What Do Turtles Eat?

If you've recently welcomed a turtle into your family, one of the first questions you'll probably ask is "What do turtles eat?" Providing the correct diet is one of the most important factors in keeping your turtle healthy, active and growing properly.

At Amazing Amazon, we stock a wide range of premium turtle foods suitable for Australia's most commonly kept freshwater turtle species. Whether you're feeding a hatchling, juvenile or fully grown adult turtle, choosing a balanced diet will help support healthy shell development, strong bones, vibrant colouration and a long lifespan.

What Do Australian Freshwater Turtles Eat?

Most freshwater turtles kept in Australia are omnivores, meaning they naturally eat both animal and plant matter.

In the wild their diet commonly includes:

• Aquatic insects
• Worms
• Small fish
• Freshwater shrimp
• Snails
• Tadpoles
• Aquatic plants
• Algae
• Water weeds
• Fallen fruit
• Carrion

As turtles mature, many species gradually consume more plant material while still requiring quality animal protein.

Popular Australian Turtle Species

Our turtle foods are suitable for many Australian native turtles including:

• Eastern Long-neck Turtle
• Murray River Turtle
• Macquarie Turtle
• Krefft's Turtle
• Saw-shelled Turtle
• Broad-shelled Turtle
• Northern Snake-neck Turtle
• Fitzroy River Turtle
• Mary River Turtle

Best Turtle Food

Providing a varied diet is the easiest way to keep your turtle healthy.

A balanced feeding program may include:

• Premium turtle pellets
• Gel turtle foods
• Insects
• Earthworms
• Freshwater shrimp
• Aquatic snails
• Bloodworms
• Blackworms
• Calcium supplements
• Leafy aquatic vegetation

Our range of premium turtle foods has been formulated to provide balanced nutrition while making feeding simple and convenient.

Turtle Pellets

Quality turtle pellets should form the foundation of your turtle's diet.

Good turtle pellets provide:

• Balanced protein
• Essential vitamins
• Calcium
• Trace minerals
• Omega fatty acids

Premium pellets help support:

• Healthy shell growth
• Strong bones
• Immune function
• Healthy growth
• Long-term health

Gel Turtle Foods

Gel foods such as AquaMunch ReptiGel Turtle Tucker provide excellent nutrition and closely mimic the texture of natural foods eaten in the wild.

Gel foods are highly palatable and are excellent for:

• Hatchlings
• Juveniles
• Adult turtles
• Fussy feeders
• Growing turtles

Do Turtles Need Calcium?

Yes.

Calcium is essential for:

• Healthy shell growth
• Bone development
• Muscle function
• Egg production in females

Without adequate calcium, turtles can develop serious health problems including metabolic bone disease.

Providing quality turtle food alongside a suitable calcium source and UVB lighting helps maintain healthy shell development.

Foods Turtles Can Eat

Many freshwater turtles enjoy a varied diet including:

• Earthworms
• Mealworms
• Blackworms
• Bloodworms
• Freshwater shrimp
• Small feeder fish (occasionally)
• Aquatic snails
• Duckweed
• Water lettuce
• Water plants

Commercial turtle foods should still provide the majority of the diet as they contain balanced nutrition.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid feeding turtles:

• Bread
• Dairy products
• Processed meat
• Dog food
• Cat food
• Sugary foods
• Salty foods
• Human snack foods

These foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies and poor long-term health.

How Often Should You Feed a Turtle?

Hatchlings

Feed every day.

Young turtles require higher protein levels to support rapid growth.

Juveniles

Feed once daily.

Offer a varied diet with quality commercial turtle food as the staple.

Adults

Most adult turtles only require feeding every 2–3 days depending on species, activity level and water temperature.

How Much Should You Feed?

A general guide is to feed approximately the amount your turtle can comfortably consume within 5–10 minutes.

Avoid overfeeding, as excess food can reduce water quality and contribute to obesity.

Why Choose Premium Turtle Food?

Quality turtle foods provide:

• Complete balanced nutrition
• High-quality protein
• Essential vitamins
• Calcium
• Healthy fats
• Improved digestion
• Better water stability
• Consistent nutrition

Premium diets are one of the simplest ways to support healthy growth and long-term wellbeing.

Shop Turtle Food

Browse our range of premium turtle foods including:

• Turtle Pellets
• AquaMunch ReptiGel Turtle Tucker
• Turtle Treats
• Calcium Supplements
• Gel Foods
• Freshwater Turtle Accessories

Whether you're caring for a hatchling or an adult turtle, we have the food and accessories to help keep your turtle healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do baby turtles eat?

Baby turtles require a protein-rich diet consisting of premium turtle food, gel foods, insects and other nutritious aquatic foods to support rapid growth.

Can turtles eat lettuce?

Some leafy greens can be offered occasionally, but they should not replace a complete commercial turtle diet.

Can turtles eat mealworms?

Yes. Mealworms can be offered as an occasional treat but should not be the sole food source.

Can turtles eat fish?

Yes. Freshwater turtles naturally consume small fish in the wild. Fish should be offered in moderation as part of a varied diet.

Can turtles eat shrimp?

Yes. Freshwater shrimp are an excellent natural source of protein and are enjoyed by most turtle species.

What is the best food for Australian freshwater turtles?

A high-quality commercial turtle food combined with occasional natural foods provides the most balanced nutrition for Australian freshwater turtles.