Can Turtles Eat Worms? [Safe Worms List]

Worms are abundant in amino acids, protein, and iron. They are involved in digestion and tissue healing. There’s talk that worms may soon become the trendy new superfood on the market.

Worms are a staple meal for many different animals. How about our reptile pets, though? Can worms be a healthy part of a turtle’s diet?

Yes, turtles can eat worms. Worms are a good source of protein and nutrients for many turtle species, particularly omnivorous and carnivorous ones. They can be fed as part of a balanced diet, but it’s essential to ensure the worms are free from pesticides and chemicals.

So, do turtles eat worms as part of their diet? If so, how many worms would they consume, and what kind are we talking about, exactly?

Are Worms Safe For Turtles?

Eating worms is a normal and beneficial part of a turtle’s diet. Worms are a great source of protein, fat, and other nutrients that turtles need to thrive.

Many different kinds of insects, including worms, are tasty snacks for wild turtles. There are a number of good reasons why turtles should eat worms.

Mealworms are an excellent source of amino acids, protein, and iron. They aid in turtle digestion and tissue regeneration.

The worms that wild turtles encounter in the environment are some of the healthiest meals they can eat.

When it comes to protein, turtles really benefit from worms. They serve a specific purpose in the initial phases of a turtle’s life when the animal is still developing and needs a lot more protein.

Which Worms Are Safe For Turtles To Eat?

Most turtles will eat just about everything. Any worm they find in their environment. When fed  moderately, the following worms are good for turtles:

1. Earthworms
2. Bloodworms
3. Mealworms
4. Waxworms
5. Red Wigglers
6. Grubs
7. Butterworms
8. Silkworms
9. Hornworms
10. Superworms
11. American Nightcrawler
12. Red Worms

Here’s a comparison table of the nutritional profiles for various types of worms based on available data:

Worm Type	Protein (%)	Fat (%)	Fiber (%)	Moisture (%)
Earthworms	60-70	6-11	1-2	80-85
Bloodworms	50-60	10-15	2-3	75-80
Mealworms	47-50	28-30	6-8	60-65
Waxworms	15-20	20-25	3-5	60-65
Red Wigglers	60-70	6-11	1-2	80-85
Grubs	40-50	30-35	5-7	60-70
Butterworms	15-17	29-31	4-5	60-65
Silkworms	60-70	10-12	2-3	80-85
Hornworms	9-10	3-5	2-3	85-90
Superworms	47-50	30-35	5-7	55-60
American Nightcrawler	60-70	6-11	1-2	80-85
Red Worms	60-70	6-11	1-2	80-85

The values for earthworms, red wigglers, and American nightcrawlers are based on a dry matter basis (source: eOrganic).

For mealworms and superworms, values are derived from various sources, including Grubco.

This prehistoric reptile has more than 300 recognized species. One thing that unites all species is that they each have their own favorite food.

How to Feed Your Turtle Worms?

Pick the Worms with Care:

Hand-pick worms from their soil cocoons gently. Use gloves if you prefer not to get your hands dirty.

Choose Healthy Worms:

Select the healthiest and biggest worms you can find. These worms carry more nutrients for your turtle.

Avoid Ammonia-Smelling Worms:

Don’t put worms that smell like ammonia in your turtle’s tank. This odor might indicate that you need to clean the tank more often.

Prepare the Worms:

You can either place dry earthworms on the ground in the tank or soak them in water first. Soaking helps keep the worms from crawling away and makes it easier for your turtle to find and eat them.

Place the Worms Properly:

If you place worms directly, they might settle at the bottom of the tank, out of sight of your turtle. Soaking the worms beforehand ensures your turtle can access the protein it needs more quickly and with less mess.

What To Consider While Feeding Worms To Your Turtles?

It’s crucial not to overfeed your turtle with worms. Too many worms in their diet can lead to obesity, pyramiding, and worm infestations.

Below are the things you should consider before feeding your turtle worms:

1.     Pyramiding

Turtles can’t survive without protein. However, you should be aware that eating an excessive amount of protein might cause the shell to produce thick layers of keratin.

This may have a permanent impact on a turtle’s development and growth. Scute growth is abnormally elongated upward. Each scute thus takes on a pyramidal, elongated form.

You also already know that worms are a great source of protein. Therefore, controlling the number of worms eaten is essential.

When pyramiding occurs, the results are irreversible. So, watch your pet’s protein intake closely.

2.     Obesity And Selective Eating

Despite the stereotype, turtles may be trained to prefer certain foods by providing them with a steady supply of delectable animal protein.

Too many worms are not excellent for your turtle’s health since they are high in carbohydrates and fat. As a result, your turtle might become obese.

And there are other problems associated with turtle obesity. Your turtle will also have trouble doing things like reversing inside its shell or bearing its own weight.

If your turtle is overweight, check out my guide on how to make your turtle lose weight.

3.     Incorrect Calcium To Phosphate Balance

In general, worms have lower calcium and higher phosphorus concentrations. An optimal ratio is 2:1 calcium to phosphorus. This balance is crucial when feeding your turtles.

While phosphorus is beneficial, too much can hinder calcium absorption by forming insoluble calcium phosphates. High phosphorus content leads to decreased calcium absorption.

To counteract this, feed the worms a calcium-rich diet before giving them to your turtles. This can help restore a healthier balance.

4.     Pathogens And Parasites

Your turtle might get sick from eating wild earthworms because they can carry parasites. While it’s rare, it can happen.

To avoid this, only feed your turtle captive-reared earthworms instead of those from your yard.

Common worm parasites that turtles can contract include:

• Flukes
• Flagellates
• Nematodes
• Tapeworms
• Roundworms
• Pinworms/Threadworms

If you suspect your turtle has worms, get a good over-the-counter wormer right away. Severe worm infections can cause diarrhea and weight loss.

Always ensure the worms you feed your turtle are safe and parasite-free.

5.     Toxins

Both the environment and diet can affect a turtle’s health. Jumping worms, for example, often contain poisonous metals. These metals can cause kidney damage in turtles.

If you’re unsure whether the soil your worms come from is low in these metals, it’s best not to feed them to your turtles. There are many other options to provide the nutrients they need.

6.     Pesticides

Never give your turtle pesticide-treated earthworms. Ingesting these substances is harmful to your turtle.

If you’re unsure whether the earthworms from your yard have been treated, don’t feed them to your turtle.

Can Worms Be Fed To Baby Turtles?

A moderate amount of worms is healthy for newborn turtles. Especially throughout their growing years, they need a high-protein diet.

However, excessive reliance on worms isn’t desirable. Because of their tiny size, mealworms and waxworms are good choices for feeding newborn turtles, facilitating their chewing and swallowing.

Introduce little worms to your newborn turtle if you can. If you can only find large worms, you can split them in half and use them as smaller meals.

Should Worms Be Fed To A Pet Turtle?

Yes, worms can be fed to a pet turtle, but with certain precautions. Here are some key points to consider:

• Worms are a good source of protein and can be a nutritious part of your turtle’s diet.
• Too many worms can lead to health issues like obesity and pyramiding.
• Wild-caught worms may carry parasites, so it’s safer to use captive-reared worms.
• Worms have a lower calcium and higher phosphorus content. Feed them a calcium-rich diet beforehand to help balance this.

How Many Worms Should You Feed Your Turtle Daily?

Feeding your turtle the right amount of worms is essential for their health. Here are some guidelines:

• Juvenile Turtles: For young turtles, feed them 1-2 small worms every other day.
• Adult Turtles: For adult turtles, 2-3 worms a few times a week is sufficient.

Ensure worms are part of a varied diet that includes vegetables and other protein sources.

Adjust the amount based on your turtle’s weight and overall health. If your turtle starts gaining too much weight, reduce the number of worms.

Always observe your turtle’s eating habits and health to determine the appropriate amount.

Can You Give Your Turtle Live Worms?

Yes, you can give your turtle live worms. Here are some considerations:

• Live worms provide mental and physical stimulation for your turtle as they chase and catch their food.
• Live worms are a nutritious source of protein for turtles.
• Ensure the worms are from a safe, uncontaminated source. Captive-reared worms are preferable to avoid parasites and pesticides.
• Monitor your turtle while feeding live worms to ensure they eat them safely and do not leave uneaten worms in the tank.

Can Turtles Eat Caterpillars?

Yes, turtles can eat caterpillars. Many turtles, including box turtles, consume caterpillars as part of their diet. However, it is important to ensure that the caterpillars are not brightly colored or fuzzy, as these characteristics can indicate that they may be poisonous or irritating. Additionally, caterpillars that feed on poisonous plants should be avoided.

Can Turtles Eat Mealworms?

Yes, turtles can eat mealworms, but they should be given only occasionally. Mealworms are high in protein and can be a healthy, protein-rich treat for turtles. However, they should not be a staple in their diet as too much protein can lead to health issues.

Can Turtles Eat Earthworms?

Yes, turtles can eat earthworms. Earthworms are a nutritious and natural food source for many species of turtles, providing essential proteins and nutrients. They can be a great addition to a turtle’s diet, especially for omnivorous and carnivorous species.

However, it’s important to ensure that the earthworms are sourced from a clean, pesticide-free environment to avoid any potential harm to your turtle.

As with any food, earthworms should be part of a varied diet to ensure balanced nutrition.

Do Turtles Eat Bloodworms?

Yes, turtles can eat bloodworms. Bloodworms are rich in protein and are often used as a food source for aquatic turtles. They can be a good occasional treat, especially for young or growing turtles.

However, like other high-protein foods, bloodworms should not make up the bulk of a turtle’s diet. 

Do Turtles Eat Silkworms?

Yes, turtles can eat silkworms. Silkworms are a nutritious food source rich in protein and other essential nutrients, making them a good occasional treat for turtles. Their high protein content can also be especially beneficial for growing or breeding turtles.

Do Turtles Eat Waxworms?

Yes, turtles can eat waxworms, but they should be given sparingly. Waxworms are high in fat and can be a tasty treat for turtles. However, due to their high-fat content, they should not be a regular part of a turtle’s diet. Overfeeding waxworms can lead to obesity and other health issues.

Do Snapping Turtles Eat Worms?

Yes, snapping turtles do eat worms. Worms are a natural part of their diet and provide essential nutrients. Snapping turtles are omnivorous and have a varied diet that includes insects, fish, plants, and small animals.

Worms, such as earthworms, can be a nutritious and easily digestible food source for them. 

Do Painted Turtles Eat Worms?

Yes, painted turtles do eat worms. Worms, such as earthworms, can be a nutritious part of their diet. Painted turtles are omnivorous, and their diet typically includes a mix of plant material, insects, small fish, and other invertebrates.

Worms provide essential proteins and nutrients that can benefit their overall health.

Do Box Turtles Eat Worms?

Yes, box turtles do eat worms. Worms, such as earthworms, are a natural and nutritious part of a box turtle’s diet.

Box turtles are omnivorous and have a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, vegetables, and other invertebrates. Worms provide essential proteins and nutrients that are beneficial for their health.

Do Red-Eared Sliders Eat Worms?

Red-eared sliders do eat worms. Worms, such as earthworms, are a nutritious and natural part of their diet.