In their native habitat, sulcata tortoises are expert grazers. They spend much of their day roaming and feeding on fibrous, nutrient-poor vegetation found in the arid regions of Africa. Their digestive systems have evolved to handle high-fiber, low-protein plants, and it's critical for keepers to replicate this diet in captivity as closely as possible.
A proper diet helps prevent serious issues such as pyramiding (abnormal shell growth), metabolic bone disease, and organ dysfunction. Feeding your sulcata appropriately is more than a daily task—it is a commitment to long-term health and quality of life.
Primary Food Sources for Sulcata Tortoises
Grasses and Hay (Comprising 70 to 80 Percent of Their Diet)
Grasses should be the foundation of a sulcata's daily intake. Both fresh and dried options are suitable.
Recommended grasses include:
Bermuda grass
Orchard grass
Timothy hay
Meadow hay
Fescue grass
Freshly cut or naturally growing grasses are best when available, but high-quality hays are an excellent alternative, especially in cooler months or for indoor tortoises.
Weeds and Leafy Greens (Around 15 to 20 Percent of the Diet)
Weeds and leafy greens are great supplemental foods that offer essential nutrients, especially calcium. Always ensure plants are pesticide-free and harvested from safe, uncontaminated areas.
Excellent choices include:
Dandelion greens
Plantain (Plantago species)
Clover (feed in moderation)
Collard greens
Turnip greens
Mustard greens
Endive
Escarole
Chicory
These greens help round out the diet, but should never replace grass as the primary food source.
Cactus Pads (Prickly Pear)
These are not only rich in calcium and fiber, but also a favorite food for many sulcatas. Be sure to remove any spines and serve raw. Cactus pads can be used regularly or rotated with other greens.
Edible Flowers
Flowers offer enrichment and a variety of flavors. Use them occasionally as treats or appetite stimulants.
Safe options include:
Hibiscus flowers
Rose petals (only from unsprayed plants)
Dandelion flowers
Nasturtiums
What to Avoid in a Sulcata Diet
Many foods that are safe for humans or other pets are not suitable for sulcatas. Some can lead to severe health problems or even be toxic.
Avoid the following:
Foods high in protein such as dog or cat food, beans, and peas
Most fruits, including bananas, apples, and berries (sulcatas are not biologically designed for sugary foods)
Vegetables high in oxalates like spinach, beet greens, and Swiss chard (these bind calcium and can cause deficiencies)
Toxic plants such as rhubarb, avocado, and tomato leaves
Supplements: Do Sulcatas Need Them?
Even with a balanced diet, some captive tortoises benefit from supplementation, especially if housed indoors without direct sunlight.
Common supplements include:
Calcium carbonate powder: Lightly dust food two to three times a week
Vitamin D3: Only necessary if the tortoise is not receiving natural sunlight or UVB lighting
Cuttlebone: Offer it freely in the enclosure for added calcium and to help maintain the beak
Before starting any supplement routine, consult a veterinarian who has experience with reptiles.
Water and Hydration Needs
While sulcatas come from dry regions, hydration is still crucial. Fresh water should be available at all times. Shallow dishes are best to prevent tipping or drowning, especially for smaller tortoises.
Soaking also supports hydration and digestion:
Hatchlings should be soaked four to five times per week
Juveniles benefit from two to three weekly soaks
Adults typically require soaking once a week or every other week
Feeding Frequency and Schedule by Age
Hatchlings (Under 1 Year)
Feed daily
Offer finely chopped grasses and greens
Provide frequent soaks to support hydration
Juveniles (1 to 5 Years)
Feed daily
Increase the proportion of grasses and hays
Gradually reduce soaking to a few times per week
Adults (Over 5 Years)
Feed daily or every other day
Focus heavily on grasses and hay
Offer greens and flowers occasionally
Soak weekly or bi-weekly
Weekly Feeding Rotation Example
To promote variety and balance, consider rotating foods throughout the week:
Monday: Bermuda grass, dandelion greens, cactus pad
Tuesday: Orchard grass, endive, clover
Wednesday: Timothy hay, collard greens, hibiscus flower
Thursday: Meadow hay, turnip greens, rose petals
Friday: Fescue grass, plantain, chicory
Saturday: Bermuda grass, mustard greens, nasturtiums
Sunday: Mixed hay, lightly dusted with calcium supplement (light feeding or rest day)
Feeding Indoors vs Outdoors
Outdoor grazing is ideal, as it allows tortoises to self-regulate their diet while also enjoying natural UV exposure. Ensure the yard is free from pesticides and toxic plants. For indoor enclosures, it's essential to replicate grazing as closely as possible by offering fresh-cut grasses or dried hay along with UVB lighting.
Mistakes to Avoid
Feeding iceberg lettuce or other low-nutrient, high-water vegetables
Offering too many sugary fruits
Ignoring calcium supplementation or proper lighting
Relying heavily on processed tortoise pellets
Are Pellets Ever Appropriate?
Occasional use of high-quality tortoise pellets can be part of a balanced diet but should never replace grasses and greens. Choose a pellet with high fiber content and no added sugars. One commonly recommended option is Mazuri Low Starch Tortoise Diet for African Spurred/Sulcata, 12 oz.
Another great ready-made option is Tortoise Food Instant Meal for Reptiles – Variety Pack (14 Cups & 1 Dish) — it's made in the USA and offers convenience and balanced nutrition.
A Healthy Diet Builds a Healthy Tortoise
Caring for a sulcata tortoise means providing a diet that mirrors its natural feeding habits. A high-fiber, low-protein, calcium-rich approach is the foundation of lifelong wellness. By watching your tortoise's behavior, monitoring shell condition, and offering consistent veterinary care, you can ensure your sulcata thrives.
For more insights on tortoise care, habitat design, and reptile health, explore the rest of our blog.