Rhubarb is a common plant found in gardens, but not all plants are safe for tortoises. While it may seem harmless, some foods can be highly toxic.
For a complete diet guide, check out What Do Tortoises Eat
So, can tortoises eat rhubarb? Let’s take a closer look.
Is Rhubarb Safe for Tortoises?
No — rhubarb is toxic to tortoises and should never be fed under any circumstances.
Rhubarb contains high levels of oxalates (oxalic acid), which can bind to calcium in the body and prevent proper absorption. This is especially dangerous for tortoises, as calcium is essential for healthy shell growth, bone strength, and overall development.
When calcium absorption is disrupted, it can lead to serious health problems such as:
• Weak or soft shell growth
• Metabolic bone disease (MBD)
• Long-term nutritional deficiencies
Rhubarb leaves are particularly toxic, but the entire plant should be considered unsafe. Even small amounts can be harmful, and repeated exposure increases the risk of serious complications.
Because of this, rhubarb should be completely avoided, not offered in moderation.
Instead, focus on safe, calcium rich foods like:
• Dandelion greens
• Collard greens
• Mustard greens
• Safe wild weeds
As a general rule, always prioritize foods that support natural grazing and proper calcium intake this is key to keeping your tortoise healthy long term.
You can also explore our complete guide: Best Weeds for Tortoises to Eat
Why Is Rhubarb Dangerous?
Rhubarb is dangerous for tortoises because it contains high levels of oxalates (oxalic acid), which interfere with the body’s ability to properly use calcium.
Oxalates bind to calcium in the digestive system, making it unavailable for absorption. Since tortoises rely heavily on calcium for shell growth, bone strength, and overall health, this can quickly lead to serious problems.
Rhubarb can cause:
• Calcium deficiency — preventing proper shell and bone development
• Metabolic bone disease (MBD) — leading to soft shells and deformities
• Kidney problems — excess oxalates can contribute to kidney strain or damage
• Digestive issues — irritation and imbalance in the gut
Over time, even small amounts can disrupt a tortoise’s nutritional balance, especially if calcium intake is already limited.
Because tortoises are built for a high fiber, calcium rich diet of weeds and leafy greens, foods like rhubarb that block calcium absorption are particularly harmful.
For this reason, rhubarb is considered a high-risk toxic plant and should always be avoided completely.
What Happens If a Tortoise Eats Rhubarb?
If a tortoise eats rhubarb, it can begin to show signs of distress depending on the amount consumed and the individual animal.
Because rhubarb contains high levels of oxalates, it can interfere with calcium balance and irritate the digestive system, leading to a range of symptoms.
Common signs to watch for include:
• Lethargy — reduced activity or unusual tiredness
• Loss of appetite — refusing food or eating less than normal
• Weakness — difficulty moving or lack of energy
• Digestive upset — diarrhea or abnormal stool
In more serious cases, rhubarb consumption can contribute to long-term health issues, especially if exposure is repeated. These may include calcium deficiency, shell problems, or kidney related complications.
If your tortoise eats a small amount accidentally, it may not show immediate symptoms, but it’s still important to monitor closely over the next 24–48 hours.
Be sure to:
• Remove any remaining rhubarb immediately
• Offer safe, high fiber foods and proper hydration
• Ensure access to calcium (like cuttlebone) and UVB lighting
If you notice any concerning symptoms or your tortoise seems unwell, contact a reptile veterinarian as soon as possible. Early action can make a big difference.
When it comes to rhubarb, it’s always best to stay on the safe side—avoid it completely and stick to proven, tortoise safe foods.
Be sure to read more on Toxic Plants and what else can be toxic to your tortoise
Read More Here: Toxic Foods For Tortoises
Safe Alternatives to Rhubarb
Instead of rhubarb, focus on offering safe, natural foods that support your tortoise’s health and mimic their natural grazing diet.
Great alternatives include:
• Dandelion greens — one of the best staple foods, rich in calcium and fiber
• Clover — a natural grazing plant that many tortoises love
• Plantain weed — highly nutritious and commonly found in the wild
• Collard greens — a calcium-rich leafy green that supports shell health
These foods are:
• High in fiber for proper digestion
• Rich in essential nutrients like calcium
• Much closer to what tortoises eat in the wild
You can also rotate in other safe options like:
• Mustard greens
• Turnip greens
• Hibiscus leaves and flowers
• Chicory and endive
The goal is to provide a varied, plant based diet built around weeds and leafy greens, with plenty of rotation to avoid nutrient imbalances.
When in doubt, always choose foods that are natural, high in fiber, and calcium rich these will keep your tortoise healthy and thriving long-term.
You can explore a full list here:
Best Weeds for Tortoises to Eat
Best Leafy Greens for Tortoises
Better Diet Choices for Tortoises
A healthy tortoise diet should be built around natural, high fiber plant foods that closely mimic what they would eat in the wild. The goal is to create a simple, balanced feeding routine that supports digestion, shell growth, and long term health.
Focus on the following:
🌿 Weeds and grasses
These should make up the majority of the diet. Wild weeds like dandelion, clover, and plantain are rich in fiber and nutrients, making them ideal staple foods.
🥬 Leafy greens
Great for daily feeding alongside weeds. Options like collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens provide important vitamins and calcium.
🌸 Flowers
A natural and enriching addition. Flowers such as hibiscus and rose petals are safe, nutritious, and often highly enjoyed.
🥕 Vegetables (in moderation)
Vegetables can add variety and hydration but should only be a small part of the diet, not a staple.
🍓 Fruits (occasionally)
Fruits should be treated as a rare treat due to their higher sugar content offered sparingly to avoid digestive issues.
FAQ: Rhubarb and Tortoises
No. Rhubarb leaves are especially toxic and should never be fed.
No. Even small amounts can be harmful due to oxalates.
Plants like rhubarb, onions, and garlic should all be avoided.
Conclusion
Rhubarb is not safe for tortoises and should never be included in their diet. Its high oxalate content interferes with calcium absorption, which can lead to serious health issues such as weak shell growth, nutritional deficiencies, and long term complications.
Because tortoises rely heavily on calcium for proper development, foods that block calcium uptake are especially dangerous and should be completely avoided.
Instead, focus on a diet built around safe, natural foods like weeds, grasses, and leafy greens. These provide the fiber and nutrients tortoises need to stay healthy and thrive.
When it comes to feeding your tortoise, keeping things simple, natural, and consistent is always the best approach.
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 →
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/diet/ - Habitat & Enclosures →
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Continue building your tortoise’s diet:
Best Weeds for Tortoises to Eat