9 Human Foods You Can Safely Feed to Turtles

Owning a pet turtle can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Unlike cats and dogs, turtles are extremely low-maintenance pets. They don’t need you to take them on walks or constantly pay attention to them. Additionally, turtles have an exceedingly long lifespan, meaning they will be around to keep you company for many years. So, if you’re considering owning a turtle or already have one, you may wonder what they can eat. Regarding their diet, there are several human foods you can safely feed turtles.

Most turtle species kept as pets are omnivores, meaning they eat a diet of plants and animals. However, looking up your pet turtle’s species is crucial to ensure you feed them the correct diet. So, if you’re curious about the kinds of foods that you can share with your reptilian pal, keep reading; we’ll go over the safe foods to share with your turtle so that you can bond even more with your wonderful pet.  

However, it is essential to remember that this is a list of human foods safe for you to feed your turtle. This doesn’t mean these foods should become staples in their diet or interfere with their primary food source. Additionally, the specific species of your pet turtle should be considered when deciding what food is best for them.

9 Human Foods You Can Safely Feed to Turtles

1. Leafy Greens

Regarding human foods you can safely feed your turtle, leafy greens are definitely at the top. Generally speaking, turtles can eat almost all the same leafy greens as humans. Still, there are some exceptions to that rule. The best kind of leafy greens to offer your turtle will be dark leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, collard greens, Swiss chard, mustard greens, carrot tops, dandelion greens, clover, and green beans. However, there are also some greens that you should avoid feeding your turtle. Your turtle should not eat onions, garlic, shallots, iceberg lettuce, spinach, and chives. Many of these greens contain high oxalate levels and are unhealthy for your turtle.

2. Fruits

In addition to leafy greens, turtles can also snack on fruits — just like us! While leafy greens should make up a large portion of your pet turtle’s diet, they can also have fruits as snacks. However, it is essential to remember that fruits have a high sugar content and should only be fed to your turtle in small portions. Some fruits that turtles can snack on include figs, bananas, strawberries, grapes, apples, pears, mangoes, dates, and cantaloupe. Figs are one of the best fruits you can feed since they are so high in calcium. Turtles need calcium in their diets as it helps keep their shell and bones strong. Remember, feeding your turtle fruit should be seen as a treat and not necessarily a central part of their diet.

3. Canned Fruits and Vegetables

Canned fruits and vegetables are another safe food option to feed your pet turtle. Let’s face it: we don’t always have the choice of having fresh fruits and vegetables around. Sometimes, certain foods aren’t in season, or we haven’t had enough time to go to the grocery store. In this case, you can feed your turtle fruits and veggies from a can. However, there is a stipulation with this option. For starters, while this is a good choice if you’re low on other foods, it shouldn’t become a staple in their diet.

4. Fresh Fish

Freshly cooked fish is another suitable type of food that you can feed your turtle. Small amounts of cooked fish can be a great source of protein for them. However, ensure they are not provided with raw fish, which can be harmful due to the fish bacteria and parasites.

5. Cooked Chicken

Another source of protein that turtles can safely eat is cooked chicken. Although they don’t eat this in the wild, they have adapted to be able to have some if you would like to feed it to them. It is important not to cook it with additional salt, spices, or condiments. Your turtle should ideally only have a small bite of chicken on rare, special occasions. Also, always make sure that the chicken is cooked well. Turtles are known to carry Salmonella, and you don’t want to transfer the bacteria to your pet, as this poses a risk to you.

6. Cooked Ground Beef

You may again be surprised to find out that your pet turtle can have a bit of cooked ground beef. They can enjoy one or two small bites while it isn’t their primary food source. Once again, as we mentioned above, you need to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Also, you want to ensure no excess oil on the meat. While raw beef isn’t as dangerous for turtles, it is still safer and healthier for the meat to be fully cooked before serving it.

7. Cooked Turkey

You may or may not be surprised that you can also feed your turtle some cooked turkey. As always, you must thoroughly cook the meat and ensure it is free of spices and excess oil. This can be a fun protein-rich snack for them if you plan on eating some turkey yourself.

8. Shrimp

Next time you order a shrimp cocktail, ensure you get enough for yourself and your turtle! Feeding your turtle some shrimp is another fun way to add a delicious and nutritional treat to their diet. Cooked shrimp are a great source of protein and vitamins, making them a great supplement to your turtle’s diet. Make sure you offer only cooked shrimp to your turtle and only feed in small amounts.

9. Insects

While you may not eat insects, many other cultures around the globe do consider them a delicacy. Especially in many parts of Asia, certain insects are sold at various street food markets. Eating insects is both a tasty and beneficial treat for your pet turtle. Some insects you can offer them include grasshoppers, mealworms, crickets, earthworms, and beetles.

Summary of Safe Human Foods for Your Turtle

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