If you have an aquatic turtle, you will need two mainstay foods in order to keep them healthy:
*A protein source.
*A vegetable source.
Aquatic turtles are primarily meat-eaters (most often insects in the wild) while they are young. This is because they are still young and need protein and other nutrients in order to grow and fully develop.
During this period of time in their lives, aquatic turtles need food that is:
Moderate in protein. Too little is not enough and too much can cause shell pyramiding and abnormal growth.
High in calcium. This is needed for strong bones and a strong shell.
Low in phosphorus. Too much phosphorus cancels out the calcium they consume and leads to weak bones and shells.
Low in carbohydrates and fat. Too much of either can lead to obesity and other health problems. Yep, turtles do get fat!
As they mature and get older, they need less protein and they become much more herbivorous (plant-eaters). When older, this is what they will eat most often.
Thus, aquatic turtles also need food that:
Has calcium and other vitamins, but is low in phosphorus, carbohydrates, and fats.
Easily eaten and readily available.
On top of this, it’s a good idea to occasionally give your aquatic turtle a variety of treats to round out their diet. This can be things such as:
*Feeder crickets
*Krill
*Ghost shrimp
*Earthworms
*Zucchini
*Collard greens