What Do Baby Red-Eared Slider Turtles Eat?

Baby red-eared slider turtles are among the cutest reptiles kept as pets. Knowing what to feed it will ensure that it lives to a ripe old age, giving you many years of enjoyment.

  1. A varied and balanced diet

    • Baby turtles require a balanced diet with the proper amount of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to ensure optimal health.

    Prepared foods

    • Prepared foods in a variety of forms can be purchased at your local pet store. Whether flake, pellet or stick form, these foods are specifically formulated for baby turtles.

    Fish foods

    • If you are unable to find food specifically for baby turtles, try freshwater fish food. It is basically the same formulation.

    Fresh foods

    • Vary your turtle's diet with fresh food. Try raw fish, cooked chicken or boiled egg.

    Live foods

    • Try feeding your turtle with live crickets, mealworms or earthworms. Use live food specifically grown for feeding pets.

    What not to feed

    • Do not feed your baby turtle dried ants or insects, exclusively, as they will not provide the proper amount of nutrients. Do not feed raw beef, pork or poultry as they contain too much fat and harbor harmful pathogens.