The best fruit for desert tortoises, and the only fruit they should be given in captivity, is the tuna (apple) from the Opuntia (prickly pear) cactus.
While desert tortoises need a diet that mimics what they would eat in the wild, which primarily consists of grasses and forbs, a small amount of prickly pear fruit can be offered as a treat. Here’s a breakdown:
- Natural Diet: In their natural habitat, desert tortoises primarily eat grasses, weeds (forbs), and other vegetation. This should make up 80-90% of their captive diet as well.
- Why Prickly Pear Fruit? The tuna is a natural part of their diet in the wild, albeit a smaller percentage compared to grasses and forbs. It provides some moisture and nutrients.
- Moderation is Key: Fruit should be offered sparingly. Too much fruit can lead to digestive upset and health problems. The bulk of the tortoise's diet needs to be high in fiber and low in sugar, similar to their natural diet.
- Other Fruits to Avoid: Other fruits are generally not recommended because they are too high in sugar and water content, which can lead to health issues like diarrhea and imbalanced gut flora.
In summary, while desert tortoises primarily need grasses and weeds, the tuna (apple) from the prickly pear cactus is the only recommended fruit, offered sparingly, to mimic their natural diet and avoid health problems.
