Technically, sulcata tortoises can eat celery. Your tortoise won’t get sick or die from a few stalks once in a while, however celery doesn’t provide a lot of nutrients sulcatas need.
Celery is low in fiber, carbohydrates, calcium and vitamin A.
Celery is mostly water. So, your tortoise is filling up, but he’s not consuming a lot of nutrients.
Sulcata tortoises can eat celery, and it will not be fatal, however large amounts of celery or regularly should be a concern. Try to avoid feeding sulcatas celery more than once a week.
Celery Nutrients
Nutrients | Amount |
Calories | 15 |
Total fat | 0g |
Sodium | 115mg |
Potassium | 260mg |
Carbohydrate | 4g |
Dietary fibers | 2g |
Sugars | 2g |
Protein | 0g |
Vitamin A | 10% DV |
Vitamin C | 15% DV |
Calcium | 4% DV |
Iron | 2% DV |
Celery may seem relatively harmless, but it can pose a threat to tortoises if eaten regularly and in larger amounts.
Oxalates
Celery leaves contain more calcium and potassium than the celery stalk, making the leaves slightly more nutritious. However, like spinach, celery leaves contain a lot of oxalates.
Oxalates is a naturally occurring substance that protects the plant against predators. Oxalates are an anti-nutrient that can steal nutrients from the body when consumed. Large amounts of oxalates can become overly concentrated and can crystallize, which can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium, causing metabolic bone disease. Oxalates can also cause kidney or gallbladder problems.
Small amounts of oxalates are for sulcatas to consume. The body can pass them, however if the oxalates build up in the body
Diuretic
Celery seeds have diuretic properties, which increase urine production in turn increasing the risk of dehydration.
Low Carbs
Sulcatas depend on carbohydrates for energy, and celery contains very low carbs. Your tortoise needs over 55% of carbs in his regular diet.
Low Fiber
Celery is low in fiber. Sulcatas require a high fiber diet. Too low fiber can cause constipation, so celery should not be considered a part of the regular diet.