What Should I Feed My New Turtle or Tortoise?

Bringing home a new turtle or tortoise is exciting! You are introducing a new family member to your home and are eager to help them live their best life. Your pet’s diet is a huge part of their care. Knowing what to feed your pet turtle or tortoise is essential to ensuring they stay full, happy and healthy. 

What is the Difference Between Turtle and Tortoise Diets? 

The most significant difference between the nutritional needs of a turtle and a tortoise is what is in their diet. Turtles are omnivores. This means that they eat both meat and plants. Tortoises, on the other hand, are mostly vegetarians. There are a few exceptions to this, including the red-footed tortoise. While turtles and tortoises both have cute little shells to protect them, what they need to fuel their bodies is actually quite different. 

What Should I Feed My Pet Tortoise? 

Greek, Russian and Hermann’s Tortoise

• Power Greens - Spring mixes, dark leafy greens and grasses/hay. Dust with calcium powder 2-3x a week and dust with reptile multivitamin 2x a month, or as instructed by your veterinarian (Remember to remove any fresh foods from their habitat after a few hours)
• Pellet Tortoise Food - Commercial/pellet food designed for these kinds of tortoises and is usually a great option 
• Fruits - These tortoises can eat fruits like berries, melon, kiwi and more 
• Water - Their water should be refreshed at least once a day 
• Hay - Tortoises also like Timothy and alfalfa hay

How Often Should I Feed Them?

These types of tortoises need to eat once a day. It's natural for an older tortoise to skip a meal every now and then. Fruits should only be given 1 or 2 times a week. Talk to your veterinarian about the perfect balance of these food options for your pet, as well as how often to feed them. 

Red-Footed Tortoise

Red-footed tortoises are omnivores, unlike most other tortoises. So their diet varies and includes other sources of protein that are not plant-based. 

• Power Greens - Spring mixes, dark leafy greens and grasses/hay. Dust with calcium powder 2-3x a week and dust with reptile multivitamin 2x a month, or as instructed by your veterinarian (Remember to remove any fresh foods from their habitat after a few hours)
• Pellet Tortoise Food - This is commercial/pellet food designed for these kinds of tortoise is usually a great option 
• Insects - To help increase protein in the diet, mealworms, crickets, dubia roaches and/or thawed frozen rodents can be used
• Fruits - These tortoises can eat fruits like berries, melon, kiwi and more 
• Water - Their water should be refreshed at least once a day 
• Hay - Tortoises also like Timothy and alfalfa hay

How Often Should I Feed Them?

This type of tortoise needs to eat once a day. It's natural for an older tortoise to skip a meal every now and then. Fruits should only be given 1-2 times a week. Insects should only be used once every 3-4 weeks. Talk to your veterinarian about the perfect balance of these tortoise food options for your pet, as well as how often to feed them. 

What Should I Feed My Pet Turtle?

Aquatic Turtle

• Pellets - Pellets are a turtle’s primary food source. After 15 minutes, remove any extra pellets. They can dissolve and make their tank dirty 
• Vegetables - Aquatic turtles can eat dark, leafy greens and vegetables (Remember to remove any fresh foods from their habitat after a few hours)
• Insects/Feeder Fish - The most significant difference between turtles and tortoises is that turtles eat insects and feeder fish. Turtles can eat crickets, mealworms, waxworms and feeder fish 

How Often Should I Feed Them?

Aquatic turtles can and should eat pellet turtle food once a day. Vegetables do not need to be given daily but should be given 3-4 times a week. Insects and feeder fish should only be given to your turtle once a week. Talk to your veterinarian about the perfect balance of these food options for your pet, as well as how often to feed them. 

What and How Often Should I Feed My Baby Turtle or Tortoise?

Although it might be typical for adult turtles and tortoises to skip a meal every now and then, baby turtles and tortoises need more. You should feed your baby turtle or tortoise at least once a day. They need the extra protein, vitamins and nutrients to support their healthy growth and development. 

Information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure your pet. It's not a substitute for veterinary care provided by a licensed veterinarian. For any medical or health-related advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet, contact your veterinarian.