Tomatoes

[MichelleCarrigan78]

Are tomatoes okay to feed tortoises or aquatic turtles? If not, I only gave him some today, Ive read different things and wanted to make sure. Thanks

 

[Yvonne G]

I use tomatoes as part of a varied diet...for box turtles, tortoises and the pond turtles.

The only thing I've heard about them is to NOT feed them to hatchlings because they are too acidic.

 

[Missy]

Moderation is the key, not to much of any one thing. Tomatoe vine and blooms are toxic so be careful.

 

[MichelleCarrigan78]

Great, thanks for the info.

 

[GBtortoises]

I also feed tomatoes occasionally as part of a varied diet. Like most food items, even good ones, too much too often should be avoided.

Tomato actually has a very low acid content, less than 1% by weight and around 3-5% sugar content by weight. Compare that to a strawberry that is about 7% sugar by weight and 2% acid content by weight.

 

[SpazzyArtist]

I use tomatoes as part of a varied diet...for box turtles, tortoises and the pond turtles.

The only thing I've heard about them is to NOT feed them to hatchlings because they are too acidic.

Since were on the subject, are Grape Tomatoes the same as Tomatoes? Because it seems I always have grape tomatoes in my house rater that tomatoes...

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I use tomatoes as part of a varied diet...for box turtles, tortoises and the pond turtles.

The only thing I've heard about them is to NOT feed them to hatchlings because they are too acidic.

Since we're on the subject, are Grape Tomatoes pretty much the same as Tomatoes nutrition wise? Cause I always have them in my house...

 

[Madkins007]

Yes, grape, cherry, and other tomatoes all count as tomatoes. Tomatoes are technically a seed, and more technically, a berry (since all true berries are seeds). They are chock full of good stuff including moisture- helpful for a dehydrated tort (as are many other food options.)

The ARE pretty acidic, but in moderation this should not be an issue other than for little ones. Some keepers report diarrhea from tomatoes, which may be stomach trouble from the acid, or may be the moisture. I have never seem this with my Red-foots.

 

[Tracy Gould]

Yes, grape, cherry, and other tomatoes all count as tomatoes. Tomatoes are technically a seed, and more technically, a berry (since all true berries are seeds). They are chock full of good stuff including moisture- helpful for a dehydrated tort (as are many other food options.)

The ARE pretty acidic, but in moderation this should not be an issue other than for little ones. Some keepers report diarrhea from tomatoes, which may be stomach trouble from the acid, or may be the moisture. I have never seem this with my Red-foots.

Hi how old have they to be before its safe to feed them Toms? My little Hermann is 1.5 yrs I tried her with a bit of tom when i first got her and she loves them but then i foundout they were acidic and bad for them when young so i am nervous about give her them again