Watermelons and other fruits are safe for all turtles (box, painted, snapping, yellow bellied, red eared etc) to eat. It’s a tasty, healthy treat for them. Land tortoises and other turtles can eat watermelon.
Is your turtle a fan? Do you know if it is safe for turtles? You’ve found the right place.
Yes, turtles can eat watermelon. They are tasty and safe for turtles in moderation.
This blog will cover everything you need to know about feeding watermelon to your turtles. Let’s begin!
Turtles Can Eat Watermelon
The majority of turtles are omnivorous. It is perfectly acceptable to feed your turtles watermelon. You simply need to ensure that your child is eating a balanced diet.
Watermelon is completely harmless to turtles. Turtles can safely consume watermelons, as well as a variety of other fruits. It’s a delectable, nutritious, and nutritious treat for them. Watermelon is safe to eat for the majority of turtles, including land tortoises.
ALSO SEE: How to Get Rid of a Pet Turtle
Is watermelon beneficial to turtles?
Watermelon provides numerous benefits to turtles.
Turtles frequently prefer fruits, such as watermelon, to vegetables.
Watermelon is extremely hydrating. They prefer it over dry pellets because it is easier to swallow.
Watermelon is nearly 90% water. It is a refreshing fruit that helps the turtle maintain its hydration level.
Watermelon is high in vitamin A and vitamin C, which are both necessary for turtle health.
Watermelon assists turtles in keeping their skin moist, maintaining their body’s water level, and eliminating toxins.
Nutrient
- Calories: 46.2
- Carbohydrate(g) :11.6
- Sugar(g): 9.6
- Fiber (g): 0.6
- Calcium (mg): 10.8
- Phosphorus (mg): 16.9
- Magnesium(mg): 15.4
- Potassium(mg): 172
- Vitamin C(mg): 12.5
- Vitamin A(mg): 43.1
How do you feed a watermelon to a turtle?
If you want to give your turtle a watermelon, you must exercise caution. It’s probably best to begin slowly and observe how your turtle’s stomach reacts. Bear in mind that you must remove the seeds. Additionally, I recommend that you feed your turtle only the red portion of watermelon, not the green outer layer.
The outer green layer is significantly more difficult to chew and digest, and may cause your turtle to choke.
You can feed watermelon to your turtle either in the water or on land.
You should refrain from coercing your turtle into eating watermelon. If you attempt to feed your turtle watermelon several times and they refuse, you should accept that they dislike it and move on to other fruits and vegetables.
Precautions to take when feeding your turtle watermelon.
It is critical to understand that you, as a pet owner, are responsible for your turtle’s health and well-being. Turtles kept as pets are completely reliant on us for everything, including food and care.
While watermelon is not toxic to turtles, there are a few things to consider when feeding it to them.
- Watermelons are high in sugar. If you feed it to your turtles in excess, they may develop long-term health problems.
- Turtle’s plant-based diet should contain between 10% and 20% fruit. The remainder of your diet should be made up of protein sources and leafy vegetables.
- Avoid repeatedly feeding your turtle watermelon. A turtle’s diet should be varied; otherwise, they may be deficient in critical nutrients.
- Turtles are frequently found to have Salmonella bacteria on their skin. Bear in mind that you should wash your hands after feeding your turtle.
If you notice any changes in your turtle’s behavior or appearance, immediately stop feeding it watermelon.
In general, it is critical to provide a varied diet for your turtle. Never feed your turtle only one type of food.
Is it possible for baby turtles to eat watermelon?
What a turtle typically eats is species- and age-dependent, as well as nutritional requirements. Bear in mind that baby turtles consume a higher proportion of protein than older animals. As a result, baby turtles require a higher proportion of animal-based material than fruits and vegetables.
While you can provide them with watermelon as a tasty treat, the majority of their diet should consist of protein sources.
What Other Fruits Are Turtles Allowed to Eat?
Turtles are omnivores, consuming both plant- and animal-based foods. Fruits should be fed in smaller quantities than vegetables due to their lower nutritional value for turtles. Their diet should consist of 80-90 percent vegetables and no more than 10-20 percent fruit.
Additionally, the following fruits are safe for the majority of turtles:
- Apples
- Pears
- Mangoes (with skin)
- Mango
- Raises and grapes
- Peaches
- Tomato
- Guava
- Kiwis
Figs, apricots, dates, raspberries, and strawberries are particularly nutritious fruits for turtles. Turtles should not be fed citrus fruits. They contain citric acid, which may irritate the stomach of some people.
If you’re looking for protein sources for your turtle, I recommend feeding it crickets.
Can Red Eared Slider Turtles Eat Watermelon?
Physically, red-eared slider turtles and painted turtles are very similar; however, a single line of coloration directly behind the red-eared slider turtle’s eye distinguishes them. In comparison, the painted turtle’s shell, as well as the neck, will be much more colorful.
Red-eared slider turtles are omnivorous and, like other pet turtles, can eat watermelons as well as a variety of other fruits.
Red-eared slider turtles will eat almost anything you give them, and they, like humans, are obnoxiously fond of sweet things.
Watermelon is a delectable, nutritious, and healthy treat to feed your aquatic red-eared slider turtle; however, it is critical to remember that it is a treat and not a meal.
These turtles should eat primarily commercial fish food or pellet food to remain healthy. On rare occasions, it is acceptable to treat them with shrimp or krill, crickets, pinky mice, or leafy greens.
Is it Possible to Feed Turtles Watermelon on a Daily Basis?
A turtle’s diet should consist of 80 to 90 percent plant material, such as vegetables and flowers, according to webverts. Fruits, on the other hand, should account for only 10 to 20% of the total. As a result, feeding watermelons to your turtles on a daily basis is not advised.
Watermelon should not be fed on a daily basis due to its high sugar content, insufficient calcium to phosphorus ratio, and risk of obesity.
How Often Should You Feed Your Turtles Watermelon?
Watermelons can be fed to turtles once a week. This feeding frequency will meet their vitamin A needs without causing blood sugar spikes, digestive issues, or obesity.
Is it safe for turtles to eat watermelon rind?
Yes, turtles can consume watermelon rind. In fact, the rind contains more nutrients than the juicy red fruit itself.
While eating too much of the fruity part can cause digestive issues, the rind can help with constipation.
However, before feeding watermelon rind to your turtles, you must first do the following:
Wash the rind thoroughly. They may contain insecticide or pesticide residues. As a result, they must be cleaned beforehand.
To reduce the risk of choking, cut them into tiny bite-sized pieces.
Is it safe for turtles to eat watermelon seeds?
Did you know that watermelon contains between 200 and 800 seeds? This many seeds can suffocate your turtles, so remove them before feeding.
Here’s a video from a Japanese fruit channel showing how to quickly remove the seeds from a watermelon. The Japanese certainly know how to get things done quickly.
Final Remarks
What is the verdict on watermelon? The trick is to give your turtle watermelon in moderation. Watermelon should not be a significant portion of your turtle’s daily diet. As a responsible pet owner, you must ensure that your pet’s preferences are met safely.
Does your turtle take pleasure in a bite of watermelon? Let us know about your experience. We’d be delighted to hear from you.
Everyone, until the next time!