Environment
Fact-checked

At AllThingsNature, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Turtle Food?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Turtle food is food that is specially formulated for turtles. Many pet stores stock this product, as do stores which cater to aquarists, and some people prefer to make their own turtle food at home. It is important to be aware that there are many different kinds of turtles, all of which require unique diets, and that tortoises may look similar to turtles, but they have very different dietary needs. For first-time turtle owners, it's a good idea to ask about what kind of turtle is being purchased, to ensure that it gets the right diet.

Some turtles are strictly herbivorous, which means that they want only plant materials in their diets. Others are carnivores, preferring a diet composed primarily of meat, while some are omnivorous, appreciating a balance of foods. In all cases, the important feature of a good diet is variety, with plenty of calcium to keep the turtle's shell healthy. Many commercial turtle foods provide basic nutrition, but they can be very boring for the turtle, so it's a good idea to supplement.

Some herbivore and omnivore turtles love greens.
Some herbivore and omnivore turtles love greens.

Herbivores and omnivores love greens, vegetables, fruits, and flowers of all kinds. Many people find that some experimentation is required to find the food that a turtle prefers. Some, for example, go crazy for grapes, but turn up their noses at strawberries. Plant foods should be as fresh as possible, and they should be washed to remove any herbicides or pesticides which might be present. If a turtle rejects food, it's a good idea to take note of what was offered so that it is not tried again. Calcium supplements can be used to keep calcium levels high, or the animals can be fed calcium-rich greens like kale, chard, and broccoli.

Some turtles enjoy live food, such as crickets.
Some turtles enjoy live food, such as crickets.

Carnivorous turtles cannot eat just any meats. Turtles generally need lean meats, which makes things like hamburger a bad choice. Some turtles enjoy live food such as mealworms, earthworms, or crickets, while others are perfectly happy with chunks of chicken, beef, and other meats trimmed of their fat. Formulated turtle food for carnivores is often high on carbohydrate fillers, so pet owners should keep an eye on the health of their turtles when feeding primarily packaged foods.

A turtle.
A turtle.

There are some foods which should not be given to turtles. Dairy is not recommended, because turtles lack the enzymes to digest it, and poisonous plants like poinsettias and poison ivy should also be kept away from turtles, as the animals may chew on the plants when they get bored. Refined foods including white bread and anything with sugar are also a bad idea for turtles, as are diets heavy on grains. When preparing turtle food, it can help to think about which foods might be present in the animal's natural environment: a carrot or two is plausible, for example, but a cupcake tree is unlikely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do turtles typically eat in the wild?

Some carnivorous turtles enjoy eating earthworms.
Some carnivorous turtles enjoy eating earthworms.

In their natural habitats, turtles are omnivores, consuming a balanced diet of animal and plant matter. Depending on the species, they may feast on insects, snails, worms, aquatic vegetation, algae, and fallen fruit. Some turtles, like the snapping turtle, might even hunt small fish or amphibians, showcasing their diverse dietary preferences.

Can turtles eat human food?

Kale, and other calcium-rich greens like chard and broccoli, make good turtle food.
Kale, and other calcium-rich greens like chard and broccoli, make good turtle food.

While turtles can consume some human foods, it's not advisable to make them a staple of their diet. Turtles require specific nutrients that are often lacking in human foods. Occasionally, they can have small amounts of leafy greens or vegetables, but their diet should primarily consist of specialized turtle food and natural items like insects and plants.

How often should I feed my pet turtle?

Chard can provide turtles with much-needed calcium.
Chard can provide turtles with much-needed calcium.

The frequency of feeding your pet turtle depends on its age and species. Juvenile turtles typically require daily feeding, while adults may only need to eat every two or three days. It's essential to provide a balanced diet and avoid overfeeding, as obesity can be a health concern for captive turtles.

What is the best commercial food for pet turtles?

Some turtles may eat grapes as part of their diet.
Some turtles may eat grapes as part of their diet.

High-quality commercial turtle foods are formulated to provide a balanced diet and are often the best choice for pet turtles. These pellets or sticks contain the right mix of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It's recommended to choose a reputable brand and supplement with fresh foods according to your turtle's species-specific needs.

Is it safe to feed turtles food from the garden?

Feeding turtles with items from the garden can be safe, provided that the plants are free of pesticides and suitable for turtle consumption. Many turtles enjoy leafy greens, dandelion leaves, and certain flowers. However, always research which plants are non-toxic to turtles before offering them as food.

Do turtles need vitamin or mineral supplements?

Many captive turtles require additional vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and vitamin D3, to prevent metabolic bone disease. Sunlight or UVB lighting helps them synthesize vitamin D3, but supplements may still be necessary. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate supplementation for your turtle's diet and ensure their optimal health.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon994159

Some people confuse turtles and tortoises. Turtles have flipper-like legs to help them swim in the water while tortoises have actual legs that help them walk on land.

anon193616

one of our students dropped a piece of Airhead candy into the tank and the snapping turtle ate it -- quick. Does it need vetrinary attention? will it be able to process this candy?

CarrotIsland

@calabama71: My son also has a pet turtle. They are great little pets but my son had a hard time accepting the fact that turtles are not like puppies and kittens. They don’t want to be passed around and cuddled. Since they are amphibians (cold blooded), their bodies have to adjust to constant changes in temperature. It’s a good idea to not take the turtle out of its tank constantly.

christym

@calabama71:

It is often a trial and error process to find out what your turtle likes. They need a balanced diet just as we do. There are several things to avoid completely.

They do not ever need to be fed any type of yogurt, cheese, or dairy products. They also do not need to be fed canned or processed food because they are high in salt and preservatives.

Avoid any kind of bread, candy, chocolate or foods with refined sugars and flours.

It is important to try to reproduce the natural diet for your turtle as much as possible. Your turtle will be happier, healthier, and live longer. Variety is a good key. Calcium is also important for your turtle.

GrumpyGuppy

@calabama71: Turtles will eat both meat and vegetables which places them in the omnivore genre. A balanced diet with a combination of both meat and vegetables would be a good wholesome diet for your turtle. Some prefer more vegetables than meat. Commercial food is also okay for your turtle but you still need to incorporate veggies as well.

Finding out when your turtle will eat is usually accomplished in the first few days of their arrival. If you put food in there with the turtle and it is uneaten after a couple of days, you need to take it out. Uneaten food can cause contamination in your tank. They need fresh drinking water daily.

calabama71

My son just got a turtle and we have looked at turtle pet food but I'm still a little unsure about how much to feed him or when to feed him. Any ideas?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Some herbivore and omnivore turtles love greens.
      By: Natalia Pavlova
      Some herbivore and omnivore turtles love greens.
    • Some turtles enjoy live food, such as crickets.
      By: viter
      Some turtles enjoy live food, such as crickets.
    • A turtle.
      By: Wouter Hagens
      A turtle.
    • Some carnivorous turtles enjoy eating earthworms.
      By: Dusty Cline
      Some carnivorous turtles enjoy eating earthworms.
    • Kale, and other calcium-rich greens like chard and broccoli, make good turtle food.
      By: Jack Kunnen
      Kale, and other calcium-rich greens like chard and broccoli, make good turtle food.
    • Chard can provide turtles with much-needed calcium.
      By: Quanthem
      Chard can provide turtles with much-needed calcium.
    • Some turtles may eat grapes as part of their diet.
      By: msk.nina
      Some turtles may eat grapes as part of their diet.