Feeding Guide For Red-Eared Turtles: Diet Options

what can a red eared turtle eat

Red-eared slider turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both animal protein and vegetable matter. As juveniles, they are mainly carnivorous, but they become more omnivorous as they age. In the wild, they are known to eat a variety of invertebrates, crustaceans, small fish, tadpoles, frogs, and birds. As pets, their diet should be a mix of animal and plant-based foods, with a variety of different foods offered to prevent nutritional imbalance and potential illness.

Characteristics Values
Diet Mixture of animal and plant materials
Young red-eared slider diet 50% protein, 50% vegetables
Adult red-eared slider diet 25% protein, 75% vegetables
Commercial pellets Nutritious, convenient, beneficial
Live prey Allows turtles to exercise by hunting
Prey items Earthworms, crickets, waxworms, silkworms, aquatic snails, bloodworms, daphnia, shrimp, krill, mealworms, tadpoles, feeder fish
Leafy greens Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, kale, bok choy, romaine lettuce
Aquatic plants Anacharis, water hyacinth, water lettuce, duckweed, azolla (fairy moss), frog-bit
Other vegetables Carrots, green beans, squash, shredded vegetables
Fruits Bananas, berries, apples, melons (only as treats)
Supplements Reptile multivitamin with calcium and vitamin D3, cuttlebone

petshun

Red-eared turtles are omnivores

For pet turtles, it is recommended to feed them a mixture of animal and plant-based foods, with a slight preference for animal protein for younger turtles. A typical diet for turtles under 1 year consists of 50% protein and 50% vegetables, while for turtles over 1 year, it shifts to 25% protein and 75% vegetables.

Some recommended animal-based foods include:

  • Crickets
  • Waxworms
  • Silkworms
  • Aquatic snails
  • Shrimp
  • Krill
  • Mealworms
  • Tadpoles
  • Feeder fish (infrequently due to potential parasites)
  • Frogs
  • Crayfish

For plant-based foods, red-eared turtles can eat a variety of vegetables and aquatic plants, such as:

  • Collard greens
  • Mustard greens
  • Dandelion greens
  • Kale
  • Romaine lettuce (sparingly)
  • Carrots
  • Squash
  • Water hyacinth
  • Duckweed
  • Anacharis

It is important to provide a diverse and varied diet for red-eared turtles, as this promotes balanced nutrition and provides sensory enrichment.

petshun

Young turtles eat more animal protein

Young red-eared slider turtles are predominantly carnivorous, so their diet should be weighted more towards animal protein.

In the wild, red-eared sliders are known to eat a variety of invertebrates, crustaceans, small fish, tadpoles, frogs, and even birds. They have also been observed scavenging on carcasses.

For pet turtles, it is recommended that young turtles are fed a diet of 50% protein and 50% vegetables. The carnivorous portion of their diet should consist of high-grade commercial turtle or fish pellets, as well as a variety of invertebrates and vertebrates.

Some examples of animal-based foods suitable for red-eared slider turtles include:

  • Crickets
  • Waxworms
  • Aquatic snails
  • Shrimp
  • Mealworms
  • Tadpoles
  • Feeder fish (although these may carry parasites)
  • Frogs (captive-bred only)
  • Crayfish (pre-killed only)
  • Earthworms
  • Slugs
  • Beetles
  • Grasshoppers
  • Moths

petshun

Vegetables should be offered daily

Red-eared turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both animal protein and vegetable matter. While younger turtles tend to be more carnivorous, it is still important to offer them vegetation, as vegetables should be offered daily. As turtles age, they tend to become more omnivorous, and vegetation should make up a significant portion of an adult red-eared turtle's diet.

When offering vegetables to red-eared turtles, it is important to provide variety. Turtles can get bored and stop eating if they are fed the same foods every day. Floating vegetables, such as shredded red bell pepper, can be a good option, as red-eared turtles are often drawn to the colour red. Additionally, aquatic plants, such as water hyacinth, water lilies, Elodea, or duckweed, can be placed in the tank for turtles to snack on throughout the day.

It is also important to note that the size of a single portion of vegetables should be roughly the same size as the turtle's shell. This will ensure that the turtle is getting an adequate amount of nutrition from its vegetable intake.

petshun

Turtle pellets are a good source of vitamins and minerals

Red-eared slider turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both animal protein and plant matter. As juveniles, they are mainly carnivorous, but they become more omnivorous as they age.

However, it is important to remember that variety is key to good nutrition, so it is best to offer a wide variety of foods rather than just relying on commercial turtle pellets. A variety of fresh food offers a wider range of nutrients in different forms and is more stimulating for the turtle.

For this reason, pellets should make up no more than 25% of a red-eared slider's diet. The rest of their diet should consist of animal-based foods and vegetables.

Some good animal-based foods to feed your turtle include:

  • Crickets
  • Waxworms
  • Silkworms
  • Aquatic snails
  • Shrimp
  • Krill
  • Mealworms
  • Earthworms
  • Tadpoles
  • Feeder fish (although these should be given infrequently due to the risk of parasites)

When it comes to vegetables, it is important to offer a variety of leafy greens and other vegetables. Some good options include:

  • Collard greens
  • Mustard greens
  • Dandelion greens
  • Kale
  • Bok choy
  • Carrots
  • Squash
  • Green beans

petshun

Live prey provides exercise and hunting stimulation

Red-eared slider turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both animal protein and vegetable matter. As juveniles, they are mainly carnivorous and become more omnivorous as they age. Live prey is a great food option for these turtles as it provides exercise and hunting stimulation.

Live prey can include insects like moths, crickets, grasshoppers, and worms. It is important to ensure that these insects are sourced from a pet store, an undeveloped field, or raised at home to ensure quality and safety.

Feeding on live prey allows turtles to exercise their natural hunting instincts and provides mental stimulation. The act of chasing and catching their food helps to keep them active and engaged.

In addition to live prey, red-eared slider turtles can also be fed commercial turtle or fish pellets, as well as a variety of invertebrates and vertebrates. The carnivorous portion of their diet should not exceed two-thirds for juveniles and half for adults.

It is important to provide a diverse and varied diet for red-eared slider turtles to ensure they receive proper nutrition and stay engaged in their food.

Frequently asked questions

Red-eared turtles are omnivores, so their diet should consist of both animal protein and plant matter. Young turtles tend to be more carnivorous, so their diet should be more protein-heavy, while adult turtles are mostly herbivorous.

The carnivorous portion of a red-eared turtle's diet can include commercial turtle or fish pellets, crayfish, shrimp, snails, tadpoles, and frogs. The plant portion of their diet can include dark, leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, collard greens, mustard greens, and kale.

The frequency of feedings depends on the age and size of the turtle. Smaller or juvenile turtles will eat every day, while adult turtles can be fed every two to three days.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment