Magdalena River Turtles are adaptive feeders who take full advantage of all aspects of their feeding habitat. While their herbivorous tendencies are evident as they nibble aquatic plants, their carnivorous prowess shines when hunting small aquatic prey and eating animal-based food sources.
Feeder fish purchased from pet stores or bait shops should only be offered rarely to your turtle as these may contain bacteria and parasites that will introduce into its aquarium environment.
Contents
Vegetables and Greens
Vegetables and greens play an essential part in your turtle’s diet, comprising at least 60% for adults and 30% for hatchlings or juveniles. Examples of such vegetables can be dark leafy greens such as kale, collards, turnip greens and romaine lettuce as well as carrots squash endives and green beans; it is recommended that uneaten food be removed regularly from the tank to prevent unwanted build-up of waste products.
Avoid feeding your turtle bread and other processed human foods that may be hard for him or her to digest and are high in sugar content. Instead, consider dusting his/her food with vitamin supplements beforehand to help ensure he receives all of its essential vitamins. This will ensure he reaps maximum nutritional benefit from his food source.
Fruits
Turtles in the wild feed on a variety of insects and aquatic creatures rich in protein, making these sources unsuitable as food sources in captivity due to possible bacteria contamination, pesticide exposure or parasite infection; however, occasional treats of fruits or vegetables with high protein levels may provide welcome respite.
Apples, pears, bananas (with skin), mangoes, grapes and star fruit are suitable fruits for turtles to consume. Watermelons also contain important nutrients like vitamins A, C and B-complex as well as potassium; however, certain fruits such as watermelons contain high levels of phosphorus so should be fed sparingly; it’s best to offer turtles a wide range of vegetables and fruits so as to satisfy even picky eaters!
Meat
Turtles require high-quality protein to build strong bodies. Along with vegetables, turtles should receive food such as fish, shrimp or insects to enhance their diets.
Turtle meat is a wonderful source of protein, calcium and essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, its lower fat content than chicken or beef means leaner meals packed full of flavor!
Cooks looking to prepare turtle meat should use only minimal butter or oil when making this delectable treat for their turtle and owner alike. When prepared correctly, turtles and owners alike can appreciate this tasty delight!
Pellets
Pellets are specifically tailored to suit a turtle’s specific nutritional requirements, providing vital vitamins and minerals. Compared with sticks, pellets usually feature higher protein levels while providing an ideal calcium/phosphorus ratio to support shell development and health.
There is a wide variety of turtle pellets for sale at pet stores. Ideally, turtles should consume pellets that provide both proteins and vegetables in balanced amounts.
Omega One adult turtle sticks are an excellent example of high-quality pellet food that offers an assortment of proteins like salmon, herring and halibut as well as providing essential vitamins and nutrients with no starch content – ideal as either an occasional treat or staple diet for most adult species of turtle.
Supplements
Many turtles require various nutrients in their diet for healthy living and growth, including dark leafy greens, vegetables and aquatic plants in combination with fish, invertebrates and quality commercial turtle pellet food containing all necessary vitamins and minerals.
Avoid feeding your turtle radishes (they contain goitrogens), avocado, dairy products and any foods high in fat as these may lead to severe diarrhea. Be sure that all vegetables are soft enough for it to eat easily.
ZooMed Hatchling Diet provides an ideal food supplement for turtle hatchlings or juveniles. Omega One Adult Turtle Sticks provide a lower cost alternative, featuring high quality animal proteins.
