia or any fish can cause serious hepatic and renal damage over time, and the high animal protein load can lead to gout and organ failure. No fish or animal flesh is appropriate for this species.
Feeding frequency
Should never be offered — not a suitable food item for Russian Tortoises under any circumstances
The short answer
[confidence: high] [source: Exotic reptile veterinarian review (e.g., Dr. Susan Donoghue's reptile nutrition work), The Tortoise Table plant and food database, peer-reviewed herpetology journal on chelonian digestive physiology] Russian Tortoises are strict herbivores and their digestive systems are not adapted to process animal protein; feeding tilapia or any fish can cause serious hepatic and renal damage over time, and the high animal protein load can lead to gout and organ failure. No fish or animal flesh is appropriate for this species.
Feeding it safely
How much / how often
What's inside
Per 100 g of raw tilapia
10mg
Calcium
204mg
Phosphorus
0.0:1
Ca:P ratio
INVERTEDNone
Oxalate
26.2g
Protein
0g
Fiber
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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