Basil is up there with the world’s most popular herbs – after all, it’s versatile, delicious, and easy to find! Whether you’ve grown some basil or picked up a bunch at the grocery store or farmer’s market, you’re probably wondering whether it’s safe to give basil to your tortoise.
You’re not alone! Many owners of tortoises ask the same question: Can tortoises eat basil? If they can eat basil, how much can they eat, and how often can you give it to them?
The short answer to the first question is yes! Tortoises can eat basil. But there’s a lot more to know about giving your tortoise basil, which is why we’ve taken time out to put together a complete guide.
Here Are Some Basil Nutrition Stats
If you love the fresh, delicious taste of basil, then you’re in luck as basil has tons of flavor and some helpful nutrients that you and your tortoise can appreciate.
A generous ¼ cup serving of fresh basil leaves has, on average:
- 5 calories
- 0.6g carbohydrates
- 0.1g fiber
- 0.2g protein
- 0g fat
Basil contains lots of vitamin K, a nice helping of vitamin A, and a little bit of vitamin C. That same heaping ¼ cup serving of basil leaves gives around:
- 317 iu vitamin A
- 9 mcg vitamin K
- 1 mg vitamin C
- 1 mcg folate
- 8 mg magnesium
- 6 mg calcium
- 7 mg potassium
Can Tortoises Eat Basil?
Yes—you can give your tortoise basil! Just be sure to wash it really well before giving it to your tortoise. Don’t be surprised if your tortoise actually eats the basil, as tortoises don’t usually enjoy the scent of herbs.
Is Basil Good For Tortoises?
Even though it’s recommended to give just a little at a time, basil is good for a tortoise’s health. Not only is it super-low in sugar, which is one sign that a treat is going to be good for your tortoise, it’s also brimming with antioxidants that can help support your tortoise. Although some owners may think that small servings means less nutrition, but every bit helps!
Do Tortoises Like Basil?
Don’t be surprised if your tortoise doesn’t like basil. Although most herbs, leaves and flowers are safe to eat, their taste and smell usually puts a lot of tortoises off.
Here’s something you mightn’t have heard. Tortoises have distinct personalities and what makes some tortoises munch for joy, may bore another tortoise to tears.
How Much Basil Should A Tortoise Eat?
As basil contains lots of powerful scent compounds, you’ll want to give your tortoise just a small amount to start out with to prevent them from being overwhelmed!
If your tortoise is a well-established foodie who’s tried lots of interesting fruits and vegetables, then they may appreciate getting something new and interesting to munch on. Either way, it’s important to start off with a small amount. Start by giving your tortoise just a few basil leaves to see if they enjoy it.
How Often Can A Tortoise Eat Basil?
If your tortoise enjoys the flavor of basil, they can have it a little more often, like some of the other treats that you give them. After all, it’s low in sugar and high in nutrients.
The Correct Diet Is Always Important
Tortoises are omnivores and capable of catching other small creatures including fish, snails, worms. This is just one reason to make sure that you’re offering them a serving of good-quality food every day.
Healthy Alternatives To Basil For Tortoises?
Basil is an all-natural tortoise treat but there’re plenty of other options to choose from! Here’s a list of some of the veggies and plants that most tortoises like to eat:
Plants
- Aubrietia
- Nasturtium
- Pansies
- Petunia
- Geranium
- Bittercress
- Black medic
- Blue sowthistle
- Bristly oxtongue
- Broadleaf filaree
- Wild chicory
- Creeping thistle
- Dead nettle
- Field madder
- Globe thistle
- Goats beard
- Ground elder
- Hawks beard
- Hedge woundwort
- Kidney weed
- Knapweed
- Mallow
Vegetables
- Cabbage
- Spring green
- Carrot
- Cauliflower
- Spinach
- Brussel sprout
- Cucumber
- Kale
- Cress
- Watercress
- Parsnip
- Fennel
- Rocket
- Chard
- Courgette
- Endive
- Frisee lettuce
- Marrow
- Pak choi
- Pumpkin
- Radicchio
- Lollo rosso lettuce
- Romaine lettuce
- Lambs lettuce
Although there’re tons of safe herbs, veggies, and fruits to feed your tortoise, it’s important to spend a few minutes looking for information about each new item you plan to offer. This is the best way to keep your tortoise safe from potential toxins and determine how much of each item they should have.
For now, why not try to give your tortoise some basil? It’s always fun to see them try something new!
