Can Turtles Eat Broccoli?

Are you a lucky owner of a pet turtle? Then, you probably have a lot of questions about feeding and taking care of this unique and fascinating animal. You may wonder: what do turtles eat? What are safe foods for them? Can you give your turtle broccoli? Keep reading this article to get the answers to your questions and all the information you need.

Can Turtles Eat Broccoli?

Yes, turtles can eat broccoli. According to Merck Veterinary Manual, broccoli is a great source of Vitamin E that omnivorous reptiles need. However, it is important to know that broccoli also has a lot of anti-nutrients that can be harmful to your pet turtle. Therefore, if you decide to feed your reptile pet with this vegetable, make sure that you do not do it too often and give only small amounts of it.

Is It Safe To Give Your Turtle Broccoli Stems?

As mentioned above, small amounts of broccoli, including its stems, are quite safe. However, you definitely should not give your turtle broccoli stems on a daily basis. They contain certain compounds that affect turtles’ thyroid activity. Moreover, large amounts of broccoli stems can damage your pet’s liver and kidneys.

Can You Feed Your Turtle With Broccoli Leaves?

Broccoli leaves are safer than stems. They have fiber, protein, vitamin E, and vitamin A. However, they still contain anti-nutrients, large amounts of which can be dangerous to turtles. For example, they have purines that can affect their kidneys’ function.

Do Turtles Like Eating Broccoli?

Yes, turtles like broccoli, just like other green vegetables. Many turtles are obsessed with broccoli leaves and can eat them non-stop, so you should be very careful and should not let your turtle eat a lot of them. Many turtle owners choose to add broccoli to their turtles’ everyday diet because it is a cheap vegetable. However, you should not forget that even though broccoli meets general nutritional standards, it can still be harmful and dangerous for your pet turtle. Remember that it is your responsibility as a turtle owner to know what you are feeding your pet, and what foods are good or harmful for them.

What Are The Best Vegetables For a Turtle?

Leafy green vegetables are the best for your turtle. Collard green, spinach, kale, lettuce, carrot tops, Swiss chard, parsley, and others. You should also add to their diet carrots, squash, bell peppers, beets, cauliflower, green beans, and others.

What Fruits Are Good For Turtles?

Even though fruits, in general, do not contain as many healthy nutrients as vegetables, they are still good for turtles and can be included in their everyday menu.  You can safely feed your turtles with apples, grapes, kiwis, star fruit, bananas, mango, peaches, melons, and some others. Whether you are giving vegetables or fruits to your turtle, make sure to wash them thoroughly first.

The Foods That Your Turtle Should Never Eat

There are certain foods that your turtle should not eat. If you want your turtle to be healthy and to prevent any possible health issues, do not share the following foods with your reptile pet:

• Raw chicken, meat, or fish. First, raw meat does not contain a good amount of calcium or phosphorous needed for a turtle. Second, there is also a risk that these raw foods can contain parasites that can be harmful to your pet. In addition, meat products contain too much protein for turtles. However, cooked meat, fish, or chicken are safe for them, and your reptile will definitely enjoy it, especially if you cut it into small pieces.
• Dairy products. You should never give your turtles dairy products because they are lactose intolerant, which means that they do not have the enzymes for breaking down lactose. If a turtle eats anything dairy, it can make it very sick.
• Salty foods. The stomach of a turtle is not created for consuming salty foods. A little bit of salt is fine, but you should avoid feeding your pet with something that is overseasoned.
• Chocolate. One of the worst and most dangerous foods that you can give to your turtle is chocolate, as well as corn syrup or processed sugar. Chocolate must be avoided because it contains cocoa, sugar, milk, and other harmful preservatives.

What Human Foods Can You Offer Your Pet Turtle?

If you want to know, whether it is safe to give your turtle human foods, the answer is yes. Here is a list of some human  foods that you can share with your reptile friend:

• Eggs. Turtles love eggs, and it is totally fine to give them to your turtle. But there is one important rule: eggs must be hard-boiled. Also, you should remove yolk because it contains saturated fats that are not good for turtles.
• Cooked chicken, pork, and beef. Turtles love meat, and it is one of their favorite treats. Thus, if you want to add chicken, beef, or pork to your turtle’s menu, sometimes you can do that, but they must be cooked.
• Canned vegetables and fruits. If you are out of fresh fruits and vegetables, do not worry – your turtle will be more than happy to eat canned vegetables and fruits. However, make sure that they do not contain too much sugar or salt.
• Canned fish. It is probably obvious that turtles like fish, and it is actually on their list of favorite treats. You can give your turtles anchovies, sardines, and other fish products. However, be careful: often, canned fish swim in oil and salt, which is not good for turtles. Make sure to avoid fishy delights that contain harmful debris.

Conclusion

So, can you give your turtle broccoli? In general, yes, you can, but only a little bit and not every day.  Remember that even though broccoli contains fiber, and vitamins A and E, this vegetable also has harmful anti-nutrients that can affect the health of your turtle. It is also important to know that broccoli leaves are safer than stems.