Fruit, yay or nay?

[MarianneL711]

So as with a lot of things concerning Hudson, I've been getting a lot of conflicting information. Several pet stores have told me that certain fruits, like apples and strawberries, if cut small, are totally fine for him. But I've read online that the Russians can't digest fruit well... I've been going back and forth because he seems to like the fruit but I'm afraid it'll make him sick. Any thoughts or advice? Anything that has been told by a vet or professional would be great.

 

[Laurie]

Hi maryanne, Russian (steppe) tortoises do not digest sugar well. You can give fruit rarely as a treat if you wish, just a small amount. Fruit should not be given frequently to them though. Too much sugar can cause an upset in their gut flora which can lead to a parasite bloom.

 

[Yvonne G]

It has been my understanding that a grass-eating tortoise's digestion is upset when fed too much fructose. And this may cause a parasite bloom.

 

[TortoiseBoy1999]

So as with a lot of things concerning Hudson, I've been getting a lot of conflicting information. Several pet stores have told me that certain fruits, like apples and strawberries, if cut small, are totally fine for him. But I've read online that the Russians can't digest fruit well... I've been going back and forth because he seems to like the fruit but I'm afraid it'll make him sick. Any thoughts or advice? Anything that has been told by a vet or professional would be great.

It has a lot of sugar so maybe one peice a week. I rarely feed my Russian fruit.

 

[Madkins007]

Also remember that in scientific literature, when they talk about field reports of tortoises eating fruits, that the word 'fruit' just means 'the edible part of a plant with seeds in it' (oversimplified a bit). Not all things that are fruits are as loaded with sugar as what the grocery store sells as fruit.

Squash and peppers, for example, are both fruits, are high in fiber and vitamins, and are low in sugars. (Just FYI, other fruits include all grains, corn, nuts, berries, tomatoes, etc. If you can eat it, and if it will theoretically grow new plants if you plant it- it is a fruit.)

 

[Arizona Sulcata]

Definitely Nay.

 

[Jeansie1988]

Also remember that in scientific literature, when they talk about field reports of tortoises eating fruits, that the word 'fruit' just means 'the edible part of a plant with seeds in it' (oversimplified a bit). Not all things that are fruits are as loaded with sugar as what the grocery store sells as fruit.

Squash and peppers, for example, are both fruits, are high in fiber and vitamins, and are low in sugars. (Just FYI, other fruits include all grains, corn, nuts, berries, tomatoes, etc. If you can eat it, and if it will theoretically grow new plants if you plant it- it is a fruit.)

I hate to sound stupid, but i did not know this! lol

 

[Tom]

I vote nay too. They don't need it. Its not good for them. Can they eat some once in a while without dying? Yes. Yes they can.

 

[TortieLuver]

Sparingly is fine. I like to give mine cactus fruit as a treat

 

[MarianneL711]

Again thanks so much everyone! Stupid pet stores lol.... No more fruit for my little buddy...