In this article, you will learn about the types of food you should avoid feeding to your pet. Turtles do not like dairy products, meat, processed vegetables and carbohydrate-rich fruits and vegetables. Additionally, some plants are toxic for your turtle, including amaryllis, avocado leaves and seeds, gardenia, Carolina jessamine, ivy, boxwood, firethorn, primrose and poinsettia.
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Vegetables
Vegetables are an excellent source of calcium for your pet turtle. Most vegetables are low in phosphorus, a mineral that most humans don’t need much of, but turtles need it for a healthy shell. Luckily, most vegetables have an ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Adding a few vegetables to your turtle’s diet can help it avoid getting dehydrated and weaken its shell.
Fruit
It is common to find that turtles prefer fruits to vegetables and vice versa. This means that if you want your turtle to enjoy fruits as much as vegetables, it is best to provide them with a mix of both. Depending on the species, the ideal ratio for fruits to vegetables is 80-90%. Vegetables should be the primary food of your turtle, while fruits should make up the remaining 10-20%. A good balance of vegetables and fruits will consist of green leafy things, although fibre-rich vegetables are not recommended. Some of the best vegetables to feed your turtle include kale, parsley, spinach, bananas, and apples. Fruit content can include strawberries, bananas, grapes, and hibiscus.
Fresh fish
You can provide your turtle with fresh fish as long as it has a specific diet. It should be a diet rich in protein, which is what the turtles are best suited for. Fresh fish is a great source of protein and other nutrients, but keep in mind that a diet rich in fish will also result in digestive problems in your turtle. While it may be a great option for the first few weeks, you should gradually transition your turtle to a regular diet with fish.
Flowers
There are many different types of flowers to offer your turtle. Although they are amphibians, they still need a lot of land-based food. That means you should try to provide your pet with a variety of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. If you can’t grow your own flowers, you can buy them at a floral shop. Many stores will discard older, wilted flowers that your pet will enjoy eating. Make sure that the flowers you choose haven’t been treated with any chemicals to keep your turtle healthy.
Commercial pelleted food
There are two main types of commercial pelleted food for turtles: organic and commercial. Organic is the best choice if you want to reduce waste while feeding your turtle, while commercial is for larger turtles. You can find both types of commercial food at pet stores. Commercial pelleted food for turtles is usually cheaper than organic food. Some of the brands that are considered best for your turtle include ZooMed and Mazuri.
Non-poisonous plants
When choosing plants for your pet turtle, you should look for non-toxic varieties that are easy to grow, as well as nutrient-rich. Most of the plants on this list are affordable and easy to care for. Before choosing plants for your turtle’s tank, make sure to choose safe foods for your pet and avoid giving it fruits and vegetables that may contain oxalates. Also, keep in mind that turtles usually defecate while eating. Consequently, you must keep the food container separate from the turtle’s tank and clean it regularly.
Canned or processed food
If you’re looking for a food to feed turtles, canned and processed varieties are not recommended. Reptiles do not utilize milk products, as their bodies lack the enzymes that break down lactose. Additionally, processed and canned foods often contain high levels of salt and preservatives, which can affect the turtle’s health. You should also avoid feeding your reptile refined flour and sugar.
