What Can I Feed My Red-Eared Slider? Foods That My Turtles Love

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~ Turbo trying to finish before the others come ~

Turtles are the literal definition of an introvert, with red-eared sliders being no exception.

They also tend to be overly picky about what they’re fed, and as the owner, your pet deems it your job to figure out their moods and what they want to eat. 

Furthermore, keeping your turtle on a plain diet of pellets is not the best idea.

Thus, to make your life easier, I’ve compiled a list of foods my turtles love to give you an idea of what you can feed your pet besides regular pellets. 

Why aren't pellets enough for my Red-Eared Slider?

There are several reasons why giving a completely pellet-based diet isn’t the best option for your pet, and this isn’t limited to red-eared sliders.  


  • While the protein proportions may vary with age, turtles are primarily carnivorous and will require animal-based protein in their diet.
  • Giving a wide variety of foods provides enrichment and stimulation and helps maintain nutritional balance.
  • Any animal is bound to get bored of a redundant menu, and in the case of turtles, some may choose to stop eating altogether.
  • Being omnivores, they also need a certain amount of plant matter in their diet.
  • An improper diet is a major cause of illnesses in turtles; it is, therefore, consequential to prioritise what you feed your pet.

Safe Foods for Red-Eared Sliders

Here’s a list of foods that you can safely feed your pet:-


Protein

~ Feeding my turtles mealworms ~

  1. Insects: Both live and dried insects such as earthworms, mealworms, crickets, waxworms, snails, slugs, and moths are prized by turtles. Before feeding wild-caught insects, please check the area where it was caught as they may carry diseases or chemicals.
  2. Meat: Turtles can be given meat, chicken and fish after it has been deboned and boiled. Avoid oily fish and fatty meat due to their high fat content.
  3. Egg: Hard-boiled egg white can be offered. While the yolk doesn’t cause harm, it dissolves into the water with very little eaten, so I usually avoid feeding it.
  4. Live fish: Fish like minnows, guppies and goldfish can be store-brought and released into the enclosure. This gets some exercise and stimulation into your pet. However, these should be given infrequently due to the possibility of carrying infections. Avoid offering wild-caught fish as they may host parasites.

Vegetables 

While choosing appropriate veggies, try to pick out those that can float and are easier for your turtle to bite on. Wash thoroughly to remove chemicals and dirt, cut into (turtle) bite-sized pieces, and offer them raw.


  1. Carrots* and carrot tops: While this may not stand true for everyone, my turtles love carrots and will go for them anytime.
  2. Bell peppers: These can be torn and dropped in. I’ve noticed my turtles going more for the vibrant red ones. 
  3. Beans: French beans can be cut up and offered.
  4. Cabbage: Torn and dropped. Don’t give the 2-3 outermost leaves since they might have chemicals on the surface.
  5. Cucumber*: I would recommend giving this with another food due to its high water content. 
  6. Pumpkin and squash*: without the seeds.
  7. Radish*
  8. Cauliflower: you’ll have to peel off the hard outer skin and break it into small florets. Both the florets and greens (cleaned and peeled) can be given.
  9. Clover leaves
  10. Dandelion greens
  11. Collard Greens: called Haak Saag in India, it’s available year-round. 
  12. Kale: called Karam Saag in India


*these veggies have to be peeled and sliced. A mandolin (slicer) can be used to slice it into a thickness that’s easier to bite into.


Fruit

~ Treat time ~

While fruit is a good addition to your turtles’ food, it should be fed more as a treat than part of the main diet as it’s high in sugar and easily more preferred than usual veggies. Too much fruit can also lead to high levels of sugar and phosphorus; you must limit it to around 10% of your pet’s diet – around twice a week. 


Pieces of fruit can be used to tame your turtle as well.


  1. Apples
  2. Bananas
  3. Figs: my turtles go bonkers over these.
  4. Mangoes
  5. Papaya 
  6. Grapes 
  7. Melons 
  8. Tomatoes: turtles may not like this due to the tart flavour.
  9. Guavas
  10. Berries 
  11. Peaches 
  12. Pears 
  13. Kiwi


Some of these fruits (especially the tangy-tart ones) might not be accepted by your turtle.


Ensure the fruit is washed free of dirt and chemicals and peeled prior to feeding (the peel can constipate them).


Plants

~ Sam sitting next to a water cabbage ~

Certain plants, such as Water Cabbage, Water Hyacinth, and Water Lillies can be safely placed in your turtles’ pond or tank.

How often and how much should I feed my Red-Eared Slider?


This depends on your pet’s age and size. Younger turtles will happily eat twice a day or more, while adults can be fed once every day or once every couple of days. My turtles are fed once a day, before bedtime. 


The amount depends on your turtle’s capacity. Observe your turtle’s feeding habits, note how much it eats and how often, and feed accordingly in a rational proportion. Adult turtles eat a large portion of food (one egg and half a carrot per turtle) at one go, while younger ones will eat smaller amounts multiple times in the day. 


Keep a balance of each type of food in your pet’s diet. Younger turtles’ diet should consist of 2/3 protein and the rest as vegetables and fruit (fruit being lesser). Adults can be given a 50-50 portion of protein and plant material.


Lastly, turtles easily spoil the water in the enclosure during feeding time. As they cannot eat without being underwater, offer food in a separate tank with warm water to keep the tank clean.

Ensure you wash your hands after handling your pet to prevent transmission of diseases such as Salmonella, which are often carried by turtles.



That's All, Folks.

Was this article helpful or lacking in any way? Drop in your responses and critiques in the comments; they’ll be most valuable in enabling this blog to grow.

And if you’ve seen an improvement in your turtle's eating habits using these tips, comment below and let me celebrate with you as well!

Any ideas for future articles and questions would be appreciated, too.

I will be putting up more articles on turtle care and more.

If there are any changes you'd like to add or changes you'd like me to make, feel free to contact me at the below-mentioned socials -

  • Gmail - namratansahoo@gmail.com
  • Instagram - @nammu s 
Subscribe to my Youtube: The Vet Diaries

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