Food for a Box Turtle

The type of food you give your box turtle depends on what kind of box turtle it is. American box turtles are omnivores and will eat almost anything. Malayan box turtles are herbivores and like a variety of plants. Chinese box turtles are carnivores.

  1. Considerations

    • Choose lean protein sources for omnivorous and carnivorous turtles to avoid excess weight gain and heart problems.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Turtles need a balance of phosphorous and calcium. Phosphorous is in most of the foods they eat, but you can supplement calcium with ground-up oyster shells.

    Misconceptions

    • Some people avoid feeding their turtles cabbage because of its high goitrogenic effects, but turtles need moderate amounts of iodine, so make sure they get cabbage occasionally.

    Types

    • It is important to feed a variety of foods to your turtle to ensure he gets a full range of nutrients and doesn't become bored with his diet.

    Warning

    • Turtles don't naturally seek out dairy products in the wild, meaning they have never developed the enzyme necessary to break down dairy, so it is best to avoid giving them milk, cheese and yogurt.