I've always thought they weren't meant to be given but this seems like a reputable site selling them? are these a good kind of pellet or still to be avoided?!

http://www.shelledwarriorsshop.co.uk/komodo-tortoise-dandelion-170g-45311-1010-p.asp

Well, this is very interesting, and I hadn't seen this. The description sounds good (high fibre/low protein; good Ca to P ratio -- but I'd like to see the list of ingredients to make sure. The reason most pellets aren't good is that they are too high in protein, and they are often made from food that isn't great for torts (corn, soya). But I really don't know about this one. Will try and find out more.

Nina

I agree Nina, I havent heard of these.  I think I would err on the side of caution, especially as dandelions are sprouting up everywhere at the moment, so no need to buy pellets.

Would be interested to see the ingredients tho.

Vivienne

Hi
Pellets just don't seem right do they? especially when you visualise a dandelion, plantain leaf  against a pellet!!

I'm not too sure of the content of this food.

The dietry requirements of Redfoots is different to that of herbivore tortoises as they do eat a small amount of meat in the wild and so an increased amount of protein/amino acid (most pelleted food is notoriously higher in protein than a natural diet) is acceptable. To be honest I wouldn’t recommend any pelleted food for any species of tortoise, though am inclined to think these are recommended for Redfoots because they are higher in protein. Strange then that they are also recommended for Sulcatas, which are Herbivores – so shouldn’t be fed tortoise pellets.

I would steer clear and stick to a more natural diet, where possible.

Darren

Thanks everyone, I was just intrigued by the description i'm still feeding JD on dandi's :)

I learned yesterday they probably are not suitable.  We're checking theingredients out.  No need to buy them anyway at the mo as there are loads of dandies about 

Helen

 I haven't given him any my mum picked them up as she was intrigued, I told her not to give him any as soon as she told me as I know pellets are never going to be as good as weeds but thought I would enquire as they seemed different to other pellets, thanks anyway!

Charlotte

hi,i have found tortoise pellets not to bad i have 8 torts they eat them occasionaly  i leave them around slightly damped & they eat them between their main meal ,IAN.

Hi Ian,
They are too high in protein and should only be given as a last resort to sick tortoises in order to encourage them to eat. In the long run they can damage a tortoises kidneys as they have evolved over millions of years eating a low protein diet. This obviously does not apply to the likes of Redfoots that need a certain amount of protein in their diet.
HTH
Darren