What To Feed My Red Eared Slider Turtle?

If you’ve recently become the proud owner of a red eared slider turtle, you may be wondering what to feed your new pet. While red eared slider turtles are omnivorous, with a diet that includes both plants and animals, understanding what types of food they should eat can be challenging. In this article, we’ll explore the types of food that are best for red eared slider turtles, as well as how to provide a balanced diet. Read on to learn more about what to feed your red eared slider turtle.

If the keyword starts with the “How To” word, Then,

Step 1: Feed your red eared slider turtle a variety of foods such as aquatic plants, insects, worms, and fish.
Step 2: Provide your turtle with a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Step 3: Avoid overfeeding and feed your turtle only as much as it can eat in a few minutes.
Step 4: Offer commercial turtle food, but make sure it is of high quality.

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What to Feed My Red Eared Slider Turtle?

Red Eared Slider turtles are among the most popular pet turtles, as they are generally easy to care for. When caring for a Red Eared Slider, it is important to know what to feed it to ensure it remains healthy. A balanced diet of both natural and commercial turtle food is the key to keeping your Red Eared Slider healthy and happy.

Natural Foods

The majority of Red Eared Slider turtle’s diet should come from natural foods, such as worms, insects, and small fish. You can also feed them aquatic plants, such as duckweed, water lettuce, and Anacharis. Commercial turtle food can be used to supplement, but should not be used as the primary food source.

Insects

Insects are a great source of protein for Red Eared Slider turtles and should be included in their diet regularly. Mealworms, crickets, and earthworms are some of the best options. Be sure to dust the insects with a vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure your turtle is getting all the necessary nutrients.

Fish

Small fish, such as guppies, mollies, and minnows, can also be included in your Red Eared Slider’s diet. These should be offered in moderation, as they are high in fat and can lead to health issues if overfed.

Vegetables

Vegetables are also important for your turtle’s health and should be included in its diet regularly. Vegetables such as romaine lettuce, carrots, and kale are all good choices. Be sure to cut the vegetables into small pieces to make sure your turtle can eat them.

Commercial Turtle Foods

Commercial turtle foods can be used to supplement your Red Eared Slider’s diet, but should not be used as the primary food source. These foods are usually high in proteins and vitamins, which can help keep your turtle healthy. Be sure to read the label to make sure the food is suitable for your turtle’s age and size.

Pellets

Pellets are a popular choice for commercial turtle foods. These pellets are usually made from fish meals, shrimp meals, and vegetable meals, and provide a balanced diet for your Red Eared Slider. Be sure to offer a variety of pellets to ensure your turtle is getting all the necessary nutrients.

Gel Foods

Gel foods are another type of commercial food that can be used to supplement your turtle’s diet. These are usually made from a combination of fish meals, vegetables, and vitamins, and provide a balanced diet for your turtle.

Live Foods

Live foods, such as crickets, worms, and shrimp, can also be used to supplement your Red Eared Slider’s diet. These foods are high in proteins and vitamins, and can help keep your turtle healthy. Be sure to dust the live foods with a vitamin and mineral supplement before feeding them to your turtle.

Feeding Your Red Eared Slider

When feeding your Red Eared Slider, it is important to offer a variety of foods to ensure your turtle is getting all the necessary nutrients. Offer a mix of natural and commercial turtle foods to ensure your turtle is getting a balanced diet. Feed your turtle once a day, and make sure to remove any uneaten food after a few hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I feed my red eared slider turtle?

Feeding your red eared slider turtle should consist of a balanced diet of both protein and vegetation. Commonly, you should feed them pellets and any other turtle food that you can find. For protein, you can give them earthworms, crickets, and other insects. For vegetation, you should offer them lettuce, fresh vegetables, and other greens.

Pressoaked dry pellets are a great addition to the diet, as they provide essential vitamins and minerals. You should also keep in mind that most turtles will eat small pieces of fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots. Be sure to avoid feeding them anything that has a lot of fat, sugar, or salt.

How often should I feed my red eared slider turtle?

It is recommended that you feed your red eared slider turtle two to three times a week. While young turtles will need to be fed more often, as they grow older you can reduce the frequency of feeding. Remember to only feed them what they can consume in a few minutes. If there is food left over, it can contaminate the water and cause health issues.

You should also consider providing your turtle with treats such as boiled eggs, shrimp, and other aquatic invertebrates. These treats should be given sparingly, as they are not suitable for regular consumption. Be sure to consult with a reptile veterinarian if you have any questions regarding your turtle’s diet.

What should I not feed my red eared slider turtle?

It is important to avoid feeding your red eared slider turtle any food that is not specifically formulated for them. This includes human food that is high in fat, sugar, and salt, such as chips and candy. You should also avoid feeding them any live prey that is larger than their head, as this can cause choking or intestinal blockage.

In addition, it is important to avoid feeding them any kind of processed foods, such as canned or frozen vegetables. These contain preservatives, salt, and other chemicals that can be harmful to your turtle. Be sure to talk to a reptile veterinarian if you have any questions regarding your turtle’s diet.

Can I feed my red eared slider turtle live food?

Yes, you can feed your red eared slider turtle live food such as worms, crickets, and other insects. Be sure to purchase these items from a reputable source and feed them in moderation. Live prey should be no larger than the size of your turtle’s head, as anything larger can cause choking or intestinal blockage.

You should also consider providing your turtle with treats such as boiled eggs, shrimp, and other aquatic invertebrates. These treats should be given sparingly, as they are not suitable for regular consumption. Be sure to consult with a reptile veterinarian if you have any questions regarding your turtle’s diet.

How can I supplement my red eared slider turtle’s diet?

Presoaked dry pellets are a great addition to the diet, as they provide essential vitamins and minerals. You should also consider adding vitamin and mineral supplements to their diet, as these can help provide additional nutrients. You can also provide them with fresh vegetables and fruits in small pieces, such as apples and carrots.

Finally, you should keep in mind that red eared slider turtles will eat small pieces of fish and other aquatic invertebrates. Be sure to read up on which types of fish are safe for your turtle, as some can contain harmful toxins. As always, it is best to consult with a reptile veterinarian if you have any questions regarding your turtle’s diet.

How To Feed Red-Eared Slider Turtle (Complete Feeding Guide)

It is important to remember that red eared slider turtles are omnivores, and require a balanced diet of both plant and animal matter. A diet composed of commercial turtle pellets and fresh greens, supplemented with occasional treats like crickets, mealworms, and shrimp will help keep your turtle healthy and happy. With the proper diet, your red eared slider turtle can thrive and live a long, healthy life.