Safe? Three thorn Acacia Tree for Sulcata

[TortyTortilla]

Hello! I'm the new caregiver of a beautiful sulcata that my friend found on the side of the road in the High Desert in SoCal.
I wanted to see if someone can advise if the leaves of this tree are safe for him. He loves them, but I started to get nervous because I wasn't sure if it was safe.
I'm not sure how old he is, but I've attached photos for everyone to see.
I've also attached a couple pics of our tree.
Thanks in advice for any and all help. I wanna make sure I give lil Torty ( that's the name my daughter gave him) has the best life possible.

 

[Yvonne G]

Some species of acacia have tanins that interfere with digestion.

 

[TortyTortilla]

Some species of acacia have tanins that interfere with digestion.

Oh man. Ok. I'll make sure he doesn't get anymore. I wouldn't want to risk it.

Since he did eat a lot of the leaves, should I be concerned? Or is it more like a stomach ache?

 

[Yvonne G]

Tortoises seem to be able to eat stuff that dogs and cats aren't supposed to with no ill effects. I wouldn't worry about it. Just make sure he is well hydrated and has water always available.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Here is what the tortoise table has to say about tannins:
"Tannins are complex astringent compounds that give plants vibrant colour and bitter taste. They are used for treating animal hides, in medicine, and also used as a stabiliser in pesticides. Tannins can inhibit the absorption of iron (and potentially of zinc and calcium too), leading to anaemia if too much is ingested. They are found in legumes, tree bark, Grapes, Strawberries, Pomegranates, Acorns, Nuts, and many other plants. Tannins can inhibit herbivore digestion by binding to plant proteins that have been eaten and making it more difficult for the animal to digest that food." https://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/tortoise-diet/harmful-properties/

Note that the tortoise table is very cautious, and this bit is written based on other herbivorous animals, not tortoises specifically. This is often the case as harmful properties and tortoises aren't researched enough.

As your sulcata is quite big, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Of course I wouldn't feed them knowingly.

 

[TortyTortilla]

Thank you all so much. I really appreciate the help and advice!