Question 1

Can i offer both this and the forest blend to my indian star?  it looks as though they live in both habitats.   also, when soaking,  for how long?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is a good addition to any tortoise's diet, even an Indian Star tortoise! It's high in fiber as it is compressed hay/grass. I feed it a 1-3 times a week, sometimes I just throw in the pellets dry as one of my Sulcata tortoises doesn't mind eating it dry. But when I do add water, I put maybe a 1/4cup in a small bowl and add warm water just above the amount of pellets, cover with anything to keep the warmth in and let it soak for about 5 minutes. It fluffs up quite a bit so a little goes a long ways when you add water! At first they didn't like it, but eventually they'll eat it when I only offer that for a week or so. And now, when I give it to them a few times a week, they don't mind it at all! That way I can be sure they get enough solid fiber along with all the veggies and greens they get!! Enjoy and good luck!

-2 Sulcatas- 1 Russian

Question 2

How long will it last once opened?

Accepted Answer

How long it lasts depends on how much you feed your tortoise -- it could be more than a season for a little one, or just one season for a larger tortoise. Feed a quantity that the tortoise will finish, then clean up any remainders -- bugs like the stuff!
I use almost boiling water and let the pellets sit for at least half an hour to ensure every piece is a mushy texture.

Question 3

What are the Ingredients

Accepted Answer

Click on the 7.5 oz selection. Then go through the pictures. You will find the ingredients there.

Question 4

Isn't 9% protein to much for a dessert tortoise (I have a sulcata)?

Accepted Answer

The original "Megadiet" (Tortoise Monster Diet by Ziegler Bros.) that was recommended for years by Tortoise Group in Nevada was 12% protein & only 8.5% fiber. It was developed by nutrition specialists at the Smithsonian National Zoo to be a complete desert tortoise food, but later found to be too high protein & way too little fiber. Now they recommend this (ZooMed Grassland 9% protein/26% fiber/5:1 calcium to phosporus ratio) with growing plants to browse. I always moisten it with 2 parts water to 1 part chow until no hard pieces remain. My 2 desert torts are very big and healthy, with nice rounded shells (no "pyramiding"). They love this stuff, it just took a little getting used to. Mixed it with their favorite treats at first, then slowly cut back on the additives. TOUGH LOVE--they will eventually eat it! Their favorite occasional treats with it now are globe mallow, hibiscus flowers, dandelions, & chopped or shredded broccoli (sparingly). Avoid TOO much cabbage family--broccoli, Kale, mustard greens or collards depress their thyroids & can cause goiter. No spinach! (Its oxalic acid binds up calcium). Sure they love lettuce, but it is WORTHLESS for them, and they stop eating the good stuff! No sweet fruit, tomatoes or corn. No canned or frozen veggies or anything with sodium. Aim for at least a 2:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio, and low protein/high fiber (no dog or cat food!! Peas or beans only very sparingly--too much protein &phosphorus). For browsing you can grow dandelions, petunias, verbena, spineless cactus, hollyhocks, (young) grape leaves, rose petals, globe mallow, but use no pesticides.

ASIN	B007TUIVY6
Additional Features	Natural food, grass_fed, Timothy Hay, Grassland
Age Range Description	All Life Stages
Allergen Information	Gluten Free
Animal Food Diet Type	Plant-Based
Animal Food Ingredient Claim	Grass-Fed
Animal Food Nutrient Content Claim	High Fiber
Best Sellers Rank	#42,289 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #174 in Reptile & Amphibian Food
Brand Name	Zoo Med
Breed Recommendation	All Breed Sizes
Container Type	Bottle
Customer Reviews	4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (696)
Dog Breed Size	All
Flavor	Grassland
Global Trade Identification Number	00097612401301
Item Form	Pellet, dry
Item Weight	9 Ounces
Manufacturer	Zoo Med
Manufacturer Part Number	ZM-130
Model Number	ZM130
Number of Items	1
Occasion	Birthday
Pet Type	Reptile
Product Benefits	Supports healthy growth and proper shell development in prairie turtles.
Recommended Uses For Product	Daily feed for grassland turtles
Special Ingredients	Timothy Hay, Grassland
Specific Uses For Product	Immune Support
Target Species	Reptiles & Amphibians
UPC	097612401301
Unit Count	240 Grams

Zoo Med 8.5 oz Natural Grassland Tortoise Food

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