Can Sulcata Tortoises eat Wood Sorrel?
Oxalis acetosella
Safety verdict
Toxic
Why
[confidence: high] [source: The Tortoise Table plant database, exotic reptile veterinarian review specializing in chelonians, peer-reviewed herpetology or veterinary toxicology journal covering oxalate toxicity in tortoises] Wood Sorrel (Oxalis spp.) contains high levels of soluble oxalic acid, which binds calcium and can cause hypocalcemia and renal oxalate deposits in Sulcata tortoises. Repeated ingestion poses serious risk to kidney function and bone health in this large, long-lived herbivore.
How much / how often
Should be avoided entirely; no safe serving amount is established for Sulcata tortoises.
Preparation
No preparation method neutralizes the oxalic acid content sufficiently to make this plant safe for regular or occasional feeding.
Nutrition (per 100 g)
90 mg
Calcium
36 mg
Phosphorus
2.5:1
Ca:P ratio
high
Oxalate
1.5 g
Protein
2 g
Fiber
Reviewed by admin on May 2026