Beetroots are purple-pink, reddish-orange, or brownish. Their pulp has a sweet taste and looks deep red to crimson.
The beet leaves are called beet greens. The beet greens are richer in nutrients than the beet (roots) itself.
They have more Vitamins A, E, C, and K than the beet roots.
Can horsefield tortoises feed on beet roots?
Yes, an horsefield tortoise can eat beetroot leaves but not the root itself. And it should be in moderation.
Can Horsefield Tortoises Eat Beetroot?
The leaves of beetroot are non-toxic and contain high levels of oxalic acid, which is why it is important to feed them occasionally and in small quantities. Oxalic acids are known to inhibit calcium absorption and this is going to affect your horsefield tortoises shell formation.
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Don’t be scared to also try to vary their diet with the beet stems.
The beet stems are also safe but you should test them with it to know how well they fare with it.
Ensure that the horsefield tortoise is well hydrated before feeding it with the beetroot leaves and you should never feed it with the roots (beet) just the leaves.
Benefits Of Horsefield Tortoise Consuming Beetroot
Both beet leaves and beet stems are a rich source of these vitamins listed above and riboflavin, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, pantothenic acids, and iron.
Recall that calcium and phosphorus are needed for the proper and complete formation of a tortoiseshell.
On the downside, they also contain oxalic acids that hinder calcium absorption in the body of tortoises.
When hindered, proper shell formation may be affected. That is why it becomes important to feed it to them in smaller quantities and occasionally.