Tortoises can definitely eat cilantro! It has a really interesting taste to it and is also very good for them. Cilantro, also known as coriander, contains many essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to tortoises.
While there are certain things that you need to consider before feeding your tortoise cilantro, it can be done in moderation.
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Health Benefits Of Cilantro
Tortoises and Cilantro are a great combination, but it has to be done with care. You should definitely not feed your tortoise cilantro like you feed them their regular pellets or fruits, it has to be considered as an addition to be fed in moderation.
Feeding cilantro on a daily basis can give the tortoise the essential vitamins and minerals that they need.
Other than that, here are some of the health benefits of cilantro for tortoises:
It has Vitamin K which is important for bone health. It also contains Vitamin C which is good for strengthening the immune system as well as healing wounds. Cilantro also contains Vitamin A which helps in keeping your pet’s eyes healthy. The calcium in it helps with bone development and digestion process and also protects against osteoporosis.
Cilantro has folic acid which is beneficial for your tortoise’s heart functioning as it improves the cardiovascular health. It also contains good amounts of vitamin B and iron which keeps the immune system functioning properly.
It has plenty of iron content which helps boost hemoglobin count in blood and improve protein synthesis by cells in order to produce more red blood cells than normal ones would have produced if they did not have any iron at all.
Calcium benefits in strengthening bones, heart muscles and protecting nerves throughout their body while magnesium contributes to maintaining normal muscle tone along with a number of other important functions.
What Herbs Are Good For Tortoises?
Herbs are generally a good addition to the diets of tortoises since they are packed with vitamins, minerals and natural plant enzymes that provide the nutrients for their overall better health.
So here are a few herbs that you can use to give your tortoises a taste of good health:
Mint: Mint is a good herb for your tortoise to eat since it is high in minerals. It can also be used as a natural remedy for infections and fungal problems such as ringworm.
Thyme: Tasty and loaded with nutrients, thyme can be used as a food supplement for your tortoise. Your tortoise will love the taste of this herb to make sure.
Chamomile: Light in flavor and easy on the stomach, chamomile is another good herb for your tortoise to eat. It can also be used as a natural remedy for fungal infections in reptiles.
Lavender: The fragrant smell of lavender will seal the deal for any tortoises that are hesitant about eating it. With lots of minerals and vitamins in this herb, it is definitely a must-have for every tortoise’s diet.
Basil: This herb is packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy life. While it is not recommended to be used as a daily food, it can be added to the tortoise’s meals occasionally.
Parsley: A great source of fiber, parsley is also rich in iron and calcium.
What Is Poisonous To Tortoises?
It’s better to keep away tortoises from the following foods:
Chocolate: the toxic bromine, that is found in dark chocolate, can cause a lot of damage to tortoises.
Citrus Fruits: the fruits of the citrus family contain high amounts of acid and can cause a lot of damage to a tortoise’s mouth.
Aphids: there are some species of aphids that are harmful to tortoises because they secrete toxins into their bodies which can be fatal for them. The best way to prevent this from happening is by keeping your tortoise away from these insects.
Avocado: the seeds of the avocado contain a toxin that can cause a lot of damage to the digestive tract and other internal organs if consumed.
Tomatoes: these fruits are very acidic and can cause a lot of damage to a tortoise’s teeth, digestive system and skin. It is best to keep your tortoise away from them at all times.
Eggplants: the leaves of the eggplant family contain a toxin called solanine which can cause a lot of damage to a tortoise’s skin.
Caffeine: caffeine is found in many different types of foods and drinks. It can cause a lot of damage to the heart, nervous system, and gastrointestinal system. If a tortoise ingests it, then it can cause seizures, cardiac arrest, and even death.
