Can Turtles Eat Apple? Are apples safe for turtles?

A turtle is not a typical pet like a dog or cat. So as a pet owner, you might have many questions about turtle’s food habits. Though they are omnivorous, their food habits are different from other pets.

So, can turtles eat apples? Yes, they can. Apples are rich in minerals and nutrients. They’re a good source of Vitamin C needed for maintaining good health.

However, does apple consumption play a role in turtle health and growth? Is apples safe for turtles? Read on to know more.

Can You Feed Apple To Your Pet Turtles?

Contents

A turtle’s diet is primarily plant-based, consisting of herbs, vegetables, and fruit. A typical menu for a pet turtle might include fresh spinach, carrot sticks, clover leaves, fish, etc.

It’s never been scientifically proven whether turtles like apples or not. However, it’s commonly accepted that turtles can eat apples. Apples are safe to feed and non-toxic. They contain low amounts of calcium, potassium, and vitamin C, which are necessary for proper growth.

The amount of nutrients found in apples is enough to provide a turtle with what it requires for optimum health. A healthy diet for a pet turtle should include calcium, vitamin B, vitamin C, and minerals.

Apple is high in sugar and acid. Turtles don’t have enough enzymes to digest sugar and acid quickly. So, excess feeding of apples could damage the turtle’s digestive system. High sugar also causes diabetes.

However, apples are safe to feed in moderation. They can be given as a treat or part of a meal. One to two small apples per week is acceptable for a healthy pet.

Do Turtles Like Apple?

Turtles like apples. They also like other fruit, but apples are their favorite. They like apples because apples have a sweet taste, crunch, and texture.

Turtles get nutrients from their peels and flesh. This allows it to get all its nutritional needs without spending too much time looking for food.

Health Benefits For Turtles Eating Apples

Apples are loaded with vitamins and nutrients. These can help your turtle maintain a strong immune system. A 100 gm of apples provide –

Nutrients	Amount
Energy	52 kcal
Carbohydrate	13.81 gm
Dietary fiber	2.4 g
Sugar	10.39 gm
Protein	0.26 gm
Fat	0.17 gm
Vitamin A	3 μg
Vitamin B₁	0.017 mg
Vitamin B₂	0.026 mg
Vitamin B₃	0.091 mg
Vitamin C	4.6 mg
Vitamin E	0.18 mg
Calcium	6 mg
Iron	0.12 mg
Magnesium	5 mg
Potassium	107 mg

Health benefits for turtles eating apples include:

Apples are high in Vitamin C, which helps ensure the proper digestion of food.

Vitamin B improves turtle’s eyesight
Apples are good for turtle bone
Protein boosts the growth and development

Antioxidants keep cells healthy and strong
Calcium is vital for shell growth

How Much Apple Should Turtles Eat?

Even though apples have many benefits for turtles, overfeeding may cause health issues. So, it is necessary to know how much apple is enough for your turtle. A turtle should be fed one apple per week.

A piece of apple is enough for small turtles, whereas larger turtles need a whole apple. Apple should never make up more than 10% of a turtle’s diet, as fruit can lead to diarrhea and other health problems.

How Do You Prepare Apple For Turtles?

Wash before feeding to reduce the risk of your turtle ingesting bacteria or pesticides. Remove all of the seeds from the apple, as these are indigestible and may cause intestinal blockages.

Cut the apple into small pieces and put it into water. Mix with other food to enhance the flavor.

Can You Feed Apple To Baby Turtles? If So, How?

Baby turtles can also eat an apple. It is safe to feed baby turtles but in moderation. They should not provide more than a piece per day.

Before serving, remove the peel and seeds of the apple. It’s best to cut the apple into small pieces. Don’t mash the apple because it will get stuck in the turtle’s throat and cause choking.

This video shows a snapping turtle eating an apple.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Box Turtles Eat Apple?

Apple is safe, and box turtles can eat them. Box turtles are attracted to the sweetness of the apple over any other ingredient. Their diet comprises 60% meat, 30% vegetables, and 10% fruits. Apple is essential for box turtles’ longevity and the prevention of disease.

2. Can Red-Eared Slider Turtles Eat Apple?

Slider turtles have been known to eat fruits and vegetables. They can eat an apple after removing the core and seeds because they can’t digest seeds and core. Make sure the apple is chopped very small and mixed with meaty foods.

3. Can Painted Turtles Eat Apple?

Painted turtles can eat a shredded apple. However, these turtles require a lot of fresh water and submerge themselves to stay alive.

The apple can be used as an alternative food by putting it into water. This will satisfy their hunger and keep them from eating other animals around them.

Conclusion

Most pet owners feed their turtles meat and vegetables. Only meat and vegetables can’t provide all the nutrients to the turtle. That’s why a turtle’s diet should consist of fruits. Turtles eat a variety of fruits.

But can turtles eat apples? Apple is safe to feed and non-toxic. It contains a lot of essential nutrients that help your turtle stay healthy. Always serve fresh foods and avoid feeding too much of a single ingredient. It’s always advisable to provide a small apple per week.

Do you want to know if turtles eat strawberries or eggs? Read our articles about it to learn more.