{"id":404,"date":"2021-11-15T22:24:26","date_gmt":"2021-11-15T22:24:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/?p=404"},"modified":"2023-03-31T02:19:38","modified_gmt":"2023-03-31T02:19:38","slug":"can-turtles-eat-broccoli","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/can-turtles-eat-broccoli\/","title":{"rendered":"A Nutritious Green Feast: Can Turtles Eat Broccoli?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The turtle world is full of diversity, from aquatic turtles gliding gracefully through the water to desert turtles basking in the sun. As a turtle owner, you may wonder if your shelled friend can enjoy some of the green goodness we humans appreciate \u2013 specifically, can turtles eat broccoli? In this revamped article, we&#8217;ll explore whether broccoli can be a healthy addition to your turtle&#8217;s diet, considering box turtles, aquatic turtles, and desert turtles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/tortoise-eating-brocoli.jpg\" alt=\"Can Turtles Eat Broccoli?\" class=\"wp-image-1152\" srcset=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/tortoise-eating-brocoli.jpg 800w, https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/tortoise-eating-brocoli-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/tortoise-eating-brocoli-768x515.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many fruits and vegetables that <a href=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/do-turtles-eat-other-turtles-answer\/\" data-lasso-id=\"5148\">turtles can eat<\/a>. Whether or not they should eat it is an entirely different question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll discuss what broccoli is and the nutrients the vegetable contains. We\u2019ll also share what parts of the broccoli a turtle should and shouldn\u2019t eat, how often turtles should eat broccoli and the pros and cons of giving this veggie to your reptile friend. Finally, there are many different species of turtles. So, we\u2019ll explain which turtles and tortoises can have broccoli and which can\u2019t.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li ><a href=\"#what-does-broccoli-contain\">What Does Broccoli Contain?<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#can-turtles-eat-broccoli\">Can Turtles Eat Broccoli?<\/a><ul><li ><a href=\"#faq-question-1673981265588\">Can Turtles Eat Raw Broccoli?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li ><a href=\"#can-turtles-eat-broccoli-leaves\">Can Turtles Eat Broccoli Leaves?<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#can-turtles-eat-broccoli-stems\">Can Turtles Eat Broccoli Stems?<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#can-baby-turtles-eat-broccoli\">Can Baby Turtles Eat Broccoli?<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#is-broccoli-good-for-turtles\">Is Broccoli Good For Turtles?<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#benefits-and-problems-with-turtles-eating-broccoli\">Benefits And Problems With Turtles Eating Broccoli<\/a><ul><li ><a href=\"#broccoli-is-low-in-calories\">Broccoli Is Low In Calories<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#broccoli-has-high-water-content\">Broccoli Has High Water Content<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#broccoli-contains-goitrogens\">Broccoli Contains Goitrogens<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#broccoli-contains-oxalic-acids\">Broccoli Contains Oxalic Acids<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li ><a href=\"#the-broccoli-breakdown-is-it-turtle-approved\">The Broccoli Breakdown: Is it Turtle-Approved?<\/a><ul><li ><a href=\"#box-turtles-and-broccoli-a-delightful-pairing\">Box Turtles and Broccoli: A Delightful Pairing<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#aquatic-turtles-and-broccoli-swimmingly-compatible\">Aquatic Turtles and Broccoli: Swimmingly Compatible<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#desert-turtles-and-broccoli-a-trickier-combination\">Desert Turtles and Broccoli: A Trickier Combination<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li ><a href=\"#a-balanced-turtle-diet-variety-is-key\">A Balanced Turtle Diet: Variety is Key<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-does-broccoli-contain\"><strong>What Does Broccoli Contain?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Broccoli contains many health benefits for humans and can have some nutrients for turtles as well. For instance, broccoli contains the following nutrients:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/brocoli.jpg\" alt=\"Can Turtles Eat Broccoli?\" class=\"wp-image-1154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/brocoli.jpg 800w, https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/brocoli-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/brocoli-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>90% water content<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protein<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fiber<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vitamins A, C, and K1<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese, folate, and potassium<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, broccoli is low in fat, low in carbs, and is a low-calorie snack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It sounds great on paper, but should your turtle eat broccoli?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-turtles-eat-broccoli\"><strong>Can Turtles Eat Broccoli?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Technically yes, turtles can eat broccoli. However, it shouldn\u2019t be a staple part of their diet. In fact, it might be best to stay away from this vegetable altogether, just to be on the safe side. The biggest reason for this is that broccoli has many health benefits for humans, but not for turtles. For example, broccoli contains <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/goitrogens-in-foods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"5149\">goitrogens<\/a>, which can disrupt the functions of your reptile\u2019s thyroid.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list\">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1673981265588\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><strong>Can Turtles Eat Raw Broccoli?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Turtles can eat broccoli no matter if it\u2019s raw or cooked. However, if you\u2019re going to give your turtle this veggie, it\u2019s best to cook it first. Cooked broccoli is softer. Therefore it\u2019s easier for your turtle to chew, swallow, and digest. Also, cooking the broccoli gets rid of some of the goitrogens inside the vegetable.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-turtles-eat-broccoli-leaves\"><strong>Can Turtles Eat Broccoli Leaves?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, turtles can eat broccoli leaves. This part of the vegetable is probably the easiest and safest part to feed your reptile. They\u2019re easy to chew and swallow. However, the leaves still contain goitrogens, just like the rest of the vegetable, so it needs to be fed in moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-turtles-eat-broccoli-stems\"><strong>Can Turtles Eat Broccoli Stems?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Turtles can eat broccoli stems, but they shouldn\u2019t. Stems are hard for turtles to chew and swallow. Also, it can be hard for them to digest. If they don\u2019t chew it well, the stem could get stuck on the way down or cause a blockage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, broccoli stems also have goitrogens, which isn\u2019t healthy for your turtle to consume. For instance, they\u2019ll get sick if they overeat it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-baby-turtles-eat-broccoli\"><strong>Can Baby Turtles Eat Broccoli?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No, you should not feed baby turtles broccoli. This is because goitrogens produce iodine, which baby turtles can\u2019t absorb. Thus, it affects their growth. You don\u2019t want to feed anything to your baby turtle that will affect their growth. Otherwise, they won\u2019t be getting the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Tortoise eating broccoli \ud83e\udd66 #teaser #asmranimalph #tortoise #mukbang #asmr #broccoli\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mDQiLoex6NY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-broccoli-good-for-turtles\"><strong>Is Broccoli Good For Turtles?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, broccoli isn\u2019t all that rich in nutrients for turtles. For instance, turtles need high vitamin A, vitamin D, and calcium content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Broccoli contains a little vitamin A and calcium, but not enough for turtles. In addition, this vegetable doesn\u2019t have vitamin D at all.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, broccoli also contains phytoestrogens which mess up your turtle\u2019s hormones and also decrease fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, this vegetable has phytates, which reduce the bioavailability of minerals within your turtle\u2019s digestive tract.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"benefits-and-problems-with-turtles-eating-broccoli\"><strong>Benefits And Problems With Turtles Eating Broccoli<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though turtles shouldn\u2019t eat broccoli regularly, this vegetable does have some benefits. On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to giving broccoli to your turtle, especially regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, let\u2019s discuss the benefits of feeding broccoli to your turtle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"broccoli-is-low-in-calories\">Broccoli Is Low In Calories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the great things about this veggie is that it\u2019s low in calories. So, if you decide to give this snack to your turtle as a once-in-a-while treat, you won\u2019t need to worry about them indulging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, turtles will eat whatever is in front of them and won\u2019t stop when they\u2019re full. In other words, you can control how much broccoli they consume by only giving them a little bit at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"broccoli-has-high-water-content\">Broccoli Has High Water Content<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, broccoli is mainly made up of water. So, it sounds like a drawback because it contains little nutrients, but having high water content can be a good thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, if you notice that your turtle isn\u2019t drinking much, you can give them a little bit of broccoli to add some water into their diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, since broccoli should be fed in moderation, you won\u2019t need to worry about overhydrating them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, let\u2019s take a look at some of the drawbacks of feeding broccoli to turtles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"broccoli-contains-goitrogens\">Broccoli Contains Goitrogens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve briefly mentioned goitrogens before, which affects your turtle\u2019s growth. Goitrogens come from riboflavin and glucosinolate within the vegetable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Goitrogens not only affect the thyroid functions of your turtle but will also limit the amount of iodine they get. Thus, leading to liver and kidney issues, possibly resulting in death.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"broccoli-contains-oxalic-acids\">Broccoli Contains Oxalic Acids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, broccoli also contains oxalic acids. Turtles need plenty of calcium to thrive as it helps grow their bones and shell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oxalic acids have the opposite effect, making it harder for your turtle to absorb calcium. A lack of calcium can lead to metabolic bone disease, which makes your turtles extremely sick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a quick look at the pros and cons of feeding broccoli to your turtle, take a look at the chart below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros Of Feeding Broccoli To Turtles<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons Of Feeding Broccoli To Turtles<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Low-calorie snack<\/td><td>Contains goitrogens<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>High water content<\/td><td>Contains oxalic acids<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-broccoli-breakdown-is-it-turtle-approved\">The Broccoli Breakdown: Is it Turtle-Approved?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious vegetable for humans. But what about our reptilian friends? The good news is that turtles can eat broccoli, including box turtles and aquatic turtles. However, the frequency and portion size may vary depending on the type of turtle you have.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/tortoise-eating-brocoli.jpg\" alt=\"tortoise eating brocoli\" class=\"wp-image-1152\" srcset=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/tortoise-eating-brocoli.jpg 800w, https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/tortoise-eating-brocoli-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/tortoise-eating-brocoli-768x515.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"box-turtles-and-broccoli-a-delightful-pairing\">Box Turtles and Broccoli: A Delightful Pairing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Box turtles, known for their terrestrial lifestyle and diverse diet, can definitely enjoy broccoli as a part of their balanced meals. Offer small, bite-sized pieces of broccoli to your box turtle once or twice a week. The fibrous texture and nutritional content make it a valuable addition to their varied diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aquatic-turtles-and-broccoli-swimmingly-compatible\">Aquatic Turtles and Broccoli: Swimmingly Compatible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Aquatic turtles can also benefit from eating broccoli, although it may not be their top choice due to their predominantly carnivorous nature. Introducing small portions of broccoli as an occasional treat can provide them with essential nutrients without disrupting their natural dietary preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"desert-turtles-and-broccoli-a-trickier-combination\">Desert Turtles and Broccoli: A Trickier Combination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Desert turtles, such as tortoises, have different dietary requirements compared to their aquatic and box turtle counterparts. While some desert turtles may nibble on broccoli, it is essential to research your specific species&#8217; dietary needs to ensure their health and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-balanced-turtle-diet-variety-is-key\">A Balanced Turtle Diet: Variety is Key<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While turtles can eat broccoli, it&#8217;s crucial to maintain a diverse and balanced diet for your pet. A turtle&#8217;s diet should consist of a mix of proteins, vegetables, fruits, and pellets formulated for their specific needs. Research your turtle species to understand its particular dietary requirements and consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns about your turtle&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The verdict is in: turtles can eat broccoli, but moderation and portion size are essential. Whether you have a box turtle, aquatic turtle, or desert turtle, be sure to consider their unique dietary needs and provide a balanced diet that supports their health and happiness. Remember, a well-fed turtle is more likely to thrive in your care, and as a responsible turtle owner, that&#8217;s the ultimate goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/do-turtles-eat-frogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"318\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"5150\">Click here<\/a> to find out if turtles eat frogs and <a href=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/can-turtles-eat-mealworms\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"408\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"5151\">here <\/a>to find out if they should eat mealworms. You can also <a href=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/turtles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"5152\">learn more about turtles here.<\/a><\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Can turtles eat broccoli? Yes! But there are some problems with turtles eating it. Read our full answer to what parts of broccoli turtles can eat and more<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1152,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":7,"label":"Turtles"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/tortoise-eating-brocoli.jpg",800,536,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Frank Kane","author_link":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/author\/frank-kane\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":7,"name":"Turtles","slug":"turtles","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":7,"taxonomy":"category","description":"Turtle Care and Health: Tips and advice on how to keep your turtles healthy, including information on diet, habitat setup, temperature, and common health concerns.","parent":0,"count":20,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":7,"category_count":20,"category_description":"Turtle Care and Health: Tips and advice on how to keep your turtles healthy, including information on diet, habitat setup, temperature, and common health concerns.","cat_name":"Turtles","category_nicename":"turtles","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/404"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=404"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/404\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3732,"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/404\/revisions\/3732"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1152"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=404"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=404"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=404"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}