Natural Foods for Box Turtles

While wild box turtles should be left in their natural habitat to ensure survival, captive bred box turtles can make for interesting and excellent pets. When keeping a box turtle as a pet, it is important to make sure the turtle's nutritional needs are being met or it will be more likely to die quickly. Box turtles can be picky eaters and prefer some foods over others.

  1. Protein

    • A box turtle is an omnivore, which means it eats both plants and animals. According to the Box Turtle Care and Conservation, nearly 50 percent of a box turtle's diet is made up of protein. Earthworms are often a favorite source of protein for box turtles and might be eaten even when the turtle rejects other types of protein it is being offered. Snails, grubs and caterpillars are other high-protein food options that owners can consider offer. Protein-based food products should be cut up into tiny bites that the turtle will be able to fit inside its mouth.

    Vegetables

    • Vegetables should make up about 30 percent of a box turtle's diet. Fresh vegetables are better for the turtle than canned or frozen veggies. Colorful vegetables provide the most nutrients and hard vegetables should be steamed or grated so they are easier for the turtle to eat. Vegetables options include squash, peas, sweet potatoes, okra, carrots and beans. Mushrooms, corn and tomatoes can be given to the turtle as an occasional treat but should not be a staple at every feeding.

    Dark Leafy Greens

    • Dark leafy greens are important to a box turtle's digestive health. Dark leafy greens should be provided to a pet turtle at every feeding and should make up about 10 percent of the turtle's diet. Collard greens, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, turnip greens and wheat grass are good choices for a box turtle.

    Fruit

    • Fruit should make up the last 10 percent of a box turtle's diet. Fruit is a favorite type of food for most turtles and can be used to entice the turtle to eat other types of foods it might be hesitant to consume. Grapes, figs, berries, peaches, cantaloupe, bananas and nearly any other kind of fruit can be fed to a box turtle.

    Water

    • While not considered a food, water is an extremely important part of a box turtle's dietary needs. Fresh, clean water should be available to a turtle at all times and unused water should be changed daily.