Red eared slider turtles should be fed a varied diet. A variety of foods will help prevent hunger strikes and keep your turtle happy and healthy!
Turtles should have at least 50% meat/protein and 25% plant matter in their diet. Ideally, adults should receive protein food 1-2x/week and vegetable food daily.
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Carrots
Carrots are a good vegetable choice for red eared turtles because they contain important vitamins and minerals. They also help regulate blood sugar levels and are a low-calorie option.
They are a good source of fiber, which promotes digestive health and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal disorders. They also lower cholesterol levels and prevent constipation.
In addition, they are an excellent source of Vitamin A and beta-carotene. This antioxidant helps improve your turtle’s vision and boost their immune system.
Carrots are also packed with phosphorous and calcium, which help strengthen the bones and shell of your turtle. These nutrients are essential for a healthy skeleton and are vital for maintaining muscle functions.
Spinach
Spinach is a healthy green leafy vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of iron, which helps improve iron levels in the bloodstream and strengthens the immune system.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help in preventing osteoporosis and migraines. Its high neoxanthin and violaxanthin content also reduces stress and tension in the body, which promotes good sleep at night.
However, spinach can be dangerous for turtles because it contains a high level of oxalic acid. This substance can interfere with calcium absorption, which is important for turtles.
In order to provide your red eared turtle with the nutrients they need, you should offer them a wide variety of vegetables. Try to include romaine lettuce and red leaf lettuce, iceberg lettuce, cooked sweet potato, shredded carrots, spaghetti squash, green beans, and apples as part of their diet.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a great addition to a red eared turtle’s diet. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, which can help with their overall health.
It also contains a good amount of soluble fiber, which helps to keep their blood sugar levels in check and promotes healthy cholesterol levels.
However, you must be careful about what you feed your turtle to ensure they are getting the proper nutrition. Some foods can cause them to become sick or even die, so it’s best to choose safe options when deciding on what to feed your pet.
Watermelon is a tasty treat for your turtle, but it should be treated as a snack and not a full-course meal. This is because young and baby turtles need more proteins than fruit.
Bananas
Bananas are a great treat for your turtle as they contain a variety of nutrients that your reptile needs like magnesium, potassium, pyridoxine, fiber and healthy fats. They are also a source of carbohydrates, which your turtle needs for energy.
However, bananas can cause your turtle to have digestive problems if they are too sweet so it is best to only feed them a few times a week.
Baby red-eared sliders need a protein-rich diet more than adults, so make sure that you feed them 70% meat and 30% vegetables. You should also offer pellets in addition to their meat-based diet.
It is a good idea to remove the peels from the banana before you feed your turtle because they are too tough for them to chew and digest. This will prevent them from suffering from gastrointestinal issues.
Pellets/Sticks
Pellets and sticks are a convenient way to provide your turtle with a variety of nutrients in a single food source. They also help to keep your turtle’s diet balanced and ensure that they are getting the right amount of protein, vitamins and minerals to stay healthy.
While red eared sliders can get most of their nutrition from plants and vegetables, they do need protein sources as well. This is why pellets should make up about 20% of their diet, with the remaining 25% consisting of plant-based foods.
For vegetable sources, offer dark leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, kale, mustard greens, dandelion greens or turnip greens. These foods contain high levels of calcium which is essential for red eared sliders to maintain healthy shells and prevent rot.
