What do water turtles eat?

Water turtles eat a varied diet of vegetation, meat and commercially prepared turtle or fish foods. Young turtles need a diet higher in vegetation, including leafy greens, carrots and celery. Older turtles require a diet higher in meat content, including fish, shrimp and earthworms.

Commercially prepared turtle food is acceptable and fortified with minerals and vitamins that captive turtles need to maintain a healthy shell. Turtle owners can supplement with powdered calcium and bone meal to ensure proper nutrition.

Young turtles require a daily feeding, but that schedule reduces to two to three times a week for larger turtles. All water turtles must be fed in the water to aid in swallowing.