What Vegetables Can Turtles Eat? 19 Vet Reviewed Options & FAQ
Updated on
Most semi-aquatic and aquatic turtles are omnivores, requiring a mixture of animal protein and plants. Some species, such as tortoises, are mostly herbivorous, while others, like the Razorback Musk, are carnivorous and eat primarily animal protein.
Regardless of your pet turtle’s species, nutrition is critical in keeping your pet healthy. Vegetables can sometimes be underutilized in a turtle’s diet but should play a significant role in the adult omnivores’ diet. Read on to learn about the healthiest vegetables you can offer your pet.
How to Incorporate Veggies Into Your Turtle’s Diet
It’s important to offer a variety of dark, leafy greens and other healthy veggies. Just as you would get sick of eating the same foods every day, your turtle shouldn’t eat the same vegetables day in, day out. Instead, make a salad of two or three types of greens and one or two other vegetables for each feeding. For example, offer kale and romaine with coarsely chopped shredded carrots or broccoli.
Remove excess food when your turtle no longer shows interest in it or after 15-20 minutes, so as not to overfeed. Some owners prefer feeding their pets in a separate container for easier clean-up, but picky turtles won’t feed when removed from their home.
Every week, rotate through the vegetables listed below to keep your turtle as healthy as possible.
The 19 Vegetables Turtles Can Safely Eat
Your turtle’s veggies should consist primarily of dark, leafy greens. This is what we call “staple” foods. Always wash all vegetables before feeding.
Leafy Greens (Staples)
- Beet greens *
- Carrot tops
- Collard greens
- Clover
- Dandelion greens
- Endive
- Kale
- Mustard greens
- Romaine lettuce
- Spinach *
- Swiss chard *
- Watercress
* These veggies are nutritious but should be fed sparingly as they contain oxalates, which may bind to calcium and prevent proper nutrient absorption.
Other Veggies
- Shredded carrots
- Green beans
- Bell peppers
- Corn
- Peas
- Cactus
What Proportion of a Turtle’s Diet Should Be Vegetables?
How much veggies your turtle needs will depend on its species.
Herbivores like tortoises should have a diet of approximately 80% fresh greens, 10% fresh vegetables, and 10% fresh fruits.
A typical adult omnivorous turtle’s diet should be roughly 75% plant material and 25% animal protein, with pellets offered twice or thrice weekly. Young omnivores should have a diet closer to 50/50 plant and animal materials and pellets provided daily. Again this will vary depending on the species.
Even carnivorous turtles should have vegetables in their diets. For example, the Common Musk turtle is mostly carnivorous but sometimes eats aquatic plants.
Can I Serve Frozen Vegetables to My Turtle?
Frozen veggies, once thawed, can be offered if you’re in a pinch, but they should not be used as a staple vegetable. They are deficient in the essential vitamins your turtle needs and can result in long-term illness if fed too frequently.
Can Turtles Eat Plants or Flowers?
Turtles can eat live plants, so if you’re a green thumb, you might consider growing plants in your pet’s habitat. Some of the best, non-toxic aquatic plants to grow include:
- Water hyacinth
- Elodea
- Duckweed
- Hornwort
- Java fern
- Dwarf hairgrass
Some turtles may also enjoy eating flowers. There are a handful of edible flowers you can grow or buy in your grocery stores’ produce section. Before feeding any flower to your turtle, ensure it has not been treated with pesticides at all. Some of the most popular edible flowers include:
- Hibiscus
- Nasturtium
- Rose petals
- Violets
- Geraniums
What About Fruit?
Some turtles occasionally enjoy fruit, but they should be fed much more sparingly than veggies. Some individuals may develop a taste for the sweetness in the fruit and turn their nose up at their much healthier daily vegetables.
Fruit should be offered raw and cut to an appropriate size to prevent choking. Some of the best fruit options include:
- Apples
- Melons
- Berries
- Banana
- Grapes
- Oranges
Conclusion
Your turtle’s dietary needs will depend on its species, age and size. Some will eat primarily meat-based foods, while others need a higher proportion of vegetable matter. A varied, balanced diet is essential for a healthy turtle. Most omnivorous turtles will do well on a high-quality, nutritious salad of dark, leafy greens and two other healthy veggies.
Contact your exotic vet if you’re unsure what your turtle should eat. Since so many diseases are preventable and caused by poor nutrition, it’s best to ask the professionals for advice.
Featured Image Credit: Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock
