What Do Pond Turtles Eat?

Pond turtles in the wild are mostly carnivorous, feeding on worms, crayfish and insects. While their nutritional requirements vary at different life stages, turtles benefit from a varied diet. Turtles kept as pets require a range of foods from plants and animals to store-bought pellets. You should always make sure they have water available to help them swallow their food.

Nutritional Needs

While adult turtles are omnivores, they require more animal protein when they're young, such as worms, insects and tiny fish. As they age, they consume more plant food than animals. Since one food source won't provide everything turtles need nutritionally, their diet should consist of a balanced mixture of vegetables and fruits, animal protein and prepared pellets available commercially. They also need vitamins and calcium for the health of their shell.

Vegetables

Vegetables can make up 1/2 the diet. Recommended vegetables include kale, collard, romaine and red- and green-leaf lettuce, and shredded carrot. Cantaloupe, melons, apples and berries that are finely chopped are also good for turtles. They can have aquatic plants they would have in the wild, such as water hyacinth and water lettuce. Since too much fruit can cause diarrhea, give them fruit occasionally as a treat. Spinach prevents them from absorbing calcium, although small amounts are acceptable on occasion. Turtles should never have citrus fruits.

Meat

Animal protein should make up 1/4 of the pond turtle's diet. Recommended foods are earthworms, waxworms, crayfish and other animal foods, even beef heart. Turtles will also eat minnows, snails and slugs. They can have bits of cooked chicken on occasion. Give them live prey infrequently.

Pellets

The final 1/4 of the turtle's diet should be high-quality commercially prepared pellets, available in a pet store. Pellets are helpful as a supplement to the vegetables and animal protein turtles need. Among the best-quality turtle foods, according to AustinsTurtlePage.com, are Mazuri, Rep-Cal, ReptoMin, ZooMed and Pretty Pets.

Amount And Frequency

Feed turtles no more food than they can eat in 15 minutes, 20 at most. Feed young turtles daily, and year-old turtles every other day. Decrease frequency twice a week for older adult turtles. Turtles should eat on a regular schedule on days when they are fed.

Supplements

Turtles also need calcium supplements. These are available in powder form from pet stores. If the calcium you purchase isn't in powder form, you can crush it before sprinkling it on their food. A balanced diet will provide the vitamin A your turtle needs. Swollen eyelids are an indication your turtle isn't getting enough vitamin A.

Considerations

While feeding turtles, use separate containers to keep their water clean. Be careful not to feed them too much, because overfeeding can lead to health problems. Since vitamin A is vital to turtles' health, but too much can be toxic, talk with your veterinarian about how much is enough.

References

• Caring for and Feeding Turtles
• Information about Red-Eared Sliders and Other Turtles