Grassland Gold is built around a grazing-first philosophy. Instead of formulating for convenience or shelf appeal, we focus on natural fiber, ingredient integrity, and biological appropriateness. Our blends are made from whole grasses, hays, and botanicals that reflect how grazing tortoises are designed to eat over a lifetime.

Tortoises are not designed to eat large meals — they are designed to graze slowly across time and space.
Our philosophy prioritizes:

• High-fiber plant matter
• Variety and choice
• Minimal processing
• Long-term digestive and shell health

Grassland Gold is designed to support natural behaviors, not replace them.

Every ingredient in Grassland Gold™ has a purpose. Nothing is added for appearance, shelf life, or cost-cutting.

Timothy Hay — The fiber backbone of the blend. Supports healthy digestion and natural grazing behavior.

Bermuda Grass — A natural staple grass for grassland tortoises. High fiber, low protein, biologically appropriate.

Orchard Grass (Adult Blend only) — A softer, highly palatable grass ideal for adult tortoises needing sustained fiber variety.

Dandelion — Rich in vitamins A and C. A favorite wild forage plant for tortoises worldwide.

Nettle — A nutrient-dense wild plant packed with minerals. Used by tortoise keepers for decades.

Plantain Leaf — A natural grazing plant that tortoises instinctively seek out.

Calendula — A gentle edible flower with natural antioxidant properties.

Rose Petals — Edible and loved by tortoises. Adds variety and encourages feeding.

Mulberry Leaves — Naturally rich in calcium and nutrients.

Hibiscus Flowers — Rich in antioxidants and a well-known tortoise favorite.

Calcium Carbonate — Pure calcium added to support strong shell growth, bone health, and metabolic function.

Yes. Grassland Gold is designed to be a reliable staple that can be fed regularly as part of a varied, grazing-based diet. We always encourage combining it with fresh forage, weeds, and seasonal plant matter for optimal variety.

Yes. Grassland Gold is specifically formulated for grazing tortoise species — tortoises that naturally eat grasses, fibrous plants, and botanicals in the wild. It is ideal for:

Sulcata (African Spurred) • Leopard • Aldabra • Radiated • Russian • Greek (Spur-thighed) • Hermann's • Desert • Marginated • Hingeback

These species share a common dietary need for high fiber, low protein, and minimal sugars — exactly what Grassland Gold is built around.

For tropical and forest species such as Red-footed, Yellow-footed, and Elongated tortoises, Grassland Gold is not a primary diet — however it can be used as a fiber supplement or food topper to add beneficial plant fiber to their diet. These species benefit from added fiber even though their overall nutritional needs differ significantly from grazing species.

When in doubt, always consult a reptile veterinarian familiar with tortoise nutrition before making any significant dietary changes.

Yes. Grassland Gold is appropriate for tortoises of all ages including hatchlings and juveniles. In fact, starting young tortoises on a high-fiber, hay-based diet is one of the best things you can do for their long-term health. Slow, steady growth supported by proper fiber intake leads to better shell development and digestive health compared to protein-rich or grain-based diets that can cause rapid, unhealthy growth. For very young tortoises, lightly hydrate the pellets to make them softer and easier to chew.

A general guideline is to feed approximately 2% of your tortoise's body weight per day. So for example, a 500g tortoise would receive around 10g of food daily. However, the more important principle is how they eat rather than just how much — tortoises are natural grazers designed to eat small amounts continuously throughout the day rather than large single meals.

Grassland Gold can be left available for slow grazing, offered in a shallow dish, or lightly hydrated and served as a meal. Always combine with fresh forage, weeds, and seasonal greens when available for the most natural and varied diet possible.

This is completely normal, especially when switching from a different diet. Tortoises can be creatures of habit and may take time to recognize a new food. Here's what works best:

Start by mixing a small amount of Grassland Gold into their current food, gradually increasing the ratio over 1 to 2 weeks. Lightly hydrating the pellets releases a fresh, earthy aroma that many tortoises find more appealing. You can also try sprinkling a few favorite foods like hibiscus petals or dandelion on top to encourage initial interest. Patience is key — most tortoises come around within a few weeks once the new food becomes familiar.

This depends on tortoise size, feeding frequency, and whether the food is used alone or alongside fresh grazing. Many keepers use Grassland Gold as a supplemental graze rather than a sole ration, which extends usage.

Yes. Grassland Gold contains pure calcium carbonate, intentionally added loose to naturally coat the food.

This visible calcium is normal and beneficial. In the wild, tortoises consume calcium from soil, mineral dust, and plant matter. The coating helps ensure consistent calcium intake to support:

• Strong shell growth
• Bone health
• Muscle and nerve function
• Proper metabolic balance

The light white coating is calcium carbonate, not mold or fungus. We do not use binders or artificial coatings, so the calcium remains visible rather than being hidden inside the pellet.

The food should always smell fresh and earthy, never sour or musty.

Binders and preservatives are often used in commercial feeds to improve pellet appearance or shelf life, but they are not part of a tortoise’s natural diet.

We keep ingredients in their natural, minimally processed state to better mimic wild grazing and avoid unnecessary additives.

You can:

• Feed dry for slow grazing
• Lightly mist or hydrate before feeding
• Mix with fresh forage or weeds

Many keepers prefer lightly hydrating to enhance aroma and texture.

Yes. Supporting rescues, sanctuaries, and education is an important part of our mission. We regularly coordinate bulk deliveries, sanctuary support programs, and community initiatives to help care for grazing tortoises.