Red-eared sliderWhat can a red-eared slider eat?
11 foods checked against vets’ sources: what’s fine, what only now and then, and what never.
Every day
Only what it eats in a few minutes (the RSPCA says 5, ARAV up to 15), then net out the leftovers: it always begs and gets fat. More protein when young; as an adult, half or more chopped greens (kale, dandelion, watercress, zucchini) and the rest turtle pellets plus earthworms or small fish. Feed it in a separate tub. Cuttlebone for calcium.
No food matches: if it isn’t on the list, ask your vet before giving it.
Never
Cat foodNo
Too much protein and vitamin D: many nutritionists advise against it for reptiles.
Source: Merck Veterinary Manual: Providing a Home for a Reptile
Only now and then, a little
FruitA little
Only as a rare treat.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Red-eared slider care
MeatA little
Only as a rare treat: meat as the main food makes turtles ill.
How much: Rarely.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Red-eared slider care
Shrimp (including dried)A little
Fine now and then, but not as the main food: a shrimp-based diet makes turtles ill.
How much: Now and then, as part of a varied diet.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Red-eared slider care
Fine
Aquatic plants (duckweed, water lily)Yes
Safe live plants such as duckweed are good food and good enrichment.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Red-eared slider care
Courgette, grated carrot and squashYes
They're part of the chopped vegetables for adults.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Red-eared slider care
Cuttlefish boneYes
It provides calcium: leave a piece for the turtle to chew.
Earthworms, mealworms and other invertebratesYes
They're good sources of animal protein, especially for young turtles, which eat more meat than adults.
How much: For adults, pellets and animal protein together make up 25-50% of the diet (ARAV).
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Red-eared slider care
Leafy greens (romaine, kale, dandelion, watercress)Yes
Adult sliders eat mostly plants: chopped greens should be half or more of the diet.
How much: Adults: 50-75% of the diet, chopped. Young ones: once a week, and at first they often won't eat them.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Red-eared slider care
Thawed freshwater fishYes
It's part of the diet, but it must be fully thawed and at room temperature, or it can make the turtle very ill.
Turtle pellets or sticksYes
A good dried food is the base, along with fish and greens: on its own it isn't enough, variety matters.
How much: Adults every 2 days, as much as they eat in 5 minutes (RSPCA); young ones daily, in one meal of about 15 minutes (ARAV). Then net out the leftovers.
When to call the vet Emergency: who to call
What other pets can eat
Rabbit Guinea pig Hamster Pet rat Ferret Canary Budgies Cockatiel Lovebirds Tortoise Leopard gecko Bearded dragon Goldfish Betta fish Dogs and cats: can my pet eat it?
Sources
- RSPCA: How To Care For a Terrapin (checked on October 14, 2026)
- Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Red-eared slider care (checked on October 14, 2026)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Providing a Home for a Reptile (checked on October 14, 2026)