Everything you need to know about turtle food
Turtles are not very demanding animals. Despite this, each owner should provide the best conditions for his pet. The most important element that determines the health and vitality of a turtle is food.
Species overview
The most important food for a turtle is live:
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mosquito larvae;
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tadpoles and small frogs;
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shrimps;
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fishes;
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water snails;
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water beetles.
From time to time, you can give dry earthworms and various insects - crickets, cockroaches.
You should not overdo it with the amount of food of animal origin, but it should prevail in the diet. Plant food is no less important for health. For example, the food of turtles in natural conditions consists of an average of 50% animal food and 50% vegetable.
Suitable for them:
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pansies;
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chamomile;
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dandelion leaves;
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plantain leaves;
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aquarium plants;
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Clover;
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fern;
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raspberries;
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strawberries and other fruits.
An important component of the amphibian's diet should be foods rich in calcium. You can buy food in pellets or even frozen food.
All commercially available feeds are conventionally divided into:
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basic;
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special;
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delicacy.
The main diet must be selected taking into account the age and type of the animal.
There is separate food for land and aquatic turtles, which, in turn, are divided into food:
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for little ones;
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adults;
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young.
Ready-made commercial mixtures are very popular, but it is not worth buying food based on vegetables only. The animal's diet should be balanced.
Popular manufacturers
In modern pet stores, there is a huge selection of food. Among domestic manufacturers, stand out "Tortilla" and "Zoomir"... Not bad quality feed "Biodesign" and from the Czech manufacturer Dajana.
Popular Indian food under by Hindustan Animal Feeds... The company manufactures food for aquatic and land turtles.
Tetra ReptoMin - made for aquatic pets, it is well balanced and belongs to the category of staple foods. It is presented in the form of sticks. This form is convenient for food and when you need to remove the leftovers. It contains all the vital components for an amphibian.
For young turtles, choose a special Tetra ReptoMin Baby productbecause it has been designed to meet the needs of growing, active amphibians. Consisting of:
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vitamins;
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polypeptides;
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trace elements;
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calcium.
Not a bad Tropical biorept for a land turtle. It is a multi-ingredient food in the form of sticks for daily feeding. A specially selected composition of raw materials, mainly of plant origin, meets the existing nutritional needs of the turtles. Animals like the exquisite taste of sticks, so they eat them with pleasure. The mixture of minerals and vitamin D3 has a positive effect on the proper development of bones and shells, preventing deformations and other serious health problems.
Very popular dried food GAMMARUS Are dried small crustaceans up to 25 mm long. The main component is caught in the waters of the Black Sea and dried in the sun. Thus, the feed retains nutrients that have a positive effect on the functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract. The described product is a rich source of easily digestible protein.
For young turtles it is worth choosing Hagen product... It is an excellent reptile food designed to satisfy the needs of even the most fastidious of pets.
Ingredients: dehydrated alfalfa flour, rice, glycerin, wheat flour, potatoes, corn gluten flour, fish flour, calcium carbonate, corn oil, salt, magnesium, anise, choline chloride, DL-methionine, dried endives and papaya, garlic, ginger , juniper extract, licorice, pepper, silicon dioxide, sodium bicarbonate, lecithin, yeast extract, calcium-L-ascorpholine-2-monophosphate, zinc oxide, vitamin E, nicotinic acid, β-carotene, copper sulfate, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, source of vitamin K activity, cobalt carbonate, biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin A, D3.
Nuances of choice
As already mentioned, the diet is selected separately for terrestrial and aquatic turtles. Moreover, for marine and for freshwater, it will also be different.
It is very important to select food rich in micronutrients. Calcium and phosphorus help prevent disease and ensure proper development of bones and shells. By providing the right food for your turtle, you are taking care of its shape. Make sure that the food you buy is of high quality, so your pet will enjoy it. Trust trusted manufacturers who have been on the market for many years. Their experience is reflected in the quality of the products offered.
You should definitely buy foods that are rich in vitamins of groups C, B, K. They facilitate the digestion and absorption of food. Moreover, they help to remove toxins from the body, have a positive effect on the immune system. Choose food that meets the needs of your turtle.
It is worth knowing that dry, granular food for waterfowl turtles has a significant drawback - if the amphibian does not eat it, then the water quickly deteriorates, so it is better to remove it immediately.
Good food is never too cheap, and this is something to keep in mind. For red-eared turtles, artificial food is not the best option. Although they have tangible benefits, for example, they do not need to be cooked, but such food cannot be called complete. Better to give it no more than once a week.The best is the Reptomin brand, which is not so easy to find in small towns.
For the Central Asian reptile, you can try food based on plant and animal foods. Many grow lettuce and other greens on their own, while others prefer to buy them ready-made, dried. It is good if the packaging is visible and the quality of the feed offered by the manufacturer can be assessed.
Planting special plants is a great option for aquarium turtles. They will not only decorate the aquarium, but also serve as food for turtles.