Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was curious to know why? I try to feed them fruits and veggies for variety and have fed them spinach in the past, I have read to avoid. I am going to do so, but why?

Thanks, much appreciated…

Also in the wild they wouldnt be eating this stuff anyway. Theyd probablt be eating ivy plants etc. why not feed them that?

Spinach contains very high levels of a chemical called Oxalic Acid...a naturally occurring compound found in many plants. Oxalic acid blocks the absorption of calicum. Most veggies and fruits contain some...ranging from moderate to tiny trace amounts. Spinach is exceptionally high...which is why most keepers refrain from making it a diet staple, or just cut it out completely and go with other greens. There is a chart that I posted a few weeks ago that examines the amounts in certain foods. If you look below you'll find the thread. Obviously there are other things to consider when putting together a turtle's diet, but if it does contain very high oxalic acid content, many just won't bother with it, not wanting to risk the turtle ingesting high levels over time which may cause real calicum problems.

Hope this helps!

Spinich prevents the absorbtion of calcium. Occasional spinach leaves are not going to kill your turtles, but feed often can lead to calcium deficiencies. RES would not eat ivy, they are aquatic turtles, they eat various aquatic plants such as anacharis and duck weed, both of which you can feed your RES.
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Spinach (as well as beet leaves, cabbage, peas, potatoes, and rhubarb) contain oxalates which limit the absorption of calcium feed in moderatre amounts in a balanced diet will not be harmfull.
There are many aqauctic plants they won't eat like reeds, cattails, rush, and grasses.
There are many types of leafy greens and fruits that you can buy in your grocery store that are good for them, collards, mustard greens, lettuces, the list is pretty extensive, just vary the diet.
turtle forum

thanks everyone for all your insight. I appreciate it, and so will my friends…