Aquatic turtles are omnivorous animals, enjoying eating a range of food types. You can enrich their diet with various fruits, vegetables and treats; just avoid offering dairy since turtles do not possess enzymes needed to digest it properly.
Your turtle should consume no more than 50% of their diet as carnivorous food sources; most of their nourishment should consist of leafy greens and vegetables.
Contents
Protein
An ideal diet for turtles includes providing them with an assortment of foods to provide all of the required vitamins and nutrients, including vegetables like kale and water hyacinth that contain vitamin A as well as fruits like apples and cantaloupe as well as fresh or frozen shrimp.
Reptile Supply provides an assortment of commercial turtle foods to provide your pet with a balanced meal. Choose from options designed specifically for certain species such as red-eared sliders or map turtles; there are also options designed for omnivorous feeding such as for musk turtles and box turtles, high protein foods for larger aquatic turtles as well as freshwater fish and marine aquarium invertebrates.
Zoo Med’s hatchling formula is ideal for younger or smaller turtles as it provides them with ample protein to grow strong shells. On the other hand, older turtles typically no longer require as much to sustain their growth and therefore do not require as much in maintenance formula.
Vitamins
Shrimp offer more than protein to your turtle’s diet; they’re also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like calcium. Calcium helps strengthen their shell, bones, muscles and nerves; selenium reduces cell damage while protecting cells while also helping with inflammation reduction; omega-3 fatty acids support healthy cardiovascular systems in turtles.
Due to their digestive systems being sensitive, too much shrimp should only be provided as an occasional treat rather than being fed daily. If offering frozen shrimp as snacks, use high quality and break into pieces prior to feeding your turtle.
Make sure that, in addition to shrimp, your turtle receives enough fruits and vegetables in their diet for adequate vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, squash, peppers and kale may help prevent vitamin A deficiency, which is common among turtles. In addition, administer a supplement two or three times each week.
Minerals
Turtles require a varied diet for optimal health. A reptile veterinarian may offer recommendations tailored specifically to their species of turtle. These foods should include commercially available turtle pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables (such as leafy greens and non-toxic aquatic plants), as well as some live food.
Avoid feeding turtles dairy products or treats made from animal fat as their digestive systems lack the enzymes to break it down. Furthermore, clean out their tanks regularly so as to prevent bacteria and algae growth.
Zoo Med’s floating ReptiSticks provide aquatic turtles, newts, frogs, and crustaceans with food they need for survival in their aquatic environment. Packed with fish protein (35%) extruded food helps turtles develop hard shells faster and offers multiple sources of calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Recommended for Sliders Sidenecks Cooters hatchling and juvenile aquatic turtles alike – as well as cooters! The gel formula makes preparation easy while accommodating individual aquatic turtle needs!
Fat
Shrimp provides not only protein, but also contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and help improve heart function. Furthermore, shrimp contains selenium to defend against infections while supporting cell growth and development.
Some turtles enjoy eating live shrimp as an occasional treat, however this should not become part of their regular diet as it can disrupt their natural digestion and cause health issues. Therefore it is best to provide live shrimp no more than once weekly as an occasional treat.
Your turtle should consume fresh foods such as leafy greens, red, orange and yellow vegetables as well as fruits for optimal nutrition. Variety is especially essential because turtles don’t like monotonous diets – providing nutritious treats can keep meal times exciting for your turtle. Be sure to clean out uneaten food regularly from their tank in order to prevent bacteria growth.
