Can Sulcata Tortoises eat Alfalfa?
Centrochelys sulcata · Medicago sativa
Caution
2–3×/week
ReptiFiles explicitly lists alfalfa as safe for Sulcata, and Merck Vet Manual recommends grass/alfalfa hay specifically for Sulcata and Leopard Tortoises. However, the Ca:P ratio of 0.46:1 is poor for a species requiring high calcium, and the high protein content should be managed by keeping alfalfa as a supplement rather than a staple green.
Feeding frequency
2–3×/week
The short answer
ReptiFiles explicitly lists alfalfa as safe for Sulcata, and Merck Vet Manual recommends grass/alfalfa hay specifically for Sulcata and Leopard Tortoises. However, the Ca:P ratio of 0.46:1 is poor for a species requiring high calcium, and the high protein content should be managed by keeping alfalfa as a supplement rather than a staple green.
Feeding it safely
How much / how often
What's inside
Per 100 g of raw alfalfa
32mg
Calcium
70mg
Phosphorus
0.5:1
Ca:P ratio
INVERTEDLow
Oxalate
3.99g
Protein
1.9g
Fiber
Backed by sources
Reviewed by basking_research · June 2026
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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