Can Turtles Eat Bananas? Is it Dangerous?

Can turtles eat bananas? 

Excellent question if you ask me. It’s something that occurred to me, as well. Turtles can eat pretty much everything you throw in front of them, so naturally, I was interested if bananas are healthy for them. As a turtle owner, I always look for different kinds of foods to feed my turtles. But, bananas? I wasn’t sure that’s a good choice. So, I’ve made the research, and here are the results. 

Can turtles eat bananas? Turtles can eat bananas, however, only in moderation. Bananas are high in sugar, and feeding your turtles frequently with bananas may have a negative impact on their health. 

That was the short answer. Now let’s explain everything in more depth and see that even though they are not recommended, bananas can have a positive impact on the turtle’s health, as well.

Benefits of Feeding Turtles with Bananas 

The banana is a fruit with high nutritional value. It’s logical to assume that feeding your turtles with it is good. These are some of the benefits of eating bananas:

• Bananas are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and natural sugars 
• They are well known as the superfood
• Bananas are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and other important minerals. 
• They help moderate blood sugar levels after a meal
• They improve digestive health 
• Bananas are rich in nutrients that are essential for heart health 

The bottom line is that bananas are extremely healthy and good for eating. However, most of these benefits are strictly related to people. 

But, what about turtles? Can you feed your pet turtle with bananas without causing its health problems? As an example, we took the most common pet turtle, the red-eared slider. 

Can Red Eared Sliders Eat Bananas? 

Red-eared sliders are popular pets all across the world. People have tried feeding their turtles with different types of foods. Bananas being one of them. But, is the banana healthy food for a red-eared slider? Let’s find out. 

Yes, bananas are extremely healthy, and they are safe to feed your turtles. 

However, they are high in sugar. Which means they can cause health problems if turtles eat them frequently. Some of the several health-related problems bananas can cause is a bloated stomach, diarrhea, and other digestive complications. 

How to Feed Your Turtles Bananas

Let’s say that you want to feed your turtle with a banana. What are the precautions you need to take to ensure that everything goes according to plan? 

Firstly, you need to understand that you can give your turtle bananas only on some occasions, and not replace their main diet with it. Bananas should consist of only 10 percent of the turtle overall diet. 

Secondly, observe the turtle while eating a banana. Always control the situation. Baby turtles usually prefer eating more meaty food, however, older turtles will happily accept fruits and vegetables. 

And thirdly, remove the banana peel before you feed your turtles. Banana peels may carry toxic chemicals that can harm your turtle. 

What to give them instead? 

Turtles need a diverse diet in order to thrive and live longer and healthier lives. They should take all the necessary and essential nutrients they need. Feed them more meaty foods when they are younger, vegetables, and fruits as adults, including additional supplements. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can Box Turtles Eat Bananas? 

Box turtles love eating bananas. However, like any other turtle, they also need a diverse diet. Feed them only on some occasions. 

Can Painted Turtles Eat Bananas? 

Painted turtles have a similar diet as the red-eared slider turtles. You should feed theme bananas only once in a while. 

Can Aquatic Turtles Eat Bananas? 

The same principle applies to all aquatic turtles. Yes, aquatic turtles can eat bananas. However, bananas should be only 10 percent of their overall diet.

Final Thoughts 

As you have seen turtles can eat bananas. 

Some turtles enjoy it so much that they will not eat their regular foods in the hope that they can get more bananas. 

However, one question arises among many others. Feeding turtles with bananas can be safe, but does it mean you should? 

And the answer is yes, however, in moderation. Bananas have high nutritional values and feeding your turtle with them can have positive effects on their overall health. 

Now I’d like to hear from you. Does your turtle enjoy eating bananas? Or any other fruit, in particular. 

Let me know in the comments below!