The Columbian red-footed tortoise is a herbivorous animal. The Columbian red-footed tortoise in the wild usually feeds on a variety of grasses and fruits, some will eat a small amount of carrion, and some will eat some non-toxic florets. Captive-bred Columbian red-footed tortoises can be fed fruit, vegetables, and grass, with occasional small amounts of animal protein added for a balanced nutritional mix. In addition, it should be noted that spinach needs to be fed carefully, and cauliflower should be fed less.

The Columbian red-footed tortoise eats a lot, and the speed at which it grows Also faster. The frequency of feeding varies at different stages. Juvenile Columbian red-footed tortoises need to be fed daily, with a small amount of calcium added to their diet every other day. By the time the Columbian red-footed tortoise is one year old, it can be fed once every two days and supplemented with calcium twice a week. For Columbia Red-footed tortoises two years of age and older, an average of two feedings per week is sufficient.