Turtles can enjoy a wide range of fruits and veggies as part of their diet, although it’s always best to do a quick check first to see if the ones you’re feeding them are ideal or not. So the question at hand is, can turtles eat cucumber?
While it isn’t the most nutrient-dense vegetable out there for your pet, the answer is yes, it’s perfectly safe to give your turtle cucumber.
Can My Turtle Eat Cucumber?
Yes, your turtle can safely enjoy some cucumber as a snack or as part of its meal. Keep in mind that compared to a lot of other vegetables, it isn’t incredibly high in nutrition, and therefore should be seen as more of a filler than an essential component to their diet.
Here is a clip of turtle enjoying eat cucumber.
Although when incorporated with a mix of other healthy fruits and veggies, it’s a great food to give to your turtle.
Whether you just toss them a slice here and there or add it into a mix of other vegetables, your pet will likely enjoy the crunchy snack.
Since cucumbers float, you can just toss a few slices into the water, and your turtle can nibble on them from there.
They’re a quick and easy snack that your pet will enjoy, just as long as they’re not given too much at a time.
In this article, we’ll go over what exactly makes up a cucumber, as well as what nutrients it does provide your turtle with.
Nutritional Value of Cucumbers
Cucumbers contain potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, as well as magnesium and vitamin K and A.
While this is a fairly wide array of nutrients, it is important to note that cucumbers don’t contain very high levels of any of them.
So while they do provide some good things to your turtle, it’s at much lower levels than many other vegetables.
That’s why it’s important that cucumbers aren’t the main part of their diet; they’ll take up lots of stomach space while not providing them with as many vitamins and minerals as they need.
Be sure to include both the skin and seeds when feeding your turtle cucumber, as that’s where most of the nutrition is stored.
Benefits of the Vitamins Found in Cucumbers
- Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and will slow down jelly preparation in turtles
- Vitamin A helps prevent vision problems and upper respiratory disease
- Vitamin K aids in maintaining healthy bone tissue
Benefits of Fibre and Potassium Found in Cucumbers
- Like in humans, fiber helps to keep turtles regular, although be sure not to overdo it
- Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals
It’s no doubt that—even if it’s at low levels—cucumbers contain many great properties.
On top of that, being about 95% water, cucumbers are a great source of hydration for anyone who consumes them.
So even if they’re just a fun snack for your turtle, the vegetable will at least be very hydrating.
Are Cucumbers Bad for Turtles?
No, cucumbers aren’t bad for turtles.
Even though they aren’t the most nutrient-dense veggie out there, they can be a great component of a turtle’s diet as long as they’re incorporated properly.
The only instance in which cucumber would be bad for them is if it’s given in too high of quantities, as this would fill their stomach up with something that won’t provide them with enough nutrients.
Foods that contain high levels of nutrients in smaller amounts are best, such as dark leafy greens or certain aquatic plants.
Overall, you don’t have to worry about any negative side effects from cucumbers when feeding your turtle.
Just be sure that it doesn’t make up too much of their diet, and cucumbers can be an excellent snack for your pet.
Types of Cucumbers and Their Effects on Turtles
By far, the most common kind of cucumber is the English cucumber, which is most likely what you usually buy in the store.
Closely popular is the garden cucumber, which you’ll find a lot of at farmers’ markets.
Kirby cucumbers are short and bumpy and are often used for pickling, although they can be enjoyed raw.
While the various types of cucumbers don’t differ all that much in terms of nutrients, let’s go over the other differences and discuss which is best for your turtle.
English Cucumber
- Mild flavor and thin skin
- Generally sweeter than other types of cucumbers
Garden Cucumber
- Often has bitter-tasting seeds
- Thicker, waxier skin
Kirby Cucumber
- Very crisp
- Fewer seeds than other cucumbers
- Thin bumpy skin
FAQ’s About Turtles and Cucumbers
Q: Can I feed my turtle cucumber?
A: Yes, turtles can eat cucumber
Q: Should I remove the skin or seeds when feeding my turtle cucumber?
A: No, the skin and seeds are safe for turtles to eat and contain the most nutrients
Q: How should I feed my turtle cucumber?
A: You can either place them on a food dish or as cucumbers float, you can toss a few slices in the water
Q: How often can I feed my turtle cucumber?
A: It’s best to keep cucumbers as an occasional snack for your turtle
Q: Are cucumbers good for turtles?
A: Cucumbers do have nutrients beneficial to turtles, although as it’s in low amounts, they should be seen as a filler food or treat
Conclusion
Turtles can safely enjoy a refreshing cucumber snack without much worry; just remember to pay attention to the quantity you give them. While overall a healthy snack, it’s still good to remember that cucumbers shouldn’t make up the bulk of your pet’s diet.
They aren’t as high in nutrition as a lot of other vegetables, but they offer plenty of hydration and your turtle will most likely enjoy them as a snack. Like many other things, cucumbers can be part of a balanced diet. So next time you cut up a cucumber for yourself, your turtle will be happy if you want to share a slice or two.
Keep Reading
Sources
Information
1: http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15007
2: https://www.petmd.com/reptile/nutrition/what-do-turtles-eat
3: https://www.livescience.com/51000-cucumber-nutrition.html