The Varied Diets of Turtles: A Comprehensive Guide

In the taxonomic order Testudines, there are approximately 360 species of turtles, terrapins, and tortoises. Although most turtles live in or near water, some species have adapted to live in different environments. From freshwater streams to the depths of the oceans, you can find turtles practically everywhere. They live on every continent except Antarctica. Some migrate great distances, while others remain relatively close to where they were born. While some turtles make great pets, others are better suited to the wild. Whether they roam wild or live in a state-of-the-art tank set-up, turtles have similar dietary requirements and preferences. Continue reading to learn more about what turtles eat.

Turtle Diet

A turtle’s diet is heavily influenced by the availability of food in its habitat. Different turtle species, including both terrestrial tortoises and aquatic turtles, have evolved diets based on what is available in their specific environment.

Some turtles are carnivores, eating only meat, while others are herbivores, eating only plants, and still others are omnivores, consuming both plants and animals. Galapagos tortoises (Chelonoidis niger), for example, eat prickly pear cacti, flowers, leaves, and grasses. Alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) primarily live on fish, mollusks, amphibians, carrion, and small mammals.

How Turtles Forage and Hunt For Food

The first turtles emerged around 260 million years ago during the Late Permian Epoch. At that time, many turtles possessed teeth, unlike modern, toothless turtles. Without teeth, most turtles either swallow food whole or bite it into smaller pieces before swallowing. Many turtles have beaks to bite and chew food. In carnivorous turtles, their beaks are smooth and razor-sharp, while the beaks on omnivorous turtles are serrated, which helps them cut and break up plant matter. Some turtles, such as soft-shelled turtles, evolved soft lips rather than beaks.

Depending on their diet, turtles will use different techniques to hunt or forage for food. Their keen sight allows them to distinguish between patterns and shapes, which helps them locate prey. Their highly developed sense of smell is also used to sniff out prey, as well as predators.

What Wild Turtles Eat

Some wild turtle species have developed specialized diets. Sea turtles rank among the best examples. While technically omnivorous, the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) primarily eats sea sponges, though it will also consume other sea plants and animals. Scientists call leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) gelatinivores, as their diet consists of jellyfish and sea squirts. Adult green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) live primarily on algae and seagrasses. They are the only one of the seven sea turtle species that is primarily herbivorous.

 

Most species of soft-shelled turtles (family Trionychidae) eat strictly carnivorous diets. These turtles live in fresh or brackish water throughout Africa, Asia, and North America. Their diet includes fish, shrimp, crabs, insects, snails, eggs, amphibians, and the occasional small bird or mammal. Many land turtles eat a mostly herbivorous diet. Their diet includes grasses, leaves, weeds, flowers, vegetables, and fruits, with some insects and other animal matter. Common fruits and vegetables include dandelions, mustard greens, leafy greens, and berries. 

Some foods are toxic to turtles. In addition to dairy, processed meats, and carbohydrate-rich vegetables, several plants are harmful to turtles. These include amaryllis, avocado leaves and seeds, gardenia, Carolina jessamine, ivy, boxwood, firethorn, poinsettia, primrose, among others.

What Baby Turtles Eat

The first food that most baby turtles eat is their own embryonic egg fluid and yolk. This food sustains baby turtles for several days, until they are strong enough to leave the nest and begin foraging and hunting. Like adult turtles, baby turtle diets vary based on their environment, physical characteristics, and species. Omnivorous baby turtles will eat a variety of grasses, fruits, small fish, insects, and worms. Carnivorous baby turtles will mostly eat grubs, insects, beetles, worms, slugs, snails, small fish, and crayfish. In general, omnivorous baby turtles require more protein than their adult counterparts.

What Pet Turtles Eat

Millions of reptiles, including turtles, are kept as household pets in the U.S. While most people think of turtles as low-maintenance pets, turtles require a surprising amount of specialized care. Turtles require specialized diets. Generally, omnivorous turtles eat a variety of foods, including pellet food, feeder fish, insects, fruits, and vegetables. Herbivorous pet turtles eat vegetables and fruit, though fruit should be limited.

Pet herbivorous turtles can be fed lettuce, kale, and cabbage, along with limited portions of legumes, mushrooms, corn, carrots, and cucumber. These foods should make up around 70% to 80% of an herbivorous turtle’s diet. The remaining 20 to 30% should include fruits. Low-sugar fruit, like berries and melons, is recommended, though pears, apples, and mangoes may be eaten sparingly.

Carnivorous freshwater turtles require a high-protein diet. Worms, larvae, snails, slugs, crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and mealworms are recommended. Crayfish, feeder fish, or shrimp are also options, but should be limited. Turtle pellet food is another option. These supplements contain a mix of essential proteins, vitamins, and nutrients to help turtles remain healthy.