A Simple Answer

 

Spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) should eat a diet based primarily on a wide variety of high-fibre weeds, leaves and edible flowers. Their digestive system has evolved over millions of years to process tough, fibrous plants growing in dry Mediterranean habitats.

The closer we can recreate that natural diet, the better we support their long-term health and natural behaviour.

 

What Do Spur-thighed Tortoises Eat in the Wild?

Wild spur-thighed tortoises spend much of their day slowly browsing rather than eating large meals all at once.

 

Depending on the season and where they live, they naturally eat a huge variety of wild plants, including:

• Dandelions

• Plantains

• Sow thistles

• Hawkbits

• Mallows

• Campanulas

• Dead-nettles

• Hibiscus flowers

• Many other seasonal weeds and edible flowers

 

Rather than eating the same plant every day, they constantly move through their habitat selecting different foods. This natural variety helps provide a balanced, high-fibre diet.

 

Why Fibre Matters

 

Fibre is one of the most important parts of a Mediterranean tortoise’s diet.

Wild plants are naturally high in fibre and relatively low in sugars and protein. Their digestive system has evolved to process this type of food, which is why a varied weed-based diet remains the gold standard for healthy Mediterranean tortoises.

 

How We Feed Our Spur-thighed Tortoises at The Tortoise Hotel®

 

At The Tortoise Hotel®, we base our feeding around the same principles found in nature.

Fresh weeds and edible plants form the foundation of our tortoises’ diet whenever they are available. When fresh forage becomes limited, we continue to provide a high-fibre, natural diet by using Manuel’s Choice High Fibre Meadow Forage, our complementary feed developed to support a weed-based feeding programme throughout the year.

​

To encourage natural foraging behaviour and add even more variety, we often include a small amount of Manuel’s Secret Blend, a carefully selected mix of edible dried flowers.

​

Our feeding philosophy is simple:

Fresh weeds whenever possible. High fibre every day. Natural variety all year round.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Spur-thighed tortoises eat fruit?

 

Fruit is not considered a natural part of the regular diet of Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoises. Their digestive system is adapted to a high-fibre, low-sugar diet.

 

Can Spur-thighed tortoises eat dried flowers?

 

Yes. Suitable edible dried flowers can provide natural variety and encourage browsing behaviour as part of a balanced, weed-based diet.