Can Turtles Eat Cabbage? Which Species Like Them Most?

If you’re like me, you love watching your turtle nibble on veggies. It’s fun and cute. But not every vegetable is safe. So, you might wonder—can turtles eat cabbage? Let’s talk about that in this post. I’ll walk you through if cabbage is okay, what types are better, and which turtle species might enjoy it most.

Can Turtles Eat Cabbage? Yes, turtles can eat cabbage. But hold on—it’s not that simple. Cabbage is safe in small amounts, but not all the time. That’s because cabbage has something called goitrogens. These can mess with your turtle’s thyroid if eaten too often. So, cabbage is okay, just not every day.

Is Cabbage Good for Turtles?

Cabbage has some good stuff in it:

• Vitamin K
• Vitamin C
• Fiber
• Calcium (a little)

These help turtles stay healthy. Vitamin K is good for blood. Vitamin C helps the immune system. Fiber keeps the belly happy. But remember, too much cabbage can cause problems. It’s best to feed it as a treat—not a daily meal.

What Happens If a Turtle Eats Too Much Cabbage?

Let me explain. If you give your turtle cabbage every day, the goitrogens build up. These hurt the thyroid. The thyroid is a little gland that helps turtles grow and stay active. If it stops working right, your turtle may:

• Get tired
• Eat less
• Stop growing
• Look sick

That’s why I only feed cabbage once in a while. Maybe once or twice a week, in small amounts.

Can Baby Turtles Eat Cabbage?

I never give cabbage to baby turtles. Their bodies are still growing, and they need a stronger diet with more calcium and protein. Baby turtles are more sensitive than adult turtles. So, I stick to foods like leafy greens (like dandelions), pellets, and even a little fruit now and then. Cabbage is too risky for their tiny systems.

Best Type of Cabbage for Turtles

If you want to give cabbage, try green cabbage or red cabbage. I’ve found red cabbage has more vitamins, but it also has more goitrogens. So, I give green cabbage more often—but still not a lot.

Avoid giving cooked cabbage. Always feed raw and washed cabbage. No seasonings. No oil. No butter. Just plain, clean cabbage leaves, cut into small pieces.

Let’s Look at What’s Inside Cabbage (per 100g)

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutrients in raw cabbage:

• Water: 92 g
• Carbs: 5.8 g
• Protein: 1.3 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Vitamin C: 36.6 mg
• Calcium: 40 mg
• Phosphorus: 26 mg
• Potassium: 170 mg
• Goitrogens: Present

The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio here is almost 1.5:1, which is okay—but not perfect. Turtles do best with a 2:1 calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. That’s why I don’t rely on cabbage for their calcium needs.

Which Turtle Species Like Cabbage the Most?

Now, not all turtles eat the same way. Some love veggies more than others. Let’s look at a few common pet turtles and how they react to cabbage.

1. Red-Eared Slider Turtles

These guys love leafy greens. My red-eared slider enjoys cabbage—but only in small bites. They’ll eat almost anything, but they do best with a mix of leafy greens, protein, and calcium-rich foods. Cabbage is okay once a week for them.

2. Box Turtles

Box turtles are omnivores. That means they eat both plants and insects. Some box turtles will eat cabbage, but not all. I’ve had box turtles ignore it completely. They prefer things like strawberries, worms, and mushrooms. Still, it’s safe if yours wants a bite now and then.

3. Painted Turtles

Painted turtles are mostly aquatic, but they’ll eat greens like lettuce and cabbage too. I chop the cabbage very small before offering it to them. They tend to eat it if it’s floating or mixed with other veggies.

4. Russian Tortoises

These land turtles are big fans of leafy greens. Mine loves a variety of plants—like clover, dandelions, and yes, cabbage. But I’m extra careful not to give cabbage too often. Russian tortoises eat a high-fiber, low-protein diet, so cabbage works as an occasional treat.

5. Sulcata Tortoises

Sulcata tortoises eat a lot of grass and hay. Cabbage isn’t really part of their natural diet. Still, you can offer a tiny bit once in a while. But watch out—too much cabbage can upset their stomach and cause bloating.

How Much Cabbage Can I Feed My Turtle?

I get this question a lot. Here’s what I do:

• Adult turtles: One small leaf once or twice a week.
• Young turtles: I avoid cabbage completely.
• Mix it in: I don’t feed just cabbage. I mix it with other safe greens like romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, and kale (in moderation too).

You can chop the cabbage into small bits and mix it with other veggies. That way, it adds flavor and variety without going overboard.

Signs You’re Feeding Too Much Cabbage

Keep an eye on your turtle. If you’re feeding too much cabbage, you might notice:

• Tiredness
• Less appetite
• Trouble swimming or walking
• Swollen neck or limbs
• Soft shell (in long-term cases)

If you see any of these signs, stop the cabbage right away and go back to a more balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Feed Cooked Cabbage to My Turtle?

No, I don’t recommend feeding cooked cabbage. Cooking breaks down the nutrients your turtle needs and can add salt, oil, or spices that are harmful. Always stick to raw, plain cabbage—washed and cut into small pieces.

Can Wild Turtles Eat Cabbage?

Wild turtles don’t usually come across cabbage in nature, but they might eat it if offered. That doesn’t mean it’s safe in large amounts. If you’re feeding wild turtles (like in your backyard pond), go with natural leafy greens like dandelions or clover instead.

Is Red Cabbage Better Than Green Cabbage?

Both types are okay in moderation, but red cabbage has more antioxidants and a higher level of goitrogens. I personally prefer green cabbage—it’s a little milder and safer when used occasionally.

Should I Wash the Cabbage Before Feeding?

Yes! Always wash cabbage before feeding it to your turtle. Even store-bought cabbage can have pesticides or dirt. I rinse the leaves well and pat them dry before chopping them up.

Final Thoughts: Should You Feed Cabbage to Your Turtle?

So here’s the deal—cabbage is safe in small amounts. I do feed it to my turtles, but very carefully. It’s not a daily veggie. Think of it more like a fun treat once or twice a week.

Every turtle is different. Some will gobble it up. Others won’t care for it at all. Just make sure you mix it with other healthy greens, and don’t let it become the main part of the diet.

If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to go slow. Start with a tiny bit and see how your turtle reacts. That’s what I do.

Safe Greens I Recommend Instead of Cabbage

Here are some of my go-to turtle-friendly greens:

• Romaine lettuce
• Dandelion greens
• Turnip greens
• Collard greens
• Mustard greens
• Escarole

These all have better calcium-to-phosphorus ratios and are gentler on your turtle’s body.

Conclusion

Yes, turtles can eat cabbage—but only in small amounts and not every day. I’ve learned to offer it as a treat, not a staple. Keep an eye on your turtle, and always offer a mix of foods to keep them healthy.

Thanks for reading—I hope this helped you feel more confident about feeding your turtle! Stick around for more turtle care tips, food guides, and fun facts.