Can Russian Tortoises eat Watermelon?

Q: Can Russian Tortoises eat Watermelon?

Watermelon is rated caution for Russian Tortoises. Very high water content combined with sugar makes it a poor dietary choice. Diarrhea risk if fed regularly; fine as a very occasional hydration boost in hot weather.

Agrionemys horsfieldii · Citrullus lanatus

Caution

Very rare treat — a small piece once per month, if at all

The Tortoise Table

Very high water content combined with sugar makes it a poor dietary choice. Diarrhea risk if fed regularly; fine as a very occasional hydration boost in hot weather.

Feeding frequency

DailyWeeklyOccasionalNever

Caution

Very rare treat — a small piece once per month, if at all

HerbivoreFruitNone oxalateNot toxic

The short answer

Very high water content combined with sugar makes it a poor dietary choice. Diarrhea risk if fed regularly; fine as a very occasional hydration boost in hot weather.

Feeding it safely

How much / how often

Very rare treat — a small piece once per month, if at all. Not a substitute for a water dish.

What's inside

Per 100 g of raw watermelon

7mg

Calcium

11mg

Phosphorus

0.6:1

Ca:P ratio

INVERTED

None

Oxalate

0.6g

Protein

0.4g

Fiber

Backed by sources

The Tortoise TableThe Tortoise Table

Citrullus lanatus — caution. Very high water and sugar. Can cause diarrhea. Not suitable 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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