If you have a new turtle owner, it might be challenging to find what your pet likes. A turtle can be an omnivore, herbivore, or carnivore, depending on its species. If your turtle is an omnivore or strictly an herbivore, you might wonder if it likes tomatoes…Can turtles eat tomatoes? Is it safe for them?
Yes, turtles can eat tomatoes. In fact, they love this red juicy fruit. Land turtles are mostly herbivores, and they need vegetables and fruits in their diet. However, you should feed your turtle tomatoes in moderation. Why? Because ripe tomatoes have high sugar content. And sugar unhealthy for your pet, just as it is not so healthy to us.
Moreover, your pet needs a calcium-rich diet. And tomatoes contain vitamins c, folate, vitamin K, and potassium. So, serve them to your pet as treats instead. However, carnivorous turtles can’t eat fruits or vegetables.
But if turtles can eat tomatoes, how often can they eat them? Luckily, this explains everything about turtles, tomatoes, and other vegetables they can eat. You’d also find out whether tortoise can eat tomatoes. So, let’s dive in.
Related article: “Can Turtles Eat Grapes?“
How Often Can Turtles Eat Tomatoes?
Because turtles can eat this red juicy fruit doesn’t mean you should overfeed them with it. According to the VCA hospital, fruits like tomatoes are not as nutritious as vegetables. Hence, it is imperative to know how many times in a week you can give them the fruit. So, how often can turtles eat tomatoes?
Turtles can eat tomatoes twice a week. These fruits have a sweet taste. Think about it. Children prefer to have treats like candy to food. In the turtle world, tomato is a treat. So, it’s better to minimize the quantity given to your pet so they don’t develop a preference for this fruit over more nutritious vegetables.
So, you can chop the tomato and mix it with other vegetables to provide a variety for your pet. Moreover, chopping the fruits make it easier for your pet to swallow. Besides, these animals need calcium in their diet. So, you may add some calcium powder to the fruit before serving your pet.
Turtles can eat tomatoes twice a week. In the turtle world, tomato is a treat. So, it’s better to minimize the quantity given to your pet so they don’t develop a preference for this fruit over more nutritious vegetables.
Can Turtles Eat Grape Tomatoes?
Yes, turtles can eat grape tomatoes. The grape tomato is a species that originates from southeast Asia. Unlike the round cherry tomato, it is oblong-shaped like a grape. Besides, it is not as sweet as a cherry tomato. It also has thicker flesh than a cherry tomato. But is a grape tomato a tomato? Yes, it is. Only the shape, size, and sweetness apparently distinguishes it from a cherry tomato. So, your turtle can eat them too. And use it as a treat, 2 or 3 small grape tomatoes, twice a week is more than enough.
Related article: “Can Turtles Eat Watermelon?“
How To Feed Your Turtle Tomatoes?
Turtles can’t eat vegetables or fruits or food in big/wide chunks. It must be served as bite-size pieces. and this goes also for tomatoes. Therefore, I recommend you slice the tomatoes into 6 smaller parts. It’s Ok if your pet leaves the tomato peels, usually, it will not eat them.
Can Tortoises Eat Tomatoes?
While people often confuse these two animals to be the same, they are not. Tortoises are land animals and are usually herbivores. So, they feed on plants, vegetables, and fruits. So, can tortoise eat tomatoes?
Yes, tortoises can eat tomatoes. Tortoises find then juicy and delicious. Tomato, in particular, is a good source of fiber. Leopard tortoises need this fiber in their diet. However, always give your tortoise ripe tomatoes only. Never offer an unripe tomato or tomatoe leaves to your pet. As explained in the tortoise table database, unripe tomatoes are toxic to a tortoise.
Moreover, ripe tomato is sweeter than an unripe one. Your pet would enjoy the ripe ones. However, remember to feed your tortoise this fruit and any other one in moderation. Ripe tomatoes have high sugar content which is not ideal for tortoises.
Here is a summary of the tomatoes nutritions
| Excellent source of potassium, sodium, and other vitamins as well as Vitamin-A & Vitamin-C |
| Vitamin-A & Vitamin-C, both are very important for our pet. Vitamin-A is antioxidant and Vitamin-C will make the immune system stronger. |
| Tomatoes are enrich with fiber. Notice that for ripe tomatoes the level is lower and such is les recommended. Fiber will help our tortoise metabolism system healthier. |
| Tomatoes contaions also Vitamin-B6, floate, and niacin which will help the cardiovascular systems. |
| Tomatoes are 95% water! This will be part of the daily requirement of water for your per. |
Related article: “Can Turtles eat Apples?“
What Vegetables Can A Turtle Eat?
Land turtles need vegetables in their diet. Vegetables and fruits are all they eat. Turtle’s diet should contain 20 percent fruit and 80 percent vegetables. So, what vegetables can you give your turtle to eat. Here are some vegetable turtles eat:
Kale
Kale is nutritious for turtles. They contain vitamins, minerals, and calcium. Remember: calcium is an essential dietary requirement for these animals. However, kale also contains oxalic acid. Consuming them in excess can form kidney or bladder stones in a turtle. So, it is crucial not to give too much kale to your turtle.
Dandelion greens
These plants are highly nutritious for turtles. They contain vitamins A, B& E, potassium, minerals, folates, and most importantly, calcium. They are also great for diabetic turtles. Moreover, they are low in oxalates and are safe for your pet.
Alfafa hay
Alfalfa hay is a legume commonly fed to turtles. They are great for these animals because they are easily digestible. They contain protein, vitamins, minerals, and provide energy. But you should feed this hay in moderation to your turtle. Why? They are rich in protein, and too much of this nutrient can deform your pet’s shell.
Duckweed
Duckweeks are excellent sources of protein, and vitamin A. Turtles need vitamin A. If your pet’s diet is low in vitamin A, it could have vitamin A deficiency, also known as hypovitaminosis A. Vitamin A deficiency thickens the duct lining. That obstructs fluids from passing through the duct of these animals.
Other Vegetables
Other vegetable turtles can eat are; collard greens, mustard greens, spinach, parsley, and lettuce. However, these vegetables contain oxalic acid. Remember: oxalic acid binds with the calcium in their body and forms into bladder stones or kidney stones. So, you much feed them in moderation to your pet.
Related article: “Can Turtles Eat Corn?“
Final Thoughts
Now that you know turtles and tortoises can eat tomatoes and how often to give them this fruit, feel free to add them to your pet’s diet. Either serve them the fruits raw or cooked. However, it is better to serve it raw to preserve all its nutrients. Always supplement vegetables without calcium with calcium supplements. Turtles need calcium to keep their bones and shells strong. Remember to feed your turtle
If your turtle’s diet lacks minerals or vitamins, you can add mineral and vitamin supplements to its food. Moreover, don’t feed your turtle unripe tomatoes. They are acidic and toxic to your pet. Also, remember: always add variety to your pet’s diet. To sum up, allow your turtle to eat tomatoes as a treat.
