Do Turtles Eat Worms? Vet-Reviewed Feeding Habits

Turtles don't require as much care compared to other pets like dogs and cats. However, the right nutrition is essential to keep a turtle healthy. Most turtles eat worms as part of a balanced diet, but they should not be the only form of protein available.

Keep reading to learn more about the role worms play in a turtle’s diet and the types they can eat. We’ll also discuss the other foods and supplements most turtles need and the best way to feed your pet.

Why Worms Are a Good Food for Turtles

Most turtles are omnivores who eat a mix of plant and animal food sources. Some species require a heavier dose of animal protein, as do most young, growing turtles. You can talk to your veterinarian to determine the right proportion of plant-to-animal foods in your turtle’s diet.

Worms are just one of several live food sources that turtles may enjoy. Pet turtles can be picky eaters, and it can be hard to get them to eat enough to get the nutrition they need. To improve their nutrition, turtles should be offered a rotating variety of plant and animal food sources.

What Worms Can Turtles Eat?

Turtles can eat several different types of worms, including:

• Earthworms
• Mealworms
• Wax worms
• Silkworms
• Red worms

You can feed worms purchased from a pet store or raised from your stock. We recommend using only worms intended for feeding pet reptiles. Avoid harvesting worms from the wild since they may have absorbed pesticides or fertilizers from the soil that could harm your turtle.

What Other Animal Foods Can Turtles Eat?

As we mentioned, turtles should be fed various animal protein sources. Besides worms, here are some other options to consider:

• Snails
• Slugs
• Crickets
• Moths
• Feeder fish
• Krill

What Else Should Be Part of a Turtle’s Diet?

Turtles generally eat about 50% plant-based foods depending on their age and species, but you can determine the correct plant-to-animal ratio by talking to your veterinarian. Leafy green vegetables should comprise the bulk of the plant foods, with limited fruit offered as treats.

Here are some plant-based foods your turtle may enjoy:

• Collards
• Dandelion greens
• Swiss chard
• Kale
• Squash
• Carrots
• Cactus
• Melon
• Berries

It’s ideal to dice up and mix the vegetables to feed your turtle. This prevents them from simply eating the morsels they enjoy and ignoring the rest. Typically, turtles need calcium supplements and vitamin supplements to stay healthy. Your veterinarian can help you choose appropriate products and tell you how often to give them.

How to Feed Turtles

Young turtles need to eat daily, while mature turtles may eat daily or every other day. Your vet can help you determine how much to feed your turtle, depending on its species. Just like people, turtles can become overweight from eating too much.

Aquatic turtles eat in the water, so you must place their food there. All other species eat on land, so you should arrange their food on a flat, hard surface in their enclosure. Turtles commonly poop while eating, and placing food in a separate container can help it stay uncontaminated.

Remove any uneaten food after about 20 minutes to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae. You should clean the water dish and change the water frequently, as turtles often poop and pee in it.

Conclusion

Turtles eat several worms as part of the animal-based portion of their diet. You can frequently rotate the types of worms and other animal food sources to provide your turtle with the most nutrition possible. Turtles can suffer from nutritional deficiencies if they don’t eat the correct diet and supplements. Monitor your pet to ensure they’re eating when you offer food. If your turtle stops eating, talk to your veterinarian about what could be causing this problem and what you can do to help.

See also: 

• Can Turtles Eat Crickets? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts & FAQ

• Can Turtles Eat Dog Food? Vet Approved Facts & Safety Guide

Featured Image Credit: Joshua A Houck, Shutterstock