Feeding and Nutrition :: Protein in Pellets

[cprcheetah]

Doe sanyone know what the actual 'good' percentage of protein should be in their Pellets? I have been researching all over online and on the majority of the RES/Turtle websites I am seeing mainly it should be less than 35%.

The Pellets I have right now:
Tetrafauna Repto Min has 42.5%
HBH Turtle Bites has 38%

What will happen if he has too much protein? Just wondering. I know in dogs/cats it can cause problems.

[steve]

Protein alone should not be a deciding factor. A highly recommended (and hard to find) pellet is Mazuri Fresh Water Turtle Diet.. with 2% calcium and 1.3% phosphorus. Although it has a bit more fat than Reptomin.

[cprcheetah]

Duh! I should have already looked into Mazuri, that is what I used to feed my Iguana. I was very satisfied with it. I will have to check into it. How is it's palatability? How big is the container? I can even get it wholesale through the vet I work for...well we'd have to order it but it can be done. Cool! Thanks for reminding me

[steve]

I haven't been able to find it locally so I can't answer your question. Mazuri is a Purina company as well... if that helps.

[cprcheetah]

Yep. We were able to order it for my iguana, had to buy it by the case, but it worked. She did VERY good on it, and was healthy. I didn't even think about it for Zeke....and it's not like I haven't seen it recommended....several sites have it as their #1 recommended turtle pellet. But it is hard to find. I know at one point Petsmart here carried some of their products...have to go check it out.

[cprcheetah]

I'm sure you probably have but have you checked out:
http://www.mazuri.com/Home.asp?Products=2&Opening=4

They have a dealer locater.

[marisa]

Mazuri used to be sold at Petsmart, but apparently is no longer. The only ways I've heard of getting it are to buy it in bulk (good if you've got multiple turtles) or find someone who has it and is willing to sell you some.

Mazuri is about 40% protein, not much less than Reptomin. There are other decent pellets as well, though. If you don't overfeed pellets, and the pellet you're using has decent ingredients, I don't think you really have to worry that much about the protein content. If the pellet is higher in protein, feed it less than one that's lower in protein (assuming other ingredients are comparable).

Does your turtle like those HBH Turtle Bites? They're supposed to have a fair amount of oil in them, which makes them attractive to most turtles.

[cprcheetah]

He did at first but doesn't seem to like them much any more. I also do not like how messy it makes his tank, it changes his water to reddish.

[steve]

A note about Mazuri online:

I've seen some people sell it on eBay and other online stores. I haven't checked into it but it seems like they buy the largest possible amount and repackage them into smaller packs for sale. So there's no guarantee of quality or freshness if anyone out there decides to buy it this way.

[marisa]

I'm not referring to buying from EBay; I think if you know the person (their reputation for providing the pellets), it would be OK.

I'm thinking the oil in those HBH pellets is helping foul the water.