Dog or cat food?

[redfootraider]

Was wondering cause am gonna get a red foot tortoise n well I wanted to know if I can use dog food instead of cat food for their source of animal protein? N well I have two dogs n they eat science diet dry dog food is that ok or does it have to b cat food? Thanks in advanced for the help

 

[Redstrike]

Generally, those that use cat food are providing it as a protein supplement. You want to be careful of foods with high fat contents, so most will get a weight control food (high protein, lower fat). http://www.redfoots.com/pics/diet/purinacat-c.jpg

I use a lot of insects for my Redfoot hatchlings - phoenix/reptiworms (Hermetia illucens), wax worms, butter worms, earthworms, etc. as a protein source. Another option could be Mazuri tortoise food (it's made by Purina).

Your dog's food could be okay as an occasional supplement, just check the fat content.

For comprehensive feeding/diet plans here's a couple good sites:
http://www.tortoiselibrary.com/index.html - this site is changing it's domain, but it didn't switch over for me... It's my favorite
http://redfoottortoise.com/redfoot_tortoise_diet.htm
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/feeding_redfoots.html
http://www.redfoots.com/redfoot.htm

You'll notice these all have conflicting advice, but generally speak to the same tune; lots of variety, mostly greens, bit of fruit, smaller amounts of protein. Keep your tort humid and warm and things should work out fine.