The Foods Not to Give to Box Turtles

Box turtles, one of the most popular reptile pets, have a movable hinge on their lower shell that allows them to retract and close up so completely that no flesh is exposed. With proper care, the box turtle can live 30 to 40 years and more. However, they are also the most neglected pets in captivity, according to the Hudson Road Animal Hospital. Knowing what not to feed is as important as knowing what to feed the box turtle. Also keep in mind that there are different types of box turtles with different nutritional needs.

  1. Pelleted Foods

    • Pelleted foods sold at pet stores specifically for box turtles should be avoided. The pellets do not provide a complete source of nutrition despite the claims on the label, according to the Turtle Rescues website.

    Canned Cat Food

    • Canned cat food is generally not recommended. However, smelly foods can be used just to get the turtle to eat if you have a finicky eater. The smellier the food, the more appealing. Cat food is not considered adequate for regular use, according to the Turtle Puddle website. Canned and processed foods have preservatives and a high salt content.

    Plants

    • While turtles may eat certain poisonous plants in the wild, it is not known how it will affect their behavior as pets. Avoid putting such plants in their habitat. This includes avocado and rhubarb plants and poison ivy.

    Milk Products

    • Reptiles are unable to utilize milk products because they lack the enzymes necessary to break down lactose. Avoid giving your box turtle all dairy products including cheese and yogurt.

    Old Foods

    • Many box turtles will not eat food that is not fresh. Natural feeding habits should be copied, especially if you have caught a wild adult turtle. Vitamin A, for example, is needed and should be provided continuously; it is found in fresh vegetables such as dark leafy greens and vegetables colored yellow and dark orange. However, the Gulf Coast and the ornate box turtle have little interest in vegetables.

    Refined Foods

    • Box turtles should not be fed refined flours, sugars and other highly processed food-type products. This includes breads, candy and chocolate.

    High Protein Meat

    • High protein meat should not be a staple food. Feeding a box turtle a large amount of protein will put excessive stress on the kidneys and may be the reason for shell deformities.

    Consideration

    • Different types of box turtles have different food requirements. Once you know the species, you will know what to feed and not feed your box turtle. American box turtles are omnivores and should be fed a variety of everything. Malayan box turtles eat a variety of plants with a little animal matter. The Chinese three-striped box turtle eats meat almost exclusively.