The question of whether Centrochelys sulcata (African spurred tortoise) should consume the fruit of the Malus domestica (apple tree) is a common one among keepers. While readily consumed, apples present certain nutritional considerations for this grazing herbivore.
Apples are relatively high in sugars and lack the fiber content crucial for optimal digestive function in sulcata tortoises. Regular consumption may disrupt the delicate balance of their gut flora and could lead to health issues over time. Historically, tortoises, and particularly grazing species such as the sulcata, evolved to thrive on a diet consisting primarily of grasses, weeds, and fibrous plants. Deviation from this natural dietary template can negatively impact long-term wellbeing.
