Turtles are amazing pets, but their diet often confuses new owners. Some turtles are herbivores, some are omnivores, and their food changes as they grow. If you want your turtle to stay healthy, you need to know what turtles eat, what to avoid, and how often to feed them.
What Do Turtles Eat?
Turtles eat a mix of plants, vegetables, fruits, and sometimes small animals.
Their diet depends on the species:
- Aquatic turtles (like red-eared sliders) eat fish, insects, and leafy greens.
- Land turtles (like box turtles) eat vegetables, fruits, and some protein.
- Sea turtles mostly eat seagrass, algae, and jellyfish.
Turtle Food Guide: Safe vs Unsafe
| Safe Foods (Can Feed) | Unsafe Foods (Avoid) |
|---|---|
| Romaine lettuce, kale, dandelion greens | Iceberg lettuce (no nutrients) |
| Carrots, squash, bell peppers | Onions, garlic |
| Strawberries, apples (small pieces, no seeds) | Avocado (toxic) |
| Blueberries, melon, mango | Rhubarb leaves |
| Cooked lean meats (chicken, fish – occasional) | Processed meat, fried food |
| Earthworms, crickets, snails | Dairy products (milk, cheese) |
| Commercial turtle pellets | Bread, pasta, rice |
| Fresh aquatic plants (duckweed, anacharis) | Sugary foods, candy, chocolate |
| Cucumbers, zucchini | Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons) |
| Bananas (small amounts) | Raw potatoes |
What to Feed Turtles (Safe Foods)
Here’s a quick list of safe and healthy turtle foods:
- Vegetables: Kale, collard greens, mustard greens, spinach (small amounts), carrots, zucchini.
- Fruits (as treats): Apples, berries, melons, mango, bananas.
- Protein (for omnivores): Earthworms, crickets, mealworms, feeder fish, cooked chicken (small pieces).
- Commercial turtle pellets: Balanced nutrition, good for daily feeding.
Turtle Food List
| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetables | Kale, spinach, carrots, zucchini | Main diet for land turtles |
| Fruits | Apple, berries, melon, banana | Feed only 1–2 times a week |
| Protein | Worms, insects, feeder fish, boiled egg | Needed for young/omnivores |
| Pellets | Commercial turtle food | Easy daily option |
| Plants | Seagrass, duckweed, algae | Natural for aquatic turtles |
What Animals Do Turtles Eat?
Some turtles are omnivores and eat small animals like:
- Worms
- Insects (crickets, grasshoppers, mealworms)
- Small fish
- Snails
⚠️ Avoid feeding wild-caught insects or animals because they may carry parasites.
What Vegetables Do Turtles Eat?
Turtles love leafy greens and fresh veggies:
- Kale
- Lettuce (not iceberg)
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Carrots (shredded)
- Squash
- Zucchini
These should be the main part of their diet.
What Fruits Do Turtles Eat?
Turtles can eat fruits but only in small amounts (too much sugar is harmful):
- Apples (no seeds)
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Watermelon
- Banana
- Mango
How Much to Feed a Turtle
- Young turtles: Feed daily.
- Adult turtles: Feed every other day.
- Rule of thumb: The portion should be about the size of your turtle’s head.
How Often to Feed Turtles
- Baby turtles: Once a day.
- Juveniles: 5–6 times a week.
- Adults: 3–4 times a week.
What Can Turtles Not Eat? (Dangerous Foods)
Never feed turtles these foods:
- Bread, pasta, or processed food
- Junk food (chips, candy, etc.)
- Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Onions, garlic
- Avocado
- Raw meat or raw fish (can cause illness)
FAQs
Q1. What do turtles eat in general?
Turtles eat a mix of plants, insects, small fish, vegetables, and fruits depending on their species.
Q2. Can turtles eat vegetables?
Yes, safe vegetables include kale, spinach (in moderation), romaine lettuce, carrots, and squash.
Q3. Can Do Turtles Eat fruits?
Yes, but only in small amounts. Safe fruits include apples (no seeds), berries, mango, and melon.
Q4. Do turtles eat meat or other animals?
Some species eat worms, insects, small fish, or snails for protein.
Q5. What should I never feed turtles?
Avoid processed food, bread, dairy, chocolate, onions, and anything salty or sugary.
Q6. How much should I feed my turtle?
Offer food about the size of its head per meal, 1–2 times a day depending on age.
Q7. How often should turtles eat?
Young turtles eat daily; adults can eat every other day with fresh veggies always available.
Q8. Can Do Turtles Eat chicken or cooked meat?
No, turtles should not eat cooked or processed meat. Stick to raw proteins like worms or feeder fish.
Q9. What do baby turtles eat?
They need more protein, such as insects, worms, and small fish, along with soft vegetables.
Q10. Do turtles drink water?
Yes, turtles need clean water for drinking and swimming. Always keep fresh water in their habitat.
Final Thoughts
A healthy turtle diet is balanced with vegetables, small amounts of fruits, and occasional protein.
Each turtle species has slightly different needs, so always check what’s best for yours.
Feeding your turtle the right food will keep it active, strong, and healthy for many years.