Fruits have been referred to as “junk food for tortoises,” and this isn’t far off from the truth. However, I’m sure your tortoise would enjoy some fruits as a treat every now and then. Tortoises can be fed a variety of fruits, but this article will focus on kiwis! This article will answer your questions about whether tortoises can eat kiwi and kiwi skin. Read on to know more about this matter!
Can Tortoises Eat Kiwi and Kiwi Skin?
Yes, you can feed a tortoise kiwi and kiwi skin. However, it should only be fed in small portions and no more than once a week.
Kiwi should only be fed as a treat to tortoises, along with other fruits. This is not to say that kiwis aren’t safe; in fact, kiwis are perfectly safe for tortoises, and many tortoises enjoy eating them. Here is a video of me feeding my turtle kiwi and other fruits.
While kiwi is safe for tortoises, it should still be fed in moderation. It is not something that should be given daily.
Tortoises have difficulty processing the sugars in fruits, which can result in anything from mild stomach upset to more serious health problems in the long run. Fruit should be kept to a minimum as a general rule, depending on the tortoise species and what they would eat in their natural habitat.
Even species known to eat fruits in the wild, such as the red-footed tortoise, should not have more than 5% of their diet made up of fruit. There are also some species of tortoises, such as the Mediterranean tortoises which should not be fed fruits at all.
The important thing to remember is that Kiwi is safe. However, you should only give it to your tortoise as a treat on rare occasions! In case you are wondering, red-eared sliders can also eat fruit on occasion.
What about kiwi skins?
Kiwis are brown-green fruits with soft fuzz skin, and you’re probably wondering if you can feed this skin to your tortoise. What is the answer? Yes! You certainly can. Even though tortoises don’t have teeth, they can easily chew and swallow kiwi skin.
The main problem with Kiwi is that it is a soft, moist fruit (as are most), that spoils quickly, and can be messy. You don’t need to be concerned because the skin and seeds are completely safe. Simply cut up the Kiwi into smaller pieces and see if your tortoise enjoys it.
Make sure your tortoise gets a varied diet to counter the amount of sugar they get from eating kiwi. Plants and flowers are an important part of a tortoise’s diet in the wild, so find out what your pet enjoys and keep them coming.
The best part about feeding plants, vegetables, and fruits is that you can easily grow many of them at home, and you may even find some in your yard or around your neighborhood.
Other plants that are safe for tortoises
Plants safe for tortoises include plantain, chickweed, dandelions, aloe vera, mulberry, and many others. Vegetables such as romaine lettuce, brussel sprouts, red cabbage, cucumber, collard greens, and celery can also be served. These plants and vegetables are high in various nutrients, and your tortoise will grow to be strong and healthy if fed a safe and varied diet.
If you truly want to feed your tortoise fruits, you should keep in mind that fruits should be fed in moderation due to their high sugar content. Some tortoise species adore certain fruits, while there are some who prefer plants and vegetables. While many tortoises enjoy eating kiwis, numerous other fruits are perfectly safe to feed your pet as a treat. These are some examples:
- Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.
- Grapes
- Apples
- Watermelons
- Bananas
- Cherries
- Pears
- Papayas
- Peaches
While giving too many fruits to your tortoise isn’t healthy, you now understand that Kiwi is not toxic or dangerous in small amounts. I’ll leave it up to you whether to occasionally treat your tortoise to some kiwi or other fruit. The important thing to remember is that a small amount should not cause any health problems for your beloved pet.
History of the Kiwi
Kiwi is a small fruit about the size of an apple or an orange. It has a variety of flavors and is a good source of nutrition. Kiwi, also known as kiwifruit, Chinese gooseberry, or yang tao, originated in northern China, primarily consumed for medicinal purposes by humans.
Today, people eat Kiwi because they like the taste and because it provides many health benefits. Kiwis can help improve respiratory health, lower high blood pressure, and promote bone health. Kiwis also have anti-cancer properties and can improve skin appearance, support eye health, help you sleep better, and promote healthy weight loss.
