Yes, tortoises can eat mulberry leaves, and they are actually considered one of the best natural foods for many tortoise species. Mulberry leaves are rich in fiber, calcium, and important nutrients that help support healthy digestion and shell growth. I like to grow mulberry trees just for this purpose as well as grape vine which is also a great leaf to feed.
For a complete diet guide, check out What Do Tortoises Eat
Are Mulberry Leaves Safe for Tortoises?
Mulberry leaves are widely recommended by tortoise keepers and reptile experts as a nutritious food option. Many tortoises eagerly eat the leaves when offered.
Mulberry leaves provide:
• high fiber content
• good calcium levels
• natural plant nutrients
• safe roughage for digestion
Because of their nutritional value, mulberry leaves are often used as a staple food for many tortoise species. check out this Tortoise Feeding List to see what else is safe for your pet tortoise.
What Types of Tortoises Can Eat Mulberry Leaves?
Most tortoise species can safely eat mulberry leaves.
This includes:
• Sulcata tortoises
• Leopard tortoises
• Russian tortoises
• Greek tortoises
• Hermann’s tortoises
Mulberry leaves are especially beneficial for grazing tortoise species that require a high-fiber diet. Here is a Species Profile Hub if you want to look into other species of tortoises and turtles.
Can Tortoises Eat Mulberry Fruit?
Tortoises can eat mulberries (the fruit) in small amounts, but they should only be offered occasionally.
The fruit contains more natural sugars than the leaves, so it should be treated as a treat rather than a staple food. Like all fruits they can be offered occasionally as treats.
Learn more in our guides on Can Tortoises Eat Bananas and Can Tortoises Eat Strawberries.
Mulberry leaves, however, can be fed much more regularly. During the spring and summer Mulberry leaves will be added as a staple of my tortoises diet.
How to Feed Mulberry Leaves to Tortoises
Mulberry leaves can be offered fresh and whole to tortoises.
Simple feeding tips include:
• rinse the leaves before feeding
• offer them fresh from the tree
• mix them with other greens
• avoid leaves from treated trees
Many tortoises enjoy grazing directly on mulberry branches placed in their enclosure. I don’t like to place it into the enclosure because they will destroy the tree, however if you keep a small species this can work out for you. I like to clip leaves off and just add it to salads.
FAQ Section
Yes, mulberry leaves can often be fed regularly because they are high in fiber and beneficial nutrients that support tortoise health.
Yes, mulberry leaves are considered one of the healthiest foods for tortoises and are commonly recommended by keepers and breeders.
Yes, baby tortoises can eat mulberry leaves. The leaves are soft and easy for young tortoises to eat when offered in small pieces.
Tortoises can eat mulberries in small amounts, but the fruit should only be offered occasionally because it contains more natural sugars.
Conclusion
Mulberry leaves are one of the healthiest plant foods you can offer your tortoise. Their high fiber and calcium content make them an excellent addition to a balanced tortoise diet.
When available, mulberry leaves can be fed regularly alongside grasses, weeds, and other safe plants to support healthy growth and digestion.
Mulberry leaves are a great staple food for tortoises, some veggies are better as an occasional treat. Learn why Carrots should be fed occasionally and Can Tortoise Eat Carrots?
What Next
If you’re new to tortoise keeping, start with our Beginner’s Guide to Tortoise Care before choosing your species.
- Full Care Guide →
/care-guides/ - Diet & Nutrition →
/diet/ - Habitat & Enclosures →
/habitat/ - Gear Reviews →
/gear-reviews/
You can also explore more tortoise feeding guides to build a safe and balanced diet:
• Can Tortoises Eat Kale
• Can Tortoises Eat Sweet Potatoes
• Can Tortoises Eat Blueberries