Popular Pet Food Mistake Could Harm Your Tortoise
Pet owners across the UK are being urged to reconsider what they feed their tortoises after expert warnings about potentially harmful dietary practices. The caution comes following concerns raised about limited diets for these popular pets.
Fruit Warning for Pet Owners
According to veterinary expert Martin Knight from Fakenham, Norfolk, fruit should be avoided or strictly limited for most species kept as pets. This important advice challenges common assumptions about what constitutes healthy feeding for household animals.
Knight responded to concerns initially raised by Rosemary Fletcher-Jones about tortoises fed on restricted diets. While supporting the need for dietary variety, he emphasised that many owners mistakenly believe fruit is always a safe option for their pets.
Building a Balanced Tortoise Diet
The expert also cautioned that even seemingly healthy options like dandelions should only form part of a varied diet rather than becoming a staple food. Knight directed concerned tortoise owners to The Tortoise Table website, which he described as containing ample excellent advice on proper feeding practices.
Proper nutrition is crucial for tortoises, as incorrect feeding can lead to serious health issues including metabolic bone disease, shell deformities, and organ damage. Many common fruits contain high sugar levels that can disrupt the delicate digestive systems of these reptiles.
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