Turtles can be seen everywhere— from neighborhood ponds to the vast ocean and even in a tank in your own home. These animals, which can be aquatic, semi-aquatic, or terrestrial, are well-known for their hard shells and leisurely movements.

In the U.S., approximately 2.3 million households have reptiles, including turtles, making up about 1.8% of all homes with pets.

While many consider turtles as pets, their dietary needs are often misunderstood. Having existed for more than 200 million years, turtles have certainly figured out what foods are suitable for them.

What types of food do turtles eat?

The diets of turtle species vary significantly. Some are carnivores, feeding primarily on meat, while others are herbivores, preferring plant-based foods. Additionally, you can find omnivorous turtles that eat both meats and plants.

A turtle’s diet depends on its jaw structure, habitat, and the food sources available, as noted by Live Science.

For example, leatherback sea turtles feast on jellyfish and sea squirts, according to reports from the WWF. Red-eared slider turtles enjoy earthworms, snails, slugs, and greens, based on insights from VCA Animal Hospitals. Meanwhile, land turtles snack on beetles, fruit, and grass as mentioned by National Geographic Kids.

If you have a pet turtle, their diet is typically omnivorous. Younger turtles (ages 7 to 10) require more protein, but as they mature, they also incorporate vegetables and fruit into their meals, according to Fetch by WebMD.

A pet turtle’s menu might include drained sardines, cooked chicken, moths, and worms. For their plant diet, options like dandelions, mustard greens, cantaloupe, and bananas can be provided.

What foods are harmful to turtles?

With the variety of foods suitable for turtles, deciding what to feed them can be tricky.

Certain vegetables should be avoided, including chives, parsley, and spinach, as these contain high amounts of oxalates, warns Fetch by WebMD.

Avoid giving raw meat, fish, or chicken because these can harbor parasites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to verify whether a specific food is safe for your turtle.

How often should turtles be fed?

Feeding frequency varies based on the turtle’s age and species. Younger turtles typically need to eat one or two times daily, whereas older turtles generally eat once every day or every other day, advises Fetch by WebMD.

Baby turtles, especially those under one year old, should be fed daily. In contrast, adult turtles can sometimes go two to three days between meals, as per Pet Keen.