Are You Feeding Your Painted Turtle Right? Tips Every Owner Should Know
fact checked & review by
Dr. Partho Kumar Shaha
Veterinarian (DVM)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
What if the foods you’re giving your painted turtle are doing more harm than good?
Many turtle owners have no idea that a simple change in diet can mean the difference between a happy, thriving turtle and one struggling to survive.
These diet tips will reveal what your turtle really needs—and what you should stop feeding them immediately.
What To Feed Your Painted Turtle?
Feeding your painted turtle can be fun and easy if you know what they need. These turtles are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals.
A good mix of protein, veggies, and even some fruits will keep them healthy.
| Food Type | Examples | Frequency | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | Crickets, mealworms, fish, shrimp | Daily (for young) | As much as they can eat in 15 min |
| Vegetables | Kale, romaine lettuce, carrots | Every feeding | A handful of chopped pieces |
| Fruits | Strawberries, apples, blueberries | Once a week (optional) | 1-2 small pieces |
| Aquatic Plants | Duckweed, water lettuce | Every few days | Free floating or anchored in tank |
Here’s a breakdown of what to feed your painted turtle, plus some tips on how often to feed them.
Protein (Animal-based foods)
In the wild, painted turtles eat insects, small fish, and other creatures. You can replicate this in captivity.
Examples:
- Live insects: crickets, mealworms, earthworms
- Fish: small feeder fish, pieces of fish fillet
- Pellets: Turtle pellets (make sure they’re high in protein)
- Shrimp: Fresh or dried shrimp
Vegetables (Plant-based foods)
Offer leafy greens and veggies regularly. As they age, turtles eat more plant-based food.
Examples:
- Leafy greens: kale, romaine lettuce, dandelion greens
- Vegetables: carrots, bell peppers, zucchini
Fruits (Occasionally)
Fruits are more of a treat and should be given sparingly.
Examples:
- Strawberries
- Apples (remove seeds)
- Blueberries
Aquatic Plants
Turtles naturally munch on plants in the water, so adding some to their tank is great.
Examples:
- Duckweed
- Water lettuce
- Water hyacinth
Tips for Feeding
- Remove uneaten food after about 20 minutes to keep the tank clean.
- Dust insects or veggies with calcium powder occasionally.
- Keep an eye on their growth and adjust portions as needed.
Painted turtles are pretty fun to feed, and they’ll appreciate a varied diet! Just make sure to offer the right mix of protein and plants.
Foods That Are Not Recommended for the Painted Turtle
Some foods can harm your turtle by upsetting its digestion, causing nutrient imbalances, or even being toxic.
Here’s a detailed explanation along with a table:
| Food Type | Reason |
|---|---|
| Processed Human Foods | Low in nutrients, can lead to obesity. |
| Dairy Products | Turtles cannot digest lactose. |
| Raw Meat (e.g., Chicken) | Risk of harmful bacteria like salmonella. |
| Iceberg Lettuce | Very low in nutrients, mostly water. |
| Avocados | Contains toxic persin, harmful to turtles. |
| Spinach and Beet Greens | Contains oxalates that block calcium absorption. |
| Citrus Fruits | Too acidic and can cause digestive issues. |
1. Processed Human Foods
Turtles aren’t meant to eat things like bread, pasta, or sugary snacks. These foods lack the nutrients they need and can cause obesity or other health problems.
2. Dairy Products
Turtles can’t digest dairy because they don’t produce the enzyme needed to break down lactose. This can lead to stomach issues.
3. Raw Meat (Especially Chicken)
While turtles can eat animal protein, raw meat like chicken can carry harmful bacteria like salmonella. It’s safer to give them pre-packaged turtle pellets or live feeder insects instead.
4. Iceberg Lettuce
Though it seems like a healthy option, iceberg lettuce is mostly water with little nutritional value. Your turtle won’t get the necessary vitamins or minerals from it.
5. Avocados
Avocados contain a toxin called persin, which can be dangerous for many animals, including turtles. It’s best to avoid them completely.
6. Spinach and Beet Greens
These contain oxalates that can bind with calcium, preventing your turtle from absorbing this essential mineral. This can lead to bone and shell issues.
7. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges are too acidic and can upset a turtle’s stomach. Stick to non-citrus fruits if you want to give them a treat.
How Often Do Painted Turtles Eat?
Painted turtles have different feeding needs based on their age. Younger turtles tend to eat more frequently, while adults need less food as they grow older.
Baby Painted Turtles (Up to 1 Year Old)
Baby turtles are growing fast, so they need to eat daily. Their diet should be high in protein to support growth. This means more animal-based foods like insects, worms, and commercial turtle pellets.
Juvenile Painted Turtles (1-4 Years Old)
As turtles grow into juveniles, they still need frequent feeding, but you can reduce it to every other day. At this stage, start adding more plant-based foods along with protein.
Adult Painted Turtles (4+ Years Old)
Adult painted turtles don’t need to eat as often because their growth slows down. Feeding them 2-3 times a week is enough. Their diet should include more leafy greens and fewer protein-rich foods to maintain a balanced diet.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how often to feed based on the turtle’s age:
| Age Group | Feeding Frequency | Types of Food |
|---|---|---|
| Baby (0-1 Year) | Every day | Turtle pellets, insects, small fish, leafy greens. |
| Juvenile (1-4 Years) | Every other day | Turtle pellets, insects, aquatic plants, greens. |
| Adult (4+ Years) | 2-3 times per week | Aquatic plants, greens, occasional insects/pellets. |
Example Schedule for a Week
Here’s an example of a feeding schedule for different ages of painted turtles:
Baby Painted Turtle (0-1 Year)
Monday-Sunday: Feed daily with a mix of turtle pellets, insects (like crickets or mealworms), and some leafy greens.
Juvenile Painted Turtle (1-4 Years)
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: Feed with a mix of turtle pellets, insects, and plants.
Adult Painted Turtle (4+ Years)
Monday, Thursday, Saturday: Feed with aquatic plants, leafy greens like romaine lettuce, and a small amount of protein (insects or pellets).
Make sure to observe your turtle’s behavior. If they’re becoming sluggish or overweight, adjust the amount or frequency of feeding. Keep their habitat clean and provide fresh water to support digestion!
Why Won’t My Painted Turtle Eat?
If your painted turtle isn’t eating, it can be concerning. There are several reasons why this might happen, ranging from environmental issues to health problems. Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons why painted turtles might refuse to eat, explained in detail:
1. Temperature Issues
Painted turtles are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature depends on their surroundings. If the water or basking area in their tank is too cold, their metabolism slows down, which can cause them to stop eating.
Solution: Ensure the water temperature is around 75-80°F (24-27°C) and the basking area is around 85-90°F (29-32°C). If temperatures are too low, consider adding a heater or improving lighting.
2. Stress from New Environment
If you’ve recently moved your turtle to a new tank or changed its environment, it might stop eating due to stress. Turtles can be sensitive to changes in their surroundings, including new decorations, tank mates, or even just the tank being in a noisy area.
Solution: Give your turtle time to adjust to the new environment. Make sure the tank is quiet, clean, and has places for the turtle to hide if it feels stressed.
3. Improper Lighting
Turtles need UVB light to help them produce vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption. Without it, they can develop health problems, including a lack of appetite.
Solution: Ensure you’re using a proper UVB light for about 10-12 hours a day. Replace the UVB bulb every 6-12 months, even if it still looks functional, as its effectiveness fades over time.
4. Diet Boredom or Preference
Sometimes turtles can get picky or bored with the food you’re offering them. If you’re only feeding them one type of food, they might lose interest. Additionally, some turtles may develop a preference for certain foods and refuse others.
Solution: Try offering a variety of foods like turtle pellets, fresh vegetables (like romaine lettuce or kale), insects, and small fish. Switching up their diet can stimulate their appetite.
5. Illness or Parasites
A sick turtle will often stop eating. Common illnesses include respiratory infections, which can make breathing difficult, or parasites, which can cause discomfort and loss of appetite. Other signs of illness include lethargy, swollen eyes, or swimming unevenly.
Solution: If you suspect illness, it’s best to consult a vet who specializes in reptiles. They can check for infections, parasites, or other health problems.
6. Brumation (Hibernation-Like Behavior)
In cooler months, painted turtles may naturally slow down their activity and appetite in a process called brumation, which is similar to hibernation. This usually happens if they’re exposed to cooler temperatures, even indoors.
Solution: If your turtle is brumating, it may eat very little or nothing at all for a few weeks or months. Make sure the environment isn’t too cold and monitor its behavior. Brumation is normal, but if it lasts too long or the turtle looks weak, consult a vet.
7. Overfeeding
If your turtle has been eating too much, it might simply be full and not feel hungry. Overfeeding can also lead to obesity, which can reduce their desire to eat.
Solution: Stick to a proper feeding schedule based on their age. Adult turtles, for example, only need to eat 2-3 times a week.
8. Water Quality
Turtles are very sensitive to dirty water. If the tank water isn’t clean, it can cause stress or make them sick, which can lead to a loss of appetite.
Solution: Regularly clean the tank and maintain proper filtration. Change part of the water weekly to keep it fresh.
do painted turtles need supplements?
Yes, painted turtles do need supplements, especially if they’re kept in captivity.
In the wild, they get a variety of nutrients from their natural diet and environment, but in a home setup, it’s harder to provide everything they need.
The most important supplements for painted turtles are calcium and vitamin D3.
Why They Need Supplements
- Calcium is crucial for maintaining strong shells and bones. Without enough calcium, turtles can develop soft shells (metabolic bone disease), which can be dangerous.
- Vitamin D3 helps turtles absorb calcium. Without enough vitamin D3, even if they’re getting calcium in their diet, their bodies can’t use it properly. Turtles get vitamin D3 from exposure to UVB light, but sometimes, the amount of UVB they get indoors isn’t enough.
Types of Supplements
- Calcium Supplement: A powdered calcium supplement can be sprinkled on their food a few times a week. Look for one that doesn’t contain phosphorus, as turtles need a higher calcium-to-phosphorus ratio to stay healthy.
- Calcium with Vitamin D3: If your turtle doesn’t have consistent access to UVB lighting, you’ll want to use a calcium supplement that includes vitamin D3. However, don’t overdo it—too much vitamin D3 can be harmful.
- Multivitamin Supplement: You can also use a reptile multivitamin once a week to ensure they’re getting other essential nutrients that might be missing from their diet.
How Often to Use Supplements
- For baby and juvenile painted turtles (up to 4 years old): They need more calcium to support growth, so dust their food with calcium powder about 3-4 times a week, and offer multivitamins once a week.
- For adult painted turtles (4+ years old): Calcium can be given 2-3 times a week, with a multivitamin once a week.
Quick Tips for Using Supplements
- Only dust a small amount on their food.
- Rotate between calcium-only powder and calcium with vitamin D3 to prevent over-supplementing.
- Make sure your turtle has proper UVB lighting to naturally help with vitamin D3 production.
Supplements are essential to keeping your painted turtle healthy, but remember, they’re only part of a balanced diet. A mix of fresh vegetables, turtle pellets, and occasional live food is still key to their overall nutrition.
What does painted turtle eat in the wild?
In the wild, painted turtles eat a mix of plants and animals. Their diet changes based on their age and what’s available in their environment.
Aquatic Plants: Wild painted turtles munch on algae, duckweed, and other water plants. This provides fiber and helps with digestion.
Insects and Worms: They love insects like beetles, dragonfly larvae, and water bugs. Worms are also on the menu, especially if they find them near the water.
Small Fish: Painted turtles will eat small fish or fish eggs if they can catch them. This gives them protein, which is important for growth.
Snails and Crustaceans: They sometimes snack on snails, crayfish, or small crabs. These offer both protein and calcium, helping keep their shells strong.
Carrion (Dead Animals): Painted turtles are opportunistic eaters, meaning they’ll eat dead fish or other animals they find floating in the water.
Can painted turtle eat fruit?
Yes, painted turtles can eat fruit, but it should only be given in small amounts. Fruit is not a big part of their natural diet in the wild, so it’s more of an occasional treat rather than a regular food.
High Sugar Content: Fruits have more sugar than the plants painted turtles usually eat. Too much sugar can cause digestive problems and lead to obesity.
Not Nutrient-Dense: While some fruits have vitamins, they don’t provide the same kind of balanced nutrition that turtles get from leafy greens, aquatic plants, or insects.
List of safe & Unsafe Fruits and Vegetables for painted turtles
| Category | Safe | Unsafe |
|---|---|---|
| Fruits | – Berries (strawberries, blueberries) | – Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes) |
| – Apples (no seeds) | – Avocado (toxic to turtles) | |
| – Melon (watermelon, cantaloupe) | – Rhubarb (toxic) | |
| – Mango | ||
| – Papaya | ||
| – Pear (no seeds) | ||
| – Grapes (in moderation) | ||
| – Banana (in very small amounts) | ||
| Vegetables | – Dark leafy greens (kale, dandelion greens, collards) | – Spinach (blocks calcium absorption) |
| – Romaine lettuce | – Beet greens (also blocks calcium absorption) | |
| – Carrots | – Iceberg lettuce (very low nutritional value) | |
| – Squash (butternut, zucchini) | – Onions (toxic) | |
| – Bell peppers | – Garlic (toxic) | |
| – Green beans | ||
| – Cucumber |
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
