Turtles and tortoises are the most non-picky eaters in the reptile kingdom. Their diets include many different things, from leafy greens to a delicious and juicy orange. But considering the ingredients in all the other foods a turtle can eat, it is not a surprise that many pet turtle owners wonder whether they are suitable for their turtle or tortoise. Fruits should only be around 10% of a turtle’s diet. However, pet turtles find fruits delicious, leading many owners to ask, can turtles eat grapes? How much is too much? Are there alternatives?
Yes! Many turtle species may love them. However, like most fruits, grapes have a very unbalanced calcium-phosphorus ratio, leading to health issues if grapes are fed too often, say more than once a week. They are healthy because they are filled with Vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, but they are also high in sugar content. Therefore, grapes should only be a weekly snack, as it could lead to health issues such as bloating or poisoning for your turtle in the long run.
Here we will look at whether grapes are healthy for turtles as well as some other facts you may not have known.
Further Reading: “Can Turtles Sleep At Night?“
Table of Contents
Are Grapes Good For Turtles? [ In Detail… ]
Grapes are a delicious fruit, and as such, it is no surprise many pet turtle owners may want to give a few to their beautiful reptilian friend occasionally. Grapes are rich in Vitamin A, a vitamin that a turtle or tortoise desperately needs to maintain their good vision, body growth, and tissue. However, there are many other factors to consider when feeding your pet turtle these delicious treats. Other ingredients like the unbalanced calcium-phosphorus ratio and high sugars could harm these beautiful creatures.
Grapes are not harmful to a pet turtle or tortoise in any way if fed the right portions at the proper time. It is important to remember that this is a once-a-week snack and never any more. While this number can significantly depend on your turtle species, a typical box turtle should only be fed grapes around once a week.
Other species such as the red and yellow foot tortoises have been known to have their diet bumped up to 15% or 20% fruit in their weekly diet, simply because they love fruits such as grapes so much. Though it should never under any circumstances fall ahead of this percentage, given a turtle and tortoise’s body will not handle the high sugar intake well. It could lead to many health issues, including poisoning, bloating, and possible death.
There are many fruits these reptiles can eat, and they are no stranger to finding a tasty treat and digging in until they only cannot anymore. While grapes are healthy fruit for a turtle or tortoise, they should always remain treated with extreme caution and constant monitoring as it could lead to dangerous health issues in the future. Otherwise, do not be shy to give your little friend tiny portions of grapes as they will likely love it!
Further Reading: “Can Turtles Eat Strawberries?“
Can Red-Eared Sliders Eat Grapes?
Red-eared slider turtles, or red-eared terrapins, are remarkably like common box turtles. They love to eat anything you give them. Grapes are no different for this species. They will eat grapes in a heartbeat and as many as they see fit. However, if overfed it could lead to adverse health effects and should be considered a daily treat under no circumstances.
Always feed this fruit to your pet turtle in moderation as they cannot handle the high sugar intake provided by a grape. Vitamins and minerals do not make up for this high sugar content, as grapes only hold one of the two vitamins a turtle need. Though red-eared slider turtles will love this fruit, it is best to take many precautions before and during feeding it to them.
Further Reading: “Can Turtles Eat Watermelon?“
Can Painted Turtles Eat Grapes?
Painted turtles are the same as the red-eared sliders when it comes to consuming grapes. Again, grapes should only be consumed in moderation and never anymore as it could lead to health issues in the future. Painted turtles are very voracious eaters as many turtles are. This means must always remain monitored and supervised while eating grapes.
Grapes have a horrible calcium-phosphorus ratio, and if this fruit is consumed too frequently or in too large of quantity, it can lead to substantial health issues and possibly even death. While these creatures are foraging in the wild, they mostly stay close to leafy greens and protein sources as such. However, grapes are safe for pet painted turtles to eat as long as it is in moderation and with supervision.
Related article: “Can Turtles Eat Apples?“
Related Questions
How long can a turtle go without eating?
Turtles are fascinating in many ways, and the length they can go without eating is no different. Turtles are one of the many species in the world that hibernate. With this extended period of rest, a healthy adult turtle can survive up to 6 months without food.
However, as it comes to baby pet turtles, they need many nutrients and can only survive a week to two weeks without food. If turtles are in hibernation, they can go without food; however, if you are a pet turtle owner, it is best to keep them on a strict diet while not in this state.
How long can a turtle go without water?
Given that turtles are aquatic-based reptiles, they certainly cannot go as long without water as they are food. Turtles are only allowed to go about half the time without water as they are food. However, keep in mind that this will significantly depend on species, type, age, and other factors.
Turtles need water in any way to survive; however, nonetheless, and it should come as no surprise to turtle owners that this is the case. If your turtle begins not drinking water or somehow intaking water, it could be a sign they are not feeling very well and may require medical attention.
How do I know if my turtle is hungry?
Turtles are voracious eaters, and as such, it will not be complicated to know when your hard-shelled friend is hungry. You should feed adult and baby box turtles daily through different amounts. It is said a turtle’s stomach is the size of its head.
You will tell if turtles are hungry because they will begin roaming around. Almost as if they were hunting in the last fed area. When turtles do this, it may be an excellent time to bring out the good stuff and begin feeding your pet turtle, and maybe bring out a tasty grape!
Related article: “Can Turtles Eat Corn?“
Final Thoughts
As turtles, these creatures can eat a variety of different fruits and other foods. Grapes are safe for turtles to eat so long as they are closely monitored and never fed too much. The risks could be significant if not.
The calcium-phosphorus ratio isn’t exceptionally good in grapes. They are also filled with high sugar, which is not healthy for your pet turtle whatsoever. If you decide to feed your hard-shelled friend a grape, it is essential to consider all the steps mentioned as well as the risks. It could be the difference between a healthy or an upset and at-risk turtle.
Grapes overall are a very healthy fruit if you manage to feed them in moderations to your pet turtle; in this instance, it can be powerful for their growth in the long term and keep their bodies healthy overall. If you are a pet turtle owner, don’t be afraid to try it!
