Box turtles are omnivores that shift their diet with age — hatchlings and juveniles lean more carnivorous, while adults do well on a diet weighted more toward vegetables, fruit and mushrooms, with insects as a smaller, regular part of the mix.
What to Feed
Mealworms, superworms and Dubia roaches are all readily eaten. Dubia roaches are the leanest option and a good default staple; mealworms and superworms are fine in rotation but shouldn't dominate an adult's diet given their fat content.
Feeding Schedule
- Hatchlings & juveniles: Insects most days, making up roughly half of each meal.
- Adults: Insects 2–3 times a week, with the remaining meals built around vegetables, fruit and leafy greens.
Supplements & Gut-Loading
Dust with calcium regularly, especially for growing juveniles. See our gut-loading guide for what our feeders are raised on before they ship.
What to Watch For
Box turtles forage slowly — loose feeders can wander off or burrow before being found. Offering insects in a shallow dish helps keep meals contained and reduces waste.