Red-eared sliders are known to eat an array of aquatic vegetation including fish, snails, insects and aquatic plants in the wild. Additionally, they have also been observed snacking on fresh fruit and vegetables.
Pet owners should provide their captive turtle with a diet of commercial turtle pellets as well as fresh foods like leafy greens (excluding iceberg lettuce), carrots, squash, bell peppers and other veggies for optimal health in captivity.
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Adults
Adult red-eared sliders housed in aquariums or turtle tanks should be fed a combination of commercial fish food (Wardley’s Turtle Sticks) and fresh vegetables once every two days, including leafy greens such as bok choy. Incorporating protein sources such as invertebrates, small feeder fish, worms crickets or chicken as part of their diet (if desired).
These semi-aquatic reptiles are omnivores in their natural habitats and feed on both plant material (elodea, water lettuce and azolla (fairy moss) as well as animal matter like frogs, tadpoles, insects snails clams freshwater sponges and aquatic algae.
As adults, reptiles need an ample supply of calcium in their diet in order to avoid gout; to meet this need, mineral supplements should be administered alongside their commercial diet. They may also enjoy treats such as apples or bananas from time-to-time; though this should only be given as treats.
Juveniles
Red-eared slider juveniles consume both plants and animal protein in their natural habitat, such as grasses and aquatic plants such as water lilies, duckweed, bok choy and Elodea. Dandelions, collard greens, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, turnip greens and Swiss chard may also form part of their diets.
They enjoy eating vegetables such as kale, carrots and squash; these should be offered along with commercial turtle pellets and fish food. Some people also feed them fruits such as bananas, cantaloupe and berries; however these should only form part of their daily diet as too much fruit may lead to diarrhea in their digestive system.
Young turtles require more frequent food consumption than adults do, as well as a diet high in proteins to build their shells and become mature. Their food should contain equal parts dark leafy greens (romaine lettuce, kale, watercress, dandelions or mustard greens) and coarsely chopped vegetables such as thawed frozen mixed vegetables, shredded carrot, kale or squash. Fish protein or commercial turtle pellets should be provided 1-2 times each week.
Babies
Baby red eared sliders require the same environment as adult turtles: an aquarium capable of holding at least 100 gallons, complete with both land area and swimming/basking area. A heat lamp helps regulate their circadian rhythms, while water filtration prevents infection.
Otters are opportunistic feeders and will continue feeding as long as food is available, however, vegetables should make up no more than 25%-30% of their diet and be finely chopped or shredded for best results to prevent soiling of water and clogging of filters.
Food sources to feed turtles should include commercial turtle food pellets as well as live or pre-killed animal and plant matter to provide them with all of the vitamins they require for health and enrichment. Supplementing their diet with reptile vitamin supplements would also be wise.
Seniors
Red-eared sliders become omnivorous as adults, eating both plants and meat. Variety in their diet is essential to their continued good health; aquatic plants like water hyacinth, pond lettuce, dandelion greens should be provided along with dark leafy vegetables such as cantaloupe, melons and kale should also be offered regularly as fresh foods to add variety to the diet. Turtle pellets may also be added.
These pellets contain high levels of calcium and phosphorus, helping prevent gout, soft shell, kidney issues, etc. They should be offered 1-2 times each week to maximize effectiveness.
Senior reptiles may find it challenging to consume large pieces of food, so cutting veggies into smaller pieces is beneficial. Seniors also may have trouble digesting their diet, so adding a multivitamin containing vitamin D3 to the tank could ensure they make the most of their diets.
