As tortoise owners, ensuring your shelled friends are healthy and well-fed year-round is crucial. One of the most important aspects of a tortoise’s diet is providing them with the right types of hay and forage. These natural foods are essential for their digestive health, encouraging natural foraging behaviours, and supporting their overall well-being.

Why Hay and Forage Are Essential for Tortoises

Tortoises, particularly herbivorous species like Mediterranean and Russian tortoises, require a high-fibre diet to maintain digestive health and avoid common issues like impaction. In the wild, they feed on a variety of grasses, leaves, and weeds, all of which provide essential nutrients and roughage to keep their gut moving. Dried forage and hay are ideal substitutes in captivity, mimicking the natural foods tortoises would consume in the wild.

Here are some key benefits of including hay and forage in your tortoise’s diet:

• Promotes Healthy Digestion: The high fibre content in hay and forage helps prevent digestive problems and impaction, ensuring your tortoise stays healthy.

• Encourages Natural Foraging Behaviour: Tortoises naturally spend a lot of time searching for food, and providing hay encourages this instinct, keeping them mentally stimulated.

• Maintains Healthy Teeth: Chewing on hay helps wear down a tortoise’s teeth, preventing overgrowth and related issues.

• Low in Protein: Unlike commercial pellets, hay and forage are naturally low in protein, which helps prevent shell deformities and other health issues in tortoises.

Best Types of Hay and Forage for Tortoises

Not all hay and forage are suitable for tortoises. It's essential to choose varieties that meet their nutritional needs. Below are the best options to consider:

• Meadow Hay: A mix of grasses found in wild meadows, this hay is high in fibre and low in protein. It’s perfect for most tortoises and can be offered in unlimited amounts.

• Timothy Hay: Great for younger tortoises or those needing more structure in their diet. It comes in different cuts, with the first cut being the highest in fibre and the lowest in protein.

• Dandelion Leaf: Rich in vitamins and minerals, dandelion leaves are a favourite among tortoises and a great source of fibre.

• Plantain Leaf: Another nutritious option, plantain leaves are high in fibre and offer anti-inflammatory properties that benefit your tortoise’s overall health.

• Herb Mixes: Dried herbs like coriander and parsley provide extra nutrients and encourage variety in your tortoise’s diet.

How to Feed Hay and Forage to Your Tortoise

Feeding hay is straightforward but requires attention to detail:

• Offer Unlimited Hay: Tortoises can graze throughout the day, so keep hay available at all times. Ensure it’s fresh and clean.

• Mix It Up: Offer different types of hay and forage to provide a variety of nutrients and keep things interesting for your tortoise.

• Supplements: While hay should be the primary food, you can occasionally offer fresh vegetables like kale and dandelion leaves for added variety.

• Avoid Overfeeding High-Calcium Hays: Some hays, like alfalfa, are high in calcium and protein, which can lead to health issues if fed too often. Use sparingly.