What Do Softshell Turtles Really Eat? A Pet Owner’s Guide

Softshell turtles may be quiet, but when it comes to mealtime, they can be surprisingly picky!

Whether you’re a new pet owner or looking to improve your turtle’s diet, this guide will reveal the foods they need (and love) to stay strong and active.

Understanding Softshell Turtle Diets in the Wild

Let’s start with where all softshell turtles come from: the wild. Imagine you’re a softshell turtle living in a murky riverbed somewhere, with a hunger that only a juicy mealworm or fish can satisfy.

That’s their life in the wild! They’re known as ambush predators, which means they lie low and snap up just about anything tasty that swims, crawls, or floats by.

What’s on the Menu in the Wild?

Softshell turtles aren’t too picky. Here’s a look at their wild diet:

• Fish – They’ll gobble up any small fish that crosses their path. In the wild, it’s as fresh as it gets.
• Insects – Crickets, beetles, and mealworms are perfect snacks. If it scurries, they’re interested.
• Crustaceans – Think tiny crabs and shrimp. Yes, they’re as fancy as they sound.
• Aquatic Plants – They’ll snack on some greens here and there, but they’re mostly about the protein.

If you think about it, these turtles are a bit like us with pizza – if it’s within reach, they’ll try to eat it. They’re natural omnivores, blending protein with a side of greens for good measure.

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Why Their Diet Matters for Health

My first softshell turtle, Snappy, gave me a crash course in the power of the right diet. I noticed right away how much more active he was when I fed him a mix of insects, fish, and pellets, compared to days when he got mostly greens.

When their diet is balanced, softshells are lively and alert, with strong shells and plenty of energy. Plus, the variety keeps them mentally engaged, almost like turtle enrichment.

So, keeping your pet turtle’s diet close to their wild menu keeps them healthier and happier. Besides, it’s a lot more fun to watch them hunt a cricket than to watch them munch on lettuce, right?

What to Feed Your Pet Softshell Turtle at Home

To feed your pet softshell turtle a nutritious diet at home, you don’t need to go overboard with exotic foods. It’s all about finding that perfect mix of protein, plants, and variety!

When I first got my softshell turtle, Rocky, I thought he’d be thrilled with lettuce every day. Nope! It turns out, like most softshells, he prefers a varied menu with a bit of “hunt” to it.

Here’s how to keep their meals interesting and balanced.

Category	Food Types	Why It’s Good
Protein	Small fish (tilapia, guppies), earthworms, crickets	Essential for growth and energy
Plant Matter	Romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, aquatic plants	Adds fiber, keeps digestion smooth
Pellets	High-protein turtle pellets	Balanced nutrients, easy to serve
Calcium	Cuttlebone, calcium powder	For shell health and strength

Protein Sources That’ll Make Your Turtle Happy

Softshells are omnivores with a taste for protein, especially when young. They love anything they can nibble, chase, or dig into.

• Small Fish: Think guppies or tiny tilapia pieces. These are fun for them to “hunt” (and make me feel like a zookeeper).
• Insects and Worms: Mealworms, earthworms, and crickets make a perfect, crunchy snack.
• Shrimp (unseasoned): Rocky goes crazy for these. I buy frozen shrimp, thaw a few pieces, and he gobbles them down.

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The Veggies They Actually Need

Unlike most turtles, softshells aren’t crazy about veggies, but they need some for fiber. I started with lettuce and got side-eyed, so I tried other greens.

• Romaine Lettuce & Dandelion Greens: These work pretty well and are generally turtle-approved.
• Aquatic Plants: Softshells enjoy water lettuce and duckweed if you have a planted tank. They nibble on them when they’re feeling snacky!

Ready-Made Food: Pellets to the Rescue

If you’re busy and can’t do live or fresh food every day, high-quality pellets are your best friend. Just check the label to make sure it’s softshell-friendly.

• Turtle Pellets with Protein Focus: Look for pellets with a high protein percentage (around 30–40%).
• Offer in Moderation: About 25-30% of their diet can be pellets; too much can make them lazy with their hunting skills!

Supplements and Calcium Boost

Softshells need a lot of calcium, especially for that unique shell. If you’re not giving them whole fish or enough greens, try these easy options:

• Cuttlebone: Let them nibble on this for a calcium boost. Rocky took a bit to warm up to it, but now he’s a fan.
• Calcium Powder: Dust it on live prey or veggies occasionally.

Safe & Unsafe Food List For Softshell turtles

Food Type	Safe Foods	Unsafe Foods
Protein	Earthworms, mealworms, crickets, roaches, silkworms, black soldier fly larvae, small fish (guppies, minnows), snails (tank-raised)	Fatty meats (pork, beef), goldfish (high in parasites and thiaminase), wild-caught insects (may carry pesticides), shellfish (like shrimp, lobster, crab), red meat
Leafy Greens	Romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, arugula, watercress, endive	Spinach, chard, beet greens (high oxalates), iceberg lettuce (low in nutrients)
Vegetables	Zucchini, squash, bell pepper, carrots (grated or chopped), green beans, cucumber, sweet potato (cooked and peeled), pumpkin	Potatoes, onions, garlic, avocados (toxic to turtles)
Fruits	Small amounts of melon, berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries), apple (no seeds), pear (no seeds), mango (small amounts)	Citrus fruits (orange, lemon, lime), bananas (too sugary), grapes (high in sugar, low nutrients)
Aquatic Plants	Duckweed, water lettuce, anacharis, water hyacinth, water lilies (occasionally)	Poisonous lilies (like lily of the valley), azalea leaves, ivy leaves, oleander
Commercial Food	Turtle pellets (protein-rich, reputable brand like Mazuri or Rep-Cal), freeze-dried shrimp or krill, freeze-dried insects (as occasional treats)	Dog or cat food (too fatty, low in required nutrients), bread or grains (cannot digest starch well)
Calcium Sources	Cuttlebone, crushed oyster shell, calcium powder (sprinkled lightly on food)	Calcium supplements with vitamin D3 (turtles get D3 from UVB exposure)
Live Food	Feeder shrimp, snails (aquarium-raised), occasional crayfish (small)	Wild snails or crayfish (can carry parasites), large live fish (stressful to catch and eat, high thiaminase risk)
Flowers	Hibiscus flowers, dandelion flowers, rose petals (pesticide-free), nasturtiums, clover flowers	Azalea, daffodils, tulips, morning glory, foxglove (all toxic to turtles)

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Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Softshell Turtle

Owning a softshell turtle feels like you’re running a tiny aquatic restaurant. But unlike the average diner, your turtle can’t tell you if a dish didn’t sit well. When it comes to softshell turtles, there are definitely foods they shouldn’t be getting into.

Trust me, I learned some of these the hard way.

Type of Food	Avoid These Examples	Why
High-Fat Foods	Pork, beef, salmon, tuna	Can lead to obesity and liver issues
Processed or Seasoned Foods	Cooked chicken with spices, canned meats, fried food	High salt and oils upset digestive health
Toxic Plants & Non-Food Items	Spinach, rhubarb leaves, random houseplants	Contains oxalates or toxins harmful to turtles

High-Fat Foods – Think Twice

Once, I figured my turtle would love a sliver of leftover salmon. Rookie mistake! High-fat foods like pork or fatty fish are not only hard for them to digest but can cause long-term health issues, including obesity and organ strain.

Let’s stick to lean meats like small fish pieces or insects. The occasional feeder fish is fine, but save the salmon for your dinner.

Examples of High-Fat Foods to Avoid:

• Pork
• Beef
• Fatty fish (like salmon or tuna)

Processed or Seasoned Foods – Keep It Plain

Early on, I accidentally dropped a tiny piece of seasoned chicken into the tank (not my finest moment).

Softshell turtles have delicate systems, and even a little bit of seasoning can throw them off. Anything that’s not in their natural diet—like spices, salt, or oil—is off-limits.

Common Processed Foods to Skip:

• Canned meats or fish
• Cooked human food with spices, oils, or sauces
• Fried food (yes, even if they stare at your fries!)

Toxic Plants and Non-Food Items – They Don’t Know Better

Turtles are notorious for munching on whatever floats by, but some plants and household items are serious no-nos.

A friend of mine had her turtle nibble on a houseplant leaf once, and it ended with an emergency vet visit.

Some common veggies are also a risk—anything high in oxalates (like spinach) or certain toxins (like rhubarb) should stay out of the tank.

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Feeding Schedule and Portion Sizes For Softshell Turtles

If you’re like me, you might start by assuming that a pet’s hunger cues are exactly like ours: begging means they’re starving, right? Well, softshell turtles will beg whether they’re hungry or not, and overfeeding them can lead to all kinds of problems.

Here’s what I learned the hard way.

Young vs. Adult Feeding Needs: Not All Turtles Are the Same

When I first got my young softshell turtle, I had to remind myself not to treat him like a dog. Juveniles need more frequent feeding because they’re still growing, just like little kids.

As they get older, though, they need less frequent meals—similar to a lot of us as we, ahem, “mature.”

Here’s a quick breakdown of feeding schedules based on age and a bit of my own experience:

Age of Turtle	Feeding Frequency	Types of Food
Juveniles (up to 1 year)	Daily (high protein focus)	Crickets, mealworms, small fish, protein-heavy pellets
Young Adults (1–3 years)	Every other day (balanced diet)	Mix of protein sources + small amount of leafy greens and pellets
Mature Adults (3+ years)	2–3 times a week (more greens)	More veggies, fewer insects and pellets – aim for variety

As they age, adult softshell turtles don’t need as much protein. Too much protein in adults can lead to shell and kidney issues, which I learned from my own missteps with an overly chunky (and slightly grumpy) turtle.

Portion Sizes: Don’t Let Their Puppy Eyes Fool You

This is where portion control comes in. The “rule of thumb” here is roughly what can fit in their head—sounds odd, but trust me, it works! My first attempts were way off, and I ended up with leftover food and a turtle who thought he could get “seconds” every day.

Here’s what’s worked for me:

• Juveniles: A portion about the size of their head daily (often about 2-3 small insects or 1-2 pieces of fish).
• Young Adults: Head-sized portions every other day.
• Mature Adults: A head-sized meal 2–3 times a week, with lots of leafy greens.

If you see your turtle looking a little rounder than normal, or finding “leftovers” after they swim away, it’s a clue to reduce portion sizes or meal frequency.

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Signs of Overfeeding: Been There, Done That

I remember thinking my turtle would love a little extra food, but soon enough he was sluggish and, honestly, a bit larger than necessary.

Here’s how to know if you’re overdoing it:

• Lethargy: They’re not as active or spend more time lounging.
• Shell Bumps or Scutes (shell “wrinkles”): This can be a sign of overgrowth from too much protein.
• Fat deposits around the limbs: A softshell with noticeable flab is a sign you need to cut back!

Tips for a Healthy Feeding Environment

When I first got my softshell turtle, I thought feeding time would be simple: toss in food, watch him eat, done. Turns out, keeping his eating area clean is just as important as giving him the right food.

Here are my top tips to keep your softie’s dining experience both safe and fun!

1. Consider a Separate Feeding Tank

Ever seen the mess a turtle makes while eating? Food bits everywhere! Using a separate feeding tank can help keep their main tank cleaner, which also means less frequent water changes. I was skeptical at first, but once I switched to a separate tank, I never looked back.

It’s less work in the long run and keeps the main tank water fresher. Plus, my turtle knows it’s mealtime when he’s in that tank—think of it as his own little dining room.

2. Keep Things Exciting with Food Variety

Like us, softshell turtles get bored with the same meals day after day. I remember the first time my turtle turned his nose up at pellets—he actually swam away.

Now, I mix things up: a few mealworms here, a leafy green there, maybe a piece of fish if he’s lucky. Switching things up keeps them excited and curious, and a curious turtle is a happy turtle!

3. Be Cautious with Live Prey

If you’re feeding live prey, like feeder fish or insects, it’s best to handle things carefully. You want your turtle to enjoy the thrill of the chase, but without any risks. I learned this the hard way when a feeder fish went rogue and hid in the tank for two days.

Now, I do a quick health check on any live prey and make sure the turtle gets his “catch” without any lingering swimmers.

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What To Do If Your Softshell Turtle Doesn’t Eat?

So, your softshell turtle’s giving you the silent treatment at dinner? I get it—my own turtle, Sheldon, once went on a hunger strike for a week!

Let’s break down what might be causing this turtle tantrum and, more importantly, what to do about it.

1. Temperature Might Be Off

Softshell turtles are picky about their surroundings, especially water temperature. If the water’s too cold, they’ll go on strike faster than a kid faced with broccoli.

Solution: Check your tank’s thermometer. Softshells need their water at a toasty 75-82°F (24-28°C). If it’s too chilly, a submersible heater can save the day. My turtle Sheldon instantly perked up with a little extra warmth—think of it as his version of comfort food.

2. Is It Stress? Turtles Have Bad Days Too

Yes, turtles get stressed! Big changes like moving the tank, new tank mates, or a new feeding routine can make them lose their appetite.

Solution: Give them a bit of space and try to keep things consistent. I once made the mistake of rearranging Sheldon’s tank decor all at once—he refused food until I put his favorite hiding spot back. Sometimes, a little familiarity makes all the difference.

3. Too Much Variety, Too Soon?

Softshells can be suspicious of new foods. They may need time to trust a new type of pellet or veggie, especially if they’re used to a specific food.

Solution: Introduce new foods gradually. Start with small bits mixed in with what they like. Sheldon only accepted his greens after I sandwiched them between worms. It took patience, but now he’s a romaine enthusiast.

4. Maybe They’re Just Full

Turtles don’t need to eat every day once they’re adults. Overfeeding can lead to skipped meals, especially if they’re already full from the last feast.

Solution: If your turtle is an adult, try feeding every other day or even 2-3 times a week. When I finally spaced out Sheldon’s meals, his appetite improved, and he stopped being so picky.

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5. Not Enough Stimulation

Softshell turtles enjoy the thrill of the hunt, and sometimes food just sitting there doesn’t spark their interest.

Solution: Add a little adventure! Try wiggling worms or dropping food in different areas of the tank. Sheldon will only eat pellets if I drop them where he’s swimming. It’s his little game, and now I’m the official turtle snack coordinator.

6. Health Problems Could Be the Culprit

Sometimes, lack of appetite is a sign of illness. Respiratory infections, shell problems, or internal issues can make eating uncomfortable.

Solution: If nothing else works and your turtle’s still refusing food, it’s time for a vet visit. I was hesitant the first time, but the vet found Sheldon’s mild infection before it got worse. A checkup can be a life-saver for your shelled friend.