What Do Softshell Turtles Eat As A Pet – A Complete Feeding Guide For

Written ByHoward Parker

So, you’ve brought home one of the most unique reptiles in the aquatic hobby—a softshell turtle! Their pancake-like shell and snorkel-like snout are completely captivating, but they can also leave you with a big question: “What on earth do I feed this incredible creature?”

You’re not alone in asking this. Unlike the omnivorous red-eared sliders you see everywhere, softshells have very specific dietary needs. Getting their diet right is the single most important thing you can do for their health and longevity.

Don’t worry, you’re in exactly the right place. We promise to demystify their diet completely. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into exactly what do softshell turtles eat as a pet, covering everything from staple commercial pellets to live prey, essential supplements, and a feeding schedule that will keep your unique pet healthy and happy for years to come.

Understanding Your Softshell’s Wild Instincts: The Ambush Carnivore

Before we build a menu, it’s crucial to understand how and what softshell turtles eat in the wild. Unlike many other turtles that happily munch on plants, softshells are dedicated carnivores. They are active hunters, often burying themselves in the sandy substrate and using their long necks to snatch passing prey.

In their natural habitat, their diet consists of:

  • Insects and their larvae
  • Worms and snails
  • Crayfish and other crustaceans
  • Small fish
  • Amphibians like tadpoles and frogs

Replicating this varied, protein-rich diet is the secret to a thriving pet softshell. Understanding their role as a predator is the first step in our what do softshell turtles eat as a pet care guide.

The Foundation: High-Quality Commercial Turtle Pellets

While a diet of only live food might seem natural, it’s not the most practical or balanced approach for a pet. That’s where high-quality commercial turtle pellets come in. Think of these as the healthy, balanced base of your turtle’s diet, providing essential vitamins and minerals in every bite.

Pellets should make up about 50-60% of their total food intake. When choosing a brand, look for:

  • High Protein Content: Aim for pellets with at least 40% protein to fuel their carnivorous needs.
  • Low Fat Content: Too much fat can lead to obesity and liver problems.
  • Correct Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio: Look for a ratio of at least 2:1 (two parts calcium to one part phosphorus) to support strong bone and shell growth.
  • Named Protein Source: Ingredients like “fish meal” or “shrimp meal” are better than vague terms like “animal by-products.”

Pro Tip: Softshells often prefer sinking pellets, as they are bottom-dwellers. However, some will happily chase floating pellets at the surface. Experiment to see what your turtle prefers!

What Do Softshell Turtles Eat as a Pet? Building a Varied Menu

Here’s where the fun begins! To truly replicate their natural diet and provide mental stimulation, you need to offer a variety of other foods. This is the core of our what do softshell turtles eat as a pet guide. A varied diet prevents picky eating and ensures a broader range of nutrients.

Protein-Packed Live and Frozen Foods

This category should make up the other 40-50% of their diet. Offering different items keeps them engaged and active. Here are some excellent choices:

  1. Insects and Worms: Earthworms, nightcrawlers, crickets, and dubia roaches are fantastic sources of protein and enrichment. Always gut-load insects (feed them nutritious food) for 24 hours before offering them to your turtle.
  2. Aquatic Invertebrates: Ghost shrimp, river shrimp, and snails are excellent choices. They encourage natural hunting behaviors and are a joy to watch your turtle chase.
  3. Fish: Feeder guppies and platies are generally safe options. You can also offer chopped pieces of frozen-thawed fish like tilapia or salmon.
  4. Frozen Foods: Cubes of frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp, and krill are convenient, safe, and readily accepted by most softshells. They are a great way to add variety without the risks of live feeders.

Foods to Strictly Avoid

Knowing what not to feed your turtle is just as important. Some foods can cause serious health issues. This list covers some of the most common problems with what do softshell turtles eat as a pet.

  • Feeder Goldfish and Rosy Reds: These fish are high in an enzyme called thiaminase, which breaks down Vitamin B1. A diet high in these can lead to a fatal vitamin deficiency.
  • High-Fat Meats: Avoid feeding raw hamburger, chicken, or other fatty meats. They are difficult for turtles to digest and can cause serious health problems.
  • Processed Human Foods: Never give your turtle lunch meat, hot dogs, bread, or anything from your own plate.
  • Dairy Products: Reptiles cannot digest lactose. Dairy will cause severe digestive upset.

Supplements: The Non-Negotiable Health Boosters

Even with a perfect diet, captive reptiles need a little extra help to get all the nutrients they need, especially calcium. Without proper supplementation, they can develop Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), a devastating condition that weakens their bones and shell.

Calcium is King for Shell Health

Your turtle needs a constant source of calcium. The easiest way to provide this is to place a cuttlebone (the kind sold for birds) in the tank. They will nibble on it as needed. Additionally, you should dust their food with a high-quality, phosphorus-free calcium powder 2-3 times per week.

The Power of a Multivitamin

A good reptile multivitamin helps fill any nutritional gaps. This is especially important for ensuring they get enough Vitamin A and D3. Lightly dust their food with a multivitamin powder once a week, on a day you are not using the calcium powder.

Proper supplementation is one of the most important what do softshell turtles eat as a pet tips for long-term health.

Creating a Feeding Schedule: How Much and How Often?

One of the most common questions from new owners is about feeding frequency. This changes as your turtle grows, and getting it right helps prevent obesity, a common issue in captive turtles.

Hatchlings and Juveniles (Shell length under 4 inches)

Young, growing turtles have fast metabolisms and need more food. You should feed them once every day.

Offer them an amount of food roughly the size of their head and neck combined. Another good rule is to let them eat as much as they want in a 10-15 minute period, then remove any uneaten food to keep the water clean.

Adults (Shell length over 4-5 inches)

Adult softshells have slower metabolisms and are prone to weight gain. You should reduce their feeding schedule to every other day, or 3-4 times per week.

Stick to the “size of their head” rule for portion control. Skipping days allows them to properly digest their food and prevents them from becoming overweight.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Feeding Best Practices

As responsible pet keepers, we can make choices that are better for our pets and the planet. This is a key part of sustainable what do softshell turtles eat as a pet care.

Consider setting up a small colony of dubia roaches or a worm bin. This provides a constant, gut-loaded, and parasite-free food source that is far more eco-friendly what do softshell turtles eat as a pet than constantly buying commercially raised feeders.

Sourcing fish from a local, trusted breeder instead of mass-produced pet store feeders can also reduce the risk of introducing diseases into your aquarium.

Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Softshell Turtles

My softshell turtle won’t eat. What should I do?

First, don’t panic! A turtle refusing a meal isn’t always a crisis. Check your water temperature; if it’s too cold, their metabolism will slow down and they won’t be hungry. Ensure the temperature is in their ideal range (75-82°F). Stress from a new environment can also be a cause. Give them a few days to settle in and try offering a particularly tempting food, like a live earthworm, to entice them.

Can softshell turtles eat fruits or vegetables?

Generally, no. Softshell turtles are strict carnivores. While some might occasionally nibble on an aquatic plant like an anubias or java fern, they lack the digestive enzymes to properly process plant matter. Their diet should remain protein-based. Focusing on this is one of the most critical what do softshell turtles eat as a pet best practices.

Should I feed my turtle in a separate container?

This is a fantastic idea and highly recommended! Feeding in a separate, bare-bottom tub of tank water has two major benefits. First, it keeps your main aquarium significantly cleaner, reducing waste and leftover food particles that foul the water. Second, it allows you to easily monitor exactly how much your turtle is eating.

How do I know if I’m overfeeding my turtle?

Obesity is a real danger. Look for chubby rolls of fat around their leg and tail openings when they retract into their shell. An overweight turtle will have difficulty pulling its limbs in completely. If you notice this, it’s time to cut back on the feeding frequency and portion sizes.

Your Guide to a Happy, Well-Fed Turtle

Providing the right diet is the cornerstone of excellent softshell turtle care. It might seem complex at first, but it quickly becomes a simple and rewarding routine.

Remember the key takeaways: start with a high-quality pellet as the base, offer a wide variety of meaty foods for enrichment, and never, ever forget to supplement with calcium. By following this what do softshell turtles eat as a pet care guide, you’re not just feeding your pet—you’re providing the fuel for a long, healthy, and fascinating life together.

Now you’re equipped with the knowledge to create a delicious, varied, and perfectly balanced menu for your unique aquatic friend. Happy turtle-keeping!

Howard Parker
Latest posts by Howard Parker (see all)
Related posts
  • How To Take Care Of Ornate Box Turtle – Your Complete Guide
  • Can Turtle Shells Heal – A Complete Guide To Recovery & Prevention