Most animals will eat poop, whether their own or that of another animal. Dogs often find their way to litter box, and your tortoise will likely find dog poop in the yard. It’s gross, but actually a natural animal behavior. However your sulcata tortoise should not eat dog poop.
Why Does My Sulata Eat Dog Poop?
There could be many reasons why your sulcata tortoise eats dog poop.
Lack of Nutrients
Sulcata tortoises require a high fiber diet consisting primarily of grasses and hays. If your sulcata isn’t quite getting what he needs in his regular diet, he may seek out other food options to fulfill that dietary need.
Offer variation in your sulcata tortoise’s diet. Naturally sulcatas graze throughout the day, consuming many different grasses, weeds and plants. If your tortoise doesn’t have access to the variety he needs, he’ll seek it out on his own.
Not Getting Enough Food
If your sulcata is hungry, he’ll find food. Sulcata tortoises are opportunistic feeders. If dog poop is available amongst limited other foods, the tortoise may eat the dog poop.
It’s Become a Habit
Your sulcata tortoise may eat dog poop out of habit. He sees. He eats. There may be no other reason for your sulcata tortoise eat dog poop.
Should Sulcata Tortoise Eat Dog Poop?
It’s probably not the best idea to feed your tortoise dog poop, however if your sulcata eats a small poop (assuming it’s an adult sulcata), that one snack won’t necessarily kill your tortoise. BUT you don’t want to make dog poop eating a habit.
There are many reasons why sulscata tortoises should not eat dog poop.
Animal Proteins
Sulcata should not consume large amounts of animal proteins, and most likely your dog eats a meat-based dog food. Whatever your dog didn’t absorb, will be in the poop. If your tortoise eats a high amount of animal proteins, it can cause serious health issues.
Parasites
Some parasites are species specific, but there are some that can be transferred from your dog’s poop to your sulcata.
Medications
The chemicals from medications, like heartworm prevention and flea prevention, not to mention other medications that dogs could be on, can be pooped out. You don’t want your tortoise to eat dog poop that contain chemicals.
Health Risks Associated with Tortoise Eating Dog Poop
If your tortoise eats dog poop on a regular basis, you should be aware of the serious health signs that your sulcata is sick. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to rush your tortoise to the vet.
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Undigested food in poop
- Lethargy
- Visible parasites in poop
Prevent Sulcata Tortoise from Eating Dog Poop
In order to properly prevent a tortoise from eating dog poop, you should keep the tortoise and dog area separated in your yard. If this is not an option, you’ll need to pick up all the dog poop before your tortoise can find it.
