One day, I was looking at YouTube videos by a man named “fish whisperer.” I actually found his videos while searching for my previous blog post about can turtles eat bananas. Over the next one and half hours, he fed his turtles all sorts of food. His turtle eating strawberries was the one that caught my eye. I had never thought that turtles could eat strawberries before. This is what inspired me to write this blog.
Can turtles eat strawberries? Yes, turtles can enjoy strawberries and other edible berries for humans. However, they should be careful. Although strawberries contain high levels of vitamin C, manganese and other nutrients, they are not essential vitamins for turtles. Preservatives could also be added to strawberries purchased at your local supermarket. Wash them well before you eat.
Do Turtles Like Strawberries?
Most turtles love strawberries. Although strawberries aren’t considered foraging, turtles will eat them quickly. Like any other fruit, however, turtles must be able to taste strawberries.
Some might like it and others won’t. However, the sheer amount of videos showing turtles eating strawberries shows that most turtles love strawberries.
Can You Give Strawberries To Baby Turtles?
Baby turtles are not accustomed to eating vegetables and fruits. Their diet should consist mainly of protein-rich foods like meat and worms. Even though you can feed your baby turtles strawberries, this is not their preferred diet.
You can give them as a gift, but make sure to wash them first. To increase shelf life, preservatives are often added to vegetables and fruits to make them last longer. Washing properly will get rid of these chemicals.
How Much Strawberry Can You Give To A Turtle?
In a month, you can give your turtle 100 grams of strawberries. The majority of turtles love strawberries, and will eat them all in a matter of minutes.
Give them only a small amount. It should not be mistaken for your turtle’s daily food.
Calorie Count in Strawberries
Below is a table showing how many calories 100g of strawberries have.
Nutrient | Amount |
Calorie | 32 |
Water | 91% |
Protein | 0.7% |
Carbohydrates | 7.7 grams |
Sugar | 4.9 grams |
Fiber | 2 grams |
Fat | 0.33 grams |
Vitamins And Minerals In Strawberries
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is found in strawberries, but they are not essential for the growth of baby turtles. Research shows that turtles need vitamin A and Vitamin D in order to grow and stay healthy.
Essential Minerals
Folate (Vitamin B9) and Manganese are other minerals found in strawberries. There are also very little iron, copper and magnesium in strawberries. Vitamins B6, K,, and E are also sparsely present.
These vitamins and nutrients can be extremely valuable for us. These nutrients are not required by turtles.
Pros And Cons Of Strawberries For Your Turtle
Pros |
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They love it! |
Lethargic turtles can get an energy boost from strawberries’ high levels of calories. |
They can increase hunger in turtles suffering from loss appetite. |
Cons |
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The vitamins that strawberries provide are not required by turtles. |
Too many strawberries can lead to obesity in turtles. |
They can increase hunger in turtles suffering from loss appetite. |
Strawberries Serving Ideas for Turtles
Either give your turtle raw strawberries or make a strawberry pudding. Be sure to wash the strawberries thoroughly before you give them to your turtle. You can slice large strawberries into small slices.
Strawberry Pudding Recipe for Turtles
Although chances of your turtle not liking strawberries are slim, there may be some exceptions. You need to think outside the box when serving strawberries to your turtle. This strawberry pudding recipe is sure to please your turtle.
Ingredients |
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100 grams strawberry |
40 grams pellets |
1 can feeder fish |
1 can blood worms and krills |
This recipe will make a delicious treat for your turtle.
- Wash the strawberries carefully with cold water
- You can cut the strawberries in half and place them in a bowl. You can also cut the larger strawberries into quarters.
- You can also add regular turtle pellets into the bowl
- Place the can feeder fish in the bowl
- Add a large number of blood worms or krills to your diet for more protein.
- Mix the ingredients in a food blender
- Mix 50ml water into the mixture. Start blending
- Combine the ingredients in a bowl and place on a tray. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
- To give the mixture a jelly-like texture, add gelatin powder. This completes the strawberry pudding process.
- Finally, chop them and store them in the refrigerator. This delicious relish can be used once per week to treat your turtle.
Frequently Asked Question
Can Box Turtles Eat Strawberries?
Although strawberries are not the best food for box turtles, they can be enjoyed as treats once in a while. They love strawberries.
Although strawberries aren’t harmful to box turtles, artificial preservers can cause severe damage. Before you give your box turtles strawberries, wash them.
Can Red-Eared Slider Turtles Eat Strawberries?
Red-eared sliders turtles can enjoy strawberries every once in a while. But, small sliders may have trouble eating strawberries.
Before feeding your red-eared slider turtles strawberries, clean them well and cut into small pieces.
You might think your red-eared slider is losing his appetite. Check out this article to find out why!
Can Tortoises Eat Strawberries?
Strawberry-loving tortoise species are the most popular. They don’t have to be abused if they are given in moderation. Before you give them to your tortoise, make sure they are clean.
Some strawberries purchased commercially may have pesticides or preservatives added. It is recommended that you clean strawberries before you give them.
Conclusion On Can Turtles Eat Strawberries
Strawberries have high sugar content and are sweet. Your turtle will become obese if they consume too many strawberries. They will eat them immediately. You should only give them small amounts. You can also make strawberry pudding if you’re feeling adventurous. Have fun giving strawberries to your turtle. But don’t ever go overboard!