Plants & Vegetables Diet Reference

It is a food reference for herbivorous and omnivorous reptiles — calcium-to-phosphorus (Ca:P) guidance for supermarket produce, garden plants often listed as safe, and plants to avoid. It is not a full care sheet for any single species. Always match plant choices to your animal’s own care guide.

Naturally growing weeds and herbs are still the best food for herbivorous reptiles when they are correctly identified and free from chemicals. Use supermarket lists to vary the diet, not as a single-item staple.

Even “good” items contain other agents. Choosing only one or two foods as the central diet is not ideal. Alternate widely to balance calcium, phosphorus and other compounds, and remember the powdered supplement your species guide recommends.

Although high in calcium, cabbage, squash and aubergine can bind calcium with oxalic acid, forming insoluble calcium oxalate and limiting calcium value to tortoises. Use them only occasionally.

There are solid reasons for excluding foods that appear in more than one concerning compound group (oxalic acid, phytic acids, goitrogens, purines, tannins) from the diet of captive herbivores: beans, rhubarb, spinach, beet greens, Swiss chard, cauliflower, cabbage, mustard greens, peas, collard greens, soy meal/beans and banana.

Always double-check any plant before offering, even those listed here. Identify with certainty, avoid pesticide-treated areas, and ask our team if you are unsure — bring a clear photo if you want a second opinion in store.