Fish food contains proteins, carbohydrates and fatty acids as well as iodine, vitamin B and other essential nutrients for turtles’ diets. As such, it should only be fed occasionally as supplements rather than being relied upon as the sole food source.
Pet stores sell commercial turtle foods that offer the right balance of calcium and other essential nutrients for proper development of turtles, but these foods can be costly.
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They are not good for turtles
Turtles are opportunistic eaters and will explore any object that resembles food, from debris to the foods specialized for turtles sold at pet stores. While turtle pellets might taste better to your turtle than fish food, they won’t provide all of their needed nutrition.
Wild turtles are omnivores and consume both meat and vegetables to maintain a balanced diet. Protein is essential, while calcium should also be consumed regularly in order to strengthen their shells against softening or deformation. Without enough calcium intake, turtles could develop soft shells.
Some turtle owners like to feed their pets fish food because it’s easy to access and less costly than some alternatives. While fish food should occasionally be fed, as too much protein could put stress on the turtle’s kidneys as well as cause an unbalanced diet.
They are expensive
Fish flakes can be expensive and inconvenient for turtle owners, not to mention less nutritious than other options. Fresh vegetables and fruits combined with proteins derived from sources like eggs, earthworms, mealworms, dried shrimp crickets snails or insects provide optimal food sources that contain calcium and phosphorous necessary for shell growth compared to fish food flakes.
Avoid feeding oily fish such as mackerel and smelt to turtles as these species contain high protein levels that could harm their kidneys and lead to deformities of their shells. Animal-derived protein sources should only account for approximately 70% of a turtle’s diet.
Avoid feeding your turtle raw meat as this could expose it to harmful bacteria, while dairy products may cause digestive issues. Instead, provide them with a wide variety of protein, vegetables, fruits, flowers and greens as food options; adding calcium supplements may also be helpful.
They are not nutritious
Turtles are opportunistic feeders, so they will eat whatever food is readily available to them. Although turtle food can be easily found at pet stores, it should not be fed for extended periods as its high calcium levels could cause stress and shell deformities in your turtle, while being an inadequate source of essential vitamins resulting in poor growth, lethargy, erratic swimming or scoliosis.
Turtles should consume a diet consisting of both plant- and meat-based foods to maintain an ideal environment in their tank or terrarium. Raw meat should not be fed because this could rot, leading to bacteria growing in their environment. Dairy products should also not be provided due to being lactose intolerant. Processed meats like sausage, ham and salami may disrupt digestive activity.
Provide your turtle with essential vitamins and minerals to ensure optimal nutrition. Multivitamins and Vitamin D supplements can easily be purchased at pet stores.
They are harmful
Fish food contains too much protein that could lead to shell deformities in turtles if fed too frequently and does not provide the optimal balance of vitamins and nutrients needed for optimal turtle growth.
Instead, choose foods rich in essential nutrients for your turtle to digest easily and safely.
Your turtle needs additional proteins in its diet as well, such as boiled eggs, earthworms, mealworms, snails and crickets. Incorporating small fish species in their tank to provide entertainment and exercise while providing enough protein. This will also ensure they receive enough nutrition.
Avoid feeding your turtle any processed meats as these can pose health hazards to it, including calcium deficiency and soft shell formation that leads to cracks and infections in their shell.
