Nothing beats keeping a pet turtle.
Animal lovers across the globe adore these aquatic creatures.
And, yes, they do make unique pets.
The best part about having a turtle for a pet is that it is surprisingly low-maintenance.
As a pet parent for your turtle, all you have to do is to provide a clean habitat, healthy food, and lots of love.
Now, most concerned pet parents often wonder about the nutrients of specific foods.
If you’re wondering if it’s safe for your turtle to eat cucumbers, wonder no more.
Yes, turtles can have cucumbers. And, a vast majority of pet parents vow that their chelonians relish feasting on a cucumber. But, let’s look into how nutritious cucumbers are for your turtle and how often you should be feeding cucumbers to your tiny friend.
This is what you’re going to learn in this article
- Do turtles like cucumbers?
- The benefits of cucumbers for your turtle
- How to feed cucumber to your buddy
Sound good?
Let’s get started!
(Make sure to check out the cute video of a turtle eating cucumber at the end of the article)
Do Turtles Like Cucumbers?
Yes, almost all kinds of chelonians, from turtles to terrapins to tortoises, love hogging on cucumbers.
You see, the vegetables are nice and juicy on the inside.
And crisp and green on the outside.
So, that combination of crispiness and juiciness makes the cucumber a very refreshing vegetable to eat, even for humans.
Now, it makes sense that your turtle will appreciate it far more than you do.
Some turtles are herbivores, and some only eat protein.
But, the vast bulk of the turtle species are omnivores.
Moreover, as turtles age, they start to keep a more plant-based diet than meat-based.
Thus, cucumbers are a general favorite with most turtles as most turtles in the wild stick to munching on dark green, leafy vegetables.
Yet, the cooling and moist inside of the cucumber makes it far more appealing for the turtle on a hot summer day.
I mean I love cucumbers myself!
(They’re good to have if you got a sore throat)
Okay so now that we know turtles love cucumbers
Does it have any benefits for your little bud eating them?
Let’s find out..
Benefits Of Cucumber For Turtles
Cucumbers make excellent treats for turtles on a long summer day.
You see, cucumbers are 90% water, so if there’s a chance that your little friend is feeling dehydrated.
The quickest fix is snacking on a cucumber to get rid of the thirst as well as hunger.
Yet, cucumbers have many other benefits too. Cucumbers are high in fiber.
Fiber is particularly good for turtles as it helps regulate your pet buddy’s digestive system.
Moreover, cucumbers are also high in potassium and vitamin B.
As you may know, potassium helps turtles with their bone and muscle development.
But, you have to realize that cucumbers are not as rich in nutrients as many other leafy green vegetables.
So, yes, do allow your pet to enjoy cucumbers, but you have to treat cucumbers as a snack for your chelonian.
Cucumbers should never serve as a meal for your pet turtle.
How To Feed Your Turtle Cucumbers?
Cucumbers served with other fresh green; leafy vegetables would turn a regular snack into a truly delicious treat for your pet.
But, it is essential to keep in mind that most green vegetables are very susceptible to chemicals.
And turtles have weak kidneys that can’t handle the strain of pesticides or chemicals in the body.
So, the wisest move for you would be to buy organically grown vegetables.
These vegetables are 100% chemical-free and laden with natural nutrients and minerals.
Also, when you do feed your turtle cucumbers, it is essential to keep in mind that your turtle needs its protein.
Therefore, if you have a younger turtle, you will have to focus on not just presenting it with vegetables and fruit.
You’ll have to ensure that your turtle gets a low-protein diet as well.
On the other hand, if you have an older turtle buddy, you can increase the portion of leafy greens and fruits compared to the protein.
Additionally, you have to make sure that you thoroughly wash the food you are about to feed your pet before you feed your turtle.
Any vegetable or fruit that you provide your turtle must be rinsed at least twice before you chop it up for your turtle.
If you can’t get your hands on organically grown vegetables, then make sure to remove the peels of the vegetables and fruits that you offer your turtle.
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Final Words
Having a pet can bring loads of fun and laughter into your life.
Yet, it is a huge responsibility to care for another living being.
But, when you look at caring for turtles, you’ll realize that these creatures are surprisingly easy to look after.
You have only to keep a close eye on what your buddy eats and give it a clean home, and you’ll have your pet turtle with you for a long and happy life.
When it comes to cucumbers – your turtle will love eating them on a hot summer day
They actually enjoy munching on some cucumber
Make sure it’s not their main meal because they do need protein too
Here’s a cute video of a turtle eating cucumber
