Turtles make great pets, but it is essential that their diet be appropriately managed. Although most turtles are omnivorous, their food should consist of both animal- and plant-based sources.
Tortoises (land turtles) can eat “people food”, such as salad, while certain flowers and fruits (other than citrus fruit) such as berries or thinly-sliced apples may also be enjoyed by this aquatic turtle species. Water turtles should have access to blanched vegetables, fresh scraps of raw fish or shellfish as well as mealworms for consumption.
Contents
Vegetables
Most pet turtle species are omnivorous, necessitating a diet consisting of animal proteins, leafy greens and vegetables. To ensure proper nutrition for your turtle species it is important to research their specific dietary requirements.
Your turtle should receive a variety of plants that provide nutritional value such as carrots, kale and other dark greens, cabbage and bell peppers. Incorporating fruits as snacks for added health benefits; however, try to steer clear from items high in sugar content.
Be sure to remove any uneaten food from your turtle’s tank as this could affect its water quality, and offer them calcium and vitamin supplements specifically formulated for reptiles twice or three times each week as part of their diet.
Fruit
Watermelons offer your turtle an abundant supply of Vitamin C and other vital nutrients, while apples are another safe and healthy choice; just remember that apples contain high amounts of phosphorous; be sure to remove their rinds and seeds before offering as food to your turtle.
Fresh pears offer your turtle an abundant source of calcium, fiber, and multiple vitamins – however beware as they’re also an abundant source of sugar!
Bananas and figs can be enjoyed occasionally as treats for turtles, although their high sugar content should limit how often they’re fed to your turtle. Peaches offer a low-cal alternative that boasts lots of calcium and vitamins while mango may contain even more. Just remember to thoroughly clean any fruit before giving it to your turtle!
Flowers
As amphibious animals that inhabit both aquatic environments and terrestrial terrain, turtles require a varied diet that includes vegetables, fruit, flowers and insects.
Foliar vegetables such as kale, collard greens and turnips are rich sources of calcium and belong to the cruciferous vegetable family alongside broccoli and brussel sprouts.
These bars are packed with protein and vitamin C. Furthermore, they are an excellent source of vitamins K and B6.
Dandelion leaves are an excellent source of fiber, phosphorus and potassium; however they may contain oxalates so should only be provided occasionally.
Corn (maize) is an ideal source of protein, vitamin C and niacin for pet turtles. Additionally, many turtles enjoy feeding on blackberries and ripe bananas as treats; others will even devour flowers such as hibiscus and geranium!
Insects
Most aquatic turtles are opportunistic feeders and in the wild consume various plants, fruits and insects as part of their diet. Supplementing insects into your aquatic turtle’s diet is one way of providing more natural nourishment that’s easier for him or her to digest; purchasing bulk quantities at pet stores or raising your own could save you money in comparison with processed turtle foods.
Mealworms, crickets, roaches, hornworms and soldier fly larvae (reptiworms) are some of the easiest insects for turtles to consume. You should feed these sparingly since they often lack essential vitamins like calcium; you may need to gut load or dust these insects with additional supplements before giving to your turtle.
Do not feed your turtle any wild-caught insects from an environment free from herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals which could pass onto it from other animals in its environment. Even then, only small quantities should be eaten as these high in phosphorous and oxalates content should only be given occasionally.
Fish
Aquatic turtles benefit greatly from consuming fresh fish as it provides natural sources of phosphorus and calcium. When choosing feeder fish for feeding purposes, be mindful that their use could siphon up water sources causing ammonia build-up, plus swallowing them could prove dangerous as some might puncture or puncture their shells and become toxic for your turtle’s wellbeing.
Feeder fish that are low in fat content tend to be better choices for a turtle’s diet than oily varieties like mackerel and tuna, while preserved oil-rich varieties could potentially cause vitamin E deficiency in them.
Feeding your turtle a variety of foods will prevent boredom and mimic its natural eating habits.
