What Do Turtles Eat?

In case you are a new turtle owner, chances are, you are questioning what to feed a turtle. Depending on the age and specie of your reptilian pet, there are many variations on what to feed a turtle. One basic rule of thumb that you have to comply with is to feed your turtle something similar to what he or she is more likely to eat in the wild.

There are three kinds of turtles – those that are carnivorous in nature, those who rely heavily on plant food sources or herbivores, and there are also omnivorous groups of turtles. To properly know what to feed a turtle, you must first determine what turtle specie you are taking care of. Additionally, you need to identify the natural habitat where your pet used to live as this factor also determines its diet along with its other care needs.

Turtles could be expensive to feed since they are exotic pets, and most pet shops do not have a complete line of foods appropriate for such creatures. With that said, replicating the natural diet of turtles is probably the most effective feeding solution you can do to ensure that your critter will live a healthier life. By and far, these reptiles eat a wide variety of foods that are in season. Variety is the most important key that you have to think about when thinking about what to feed a turtle.

Concentrate on feeding your pet with natural products that contain enough amount of minerals like vitamin D3, calcium, and phosphorous. Though turtles get enough phosphorous from what they eat, more often than not their intake of calcium is lacking, which means you have to focus on giving your pet with calcium-rich food sources such as egg shells that are boiled and crushed, cuttlebone, and crushed oyster shells.

An excessive amount of protein can negatively affect the kidney functions of your pet and can also cause deformities on its shell. Therefore, refrain from foods that are high in protein similar to dog or cat foods as well as meats that humans eat. Protein will not cause any harm to your turtle as long as it's fed sparingly with other meals. The principle rule right here is not to overuse a single type of food.

Turtles, especially the herbivorous species, also enjoy a diet full of fruits and vegetables. You'll be able to provide your turtle with bananas, strawberries and greens such as romaine lettuce, turnip greens, or dandelion greens. Remember that a diet that is optimal for one type of turtle may be dangerous to another specie. For example, you'll want to stay away from feeding fruits to desert-type of turtles as fruits can make them sick, or give them diarrhea.

Basically, what to feed a turtle largely depends on its age, specie, and natural habitat. In the wild turtles do not get to feed on fancy foods that pet owners provide to them. Hence, it is in your best interest to become educated before you engage your pet in a specific diet.

When unsure, peruse this website: What to feed a turtle