Can Turtles Eat Shrimp? Benefits, Risks & Feeding Guide

When I first started raising turtles, I quickly learned that not all food is created equal. And one of the biggest questions I had was about shrimp. I love shrimp, and it’s packed with protein — but I wasn’t sure if it was okay for my turtle. If you’ve ever looked at a shrimp and wondered, “Can I feed this to my turtle?” — you’re definitely not alone.

So, can turtles eat shrimp? Yes — shrimp is safe and even healthy for turtles, but only when fed in the right amount and the right way. It’s an excellent source of protein, and most turtles love the taste. But there are also a few things to watch out for, like phosphorus levels and how it’s prepared.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about feeding shrimp to turtles — based on my own experience, vet advice, and what science says about turtle nutrition.

Can You Feed Shrimp to Your Pet Turtle?

Yes, you can — but it should be used as a supplement, not a main food.

I remember the first time I offered shrimp to my turtle. I used a small, cooked piece — no salt, no seasoning. He didn’t hesitate for a second. He grabbed it, chomped it down, and looked at me like, “That was amazing — give me more!”

But I also knew not to overdo it. Shrimp is a great source of protein, and protein is crucial for turtles — especially when they’re still young and growing. Baby turtles need more protein in their diet compared to adults. Shrimp can help support that growth, muscle development, and overall energy.

That said, too much shrimp can lead to imbalances, especially in adult turtles. High-protein diets without enough greens or calcium can contribute to obesity, shell deformities, and organ stress.

So here’s what I do: I give shrimp once a week as a treat or protein boost. It’s part of a balanced rotation that includes leafy greens, calcium-rich veggies, turtle pellets, and the occasional insect.

What’s Inside Shrimp?

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrients in 100 grams of cooked, plain shrimp:

• Protein: 20.3 g
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Calories: 99 kcal
• Calcium: 70 mg
• Phosphorus: 252 mg
• Sodium: 111 mg
• Vitamin B12: 1.11 mcg
• Iron: 0.5 mg
• Zinc: 1.34 mg
• Magnesium: 33 mg

Shrimp is clearly high in lean protein and has small amounts of key minerals like zinc, iron, and vitamin B12. These can benefit a turtle’s immune system and growth.

But there’s one thing that always catches my eye: the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

Turtles need a 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus in their diet. But shrimp flips that — it has much more phosphorus than calcium. That can cause calcium to get “locked up” in the turtle’s body, meaning they absorb less of it. Over time, this can lead to problems like Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) — especially in turtles not getting enough UVB light or calcium supplements.

So I always use shrimp as a support food, not a staple. And I make sure the rest of my turtle’s diet is rich in calcium to keep things balanced.

Do Turtles Like Shrimp?

Yes — most turtles go crazy for shrimp!

Every time I drop a piece of shrimp into the tank, my turtle darts straight for it. It’s one of the few foods that gets an immediate reaction. That strong smell and soft texture make it irresistible for them.

Shrimp is especially appealing to omnivorous and carnivorous turtles, like red-eared sliders, painted turtles, and musk turtles. Even some land-dwelling species, like box turtles, will happily eat shrimp if offered.

But here’s the thing: just because they love it doesn’t mean it should be a regular part of their diet. Think of shrimp like fast food — exciting, tasty, full of protein, but not something you want to serve every day.

Turtles are smart about food. If you offer shrimp too often, they may start refusing veggies and pellets. That’s what happened to mine — I fed shrimp twice in one week, and suddenly he didn’t want his usual kale or dandelion greens. That’s when I realized I had to pull back and make shrimp more of a treat.

What Happens If a Turtle Eats Too Much Shrimp?

I’ve made that mistake before — and learned fast. Giving shrimp too often can lead to real problems. Here’s what I’ve seen and what vets warn about:

1. Calcium Deficiency and Shell Problems

Shrimp has high phosphorus and low calcium. That throws off the nutrient balance in your turtle’s body. Over time, this can block calcium absorption and lead to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). You might see:

• Soft shell texture
• Irregular or pyramided shell growth
• Limping or slow movement
• Jaw deformities in extreme cases

This is why I always combine shrimp with calcium-rich food and UVB lighting to help my turtle stay strong and healthy.

2. Obesity and Fatty Liver

Shrimp is high in protein — which is good in small doses. But too much protein can lead to weight gain, especially in adult turtles. I’ve seen it happen with overfed sliders. They become sluggish, store too much fat around their organs, and may even develop fatty liver disease.

3. Loss of Appetite for Balanced Foods

Turtles can develop what I call “shrimp addiction.” Once they get used to tasty, meaty foods, they often turn their nose up at leafy greens or commercial pellets. That can be frustrating — and unhealthy. I had to slowly wean my turtle back to vegetables after overdoing the shrimp.

Can Baby Turtles Eat Shrimp?

Yes — but with extra care.

Baby turtles need a higher-protein diet than adults to grow strong. Shrimp can be a great source of that protein — but only in small, well-prepared amounts.

Here’s how I safely feed shrimp to hatchlings and young turtles:

• Use peeled, cooked shrimp only — never raw or seasoned
• Chop it very small — their mouths are tiny
• Mix it with soft greens or pellet mash to keep the diet balanced
• Only offer it 1–2 times per week

I also make sure baby turtles have constant UVB exposure and I dust their food with calcium powder at least twice a week to prevent any calcium loss from the phosphorus in shrimp.

Shrimp can help young turtles grow — as long as it’s just one part of a complete diet.

How to Feed Shrimp to Your Turtle Safely

Over time, I’ve learned a few best practices when it comes to giving shrimp to turtles. Here’s exactly what I do:

✅ Choose the Right Type of Shrimp:

• Plain cooked shrimp is best — boiled or steamed with no oil, salt, or spices
• Avoid fried, breaded, seasoned, or raw shrimp (raw shrimp may carry bacteria or parasites)

✅ Prep It Properly:

• Peel the shell and remove the tail — turtles can choke on tough bits
• Cut it into small chunks — especially for baby or juvenile turtles
• Feed it by hand (if your turtle is used to it) or drop it into the water

✅ Watch the Portion:

• For adult turtles: 1–2 small shrimp pieces once a week
• For baby turtles: half the size, no more than 1–2 times per week

✅ Balance the Diet:

I always follow shrimp days with leafy greens, vegetables, or high-calcium pellets to keep my turtle’s body balanced. Shrimp is great for protein — but it’s not enough on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Box Turtles Eat Shrimp?

Yes — box turtles are omnivores and enjoy shrimp as a treat. I feed mine a small piece of cooked shrimp once every 2–3 weeks, mixed with fruit or veggies.

Can Red-Eared Slider Turtles Eat Shrimp?

Absolutely. Red-eared sliders love shrimp. Just don’t overfeed it. I use shrimp to keep mine excited about feeding days, but not as a staple.

Can Painted Turtles Eat Shrimp?

Yes. Painted turtles can safely enjoy shrimp in moderation. I always use shrimp alongside pellets and greens to avoid picky eating.

Can Musk or Mud Turtles Eat Shrimp?

Yes. These aquatic turtles are carnivorous by nature and love protein-rich foods like shrimp. Just monitor how often you feed it, especially in adults.

Can Tortoises Eat Shrimp?

No. Tortoises are herbivores. Shrimp and other animal proteins can upset their digestion and lead to long-term health problems. Stick to greens, flowers, and vegetables for tortoises.

Conclusion

So, can turtles eat shrimp?
Yes — and they love it.

Shrimp is an excellent source of protein and makes a tasty, nutritious treat for turtles of all ages. But like any treat, it should be served in moderation, with a focus on balance. Too much shrimp can lead to calcium issues, weight gain, and picky eating.

I give my turtles shrimp about once a week — cooked, plain, and cut small. When used wisely, shrimp can be one of the best high-protein snacks in your turtle’s diet.

I hope this post helped! If your turtle has tried shrimp, let me know how it went in the comments below. I’d love to hear your story.