{"product_id":"zoo-med-aquatic-turtle-food-growth-formula","title":"Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle Food Growth Formula","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe middle formula, for turtles still putting on shell.\u003c\/strong\u003e Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle Food Growth Formula guarantees a minimum 35.0% crude protein and is formulated for turtles with a shell length of 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 inches) — past the hatchling stage, not yet adult. The pellets float, which is how aquatic turtles prefer to feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrowing turtles are laying down bone and shell, so this formula runs higher protein and lower fibre than the adult food. Its calcium guarantee is worth reading carefully before you buy, and we have set out why below.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e35.0% minimum crude protein\u003c\/strong\u003e — 10 percentage points above the Maintenance formula, for turtles still growing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLower fibre at 5.0% maximum\u003c\/strong\u003e — against 8.0% in the adult food, so more of the pellet is usable nutrition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigher vitamin C\u003c\/strong\u003e — 110 mg\/kg minimum, the highest of the three formulas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePellets float\u003c\/strong\u003e — easy for turtles to find at the surface, and easy for you to net out what is left\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSized by shell length, not age\u003c\/strong\u003e — Zoo Med sets a clear 5–15 cm window for this formula\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull declaration on the page\u003c\/strong\u003e — complete ingredient list and guaranteed analysis, not \"see pack\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo artificial colours or flavours\u003c\/strong\u003e — propionic acid is the only preservative in the declaration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGuaranteed analysis\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs published by Zoo Med for the Growth Formula. Row labels reproduced as Zoo Med prints them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eComponent\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGuarantee\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCrude Protein (min)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e35.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCrude Fat (min)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCrude Fibre (max)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMoisture (max)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCalcium (min)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.9%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCalcium (max)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.3%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhosphorus (min)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAscorbic Acid (Vit. C) (min)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e49.9 mg\/lb (110 mg\/kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIngredients\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eTranscribed exactly as Zoo Med publishes them, in Zoo Med's order. Checked 7 August 2026.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoybean Meal, Wheat Flour, Fish Meal, Wheat Mill Run, Corn Gluten Meal, Fish Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Kale, Lecithin, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Kelp, L-Lysine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of stabilised Vitamin C), Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganese Sulphate, Zinc Sulphate, Ferrous Sulphate, Copper Sulphate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodate, Propionic Acid (preservative).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Growth and Maintenance formulas share the same ingredient set but declare it in a different order. Here soybean meal leads and dicalcium phosphate ranks above calcium carbonate — consistent with the higher protein and lower calcium. Ethoxyquin, BHA and BHT are not named in the declaration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCalcium and phosphorus — read this before you buy\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCalcium to phosphorus ratio (Ca:P, the balance between the two minerals that build shell and bone) is the number that matters most in a growing turtle's diet, because this is exactly the life stage when a shortfall shows up as shell deformity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eZoo Med guarantees calcium at 0.9% minimum to 1.3% maximum, and phosphorus at 1.0% minimum with no maximum stated. Zoo Med publishes no Ca:P ratio.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCalculated from those guarantees the ratio falls between \u003cstrong\u003e0.9:1 and 1.3:1\u003c\/strong\u003e. At the guaranteed floor, calcium is \u003cem\u003ebelow\u003c\/em\u003e phosphorus — an inverted ratio, against the better-than-1:1 that reptile keepers normally aim for. That is arithmetic on Zoo Med's published minimums, not a claim about any particular batch, and the real figure will usually sit higher. It is still worth knowing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe practical response is not to avoid the food but to make sure calcium comes from somewhere else as well: a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-dr-turtle-slow-release-calcium-block\"\u003eslow-release calcium block\u003c\/a\u003e in the water, cuttlebone, and UVB lighting so the turtle can actually use the calcium it eats. For comparison, the adult \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-aquatic-turtle-food-adult-maintenance\"\u003eMaintenance formula\u003c\/a\u003e guarantees a higher 1.3–1.7% calcium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhich Zoo Med turtle formula do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll three formulas are one product line, differing in pellet size and protein level. Match the formula to shell length, not to age.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFormula\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eShell length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCrude protein (min)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHatchling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 5 cm (2 in)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e43.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth (this product)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5–15 cm (2–6 in)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e35.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-aquatic-turtle-food-adult-maintenance\"\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15 cm (6 in) and over\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePack sizes\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe formula, ingredient declaration and guaranteed analysis above apply to all three packs. Only the quantity differs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSKU\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBarcode\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e365 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZM416\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e097612400526\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e840 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAA3163\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e097612400533\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.3 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAA3164\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e097612400540\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFeeding directions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eZoo Med's published directions for the Growth Formula are measured rather than eyeballed: spoon out one level teaspoon of food per turtle. Let the turtles feed for a minimum of one hour, then net out and discard anything uneaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf your turtles clear a teaspoon in a short time, Zoo Med suggests increasing to one level tablespoon or more per feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eZoo Med does not publish a feeding frequency. Growing turtles are generally fed more often than adults, and uneaten pellets break down into nitrate, so netting out leftovers matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e growing aquatic turtles with a shell length between 5 and 15 cm — sliders, cooters, and similar semi-aquatic species through their fastest growth period.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e hatchlings under 5 cm shell length, which Zoo Med directs to the Hatchling formula at 43.0% protein; and adults over 15 cm, which do better on the lower-protein \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-aquatic-turtle-food-adult-maintenance\"\u003eMaintenance formula\u003c\/a\u003e. It is not a land tortoise food, and it is not intended as the entire diet on its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-dr-turtle-slow-release-calcium-block\"\u003eDr. Turtle Slow Release Calcium Block\u003c\/a\u003e — the direct answer to the calcium guarantee discussed above\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-turtle-dock\"\u003eTurtle Dock\u003c\/a\u003e — growing turtles need a dry basking site to digest and to use their calcium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-economy-turtle-clean-filter\"\u003eEconomy Turtle Clean Filter\u003c\/a\u003e — frequent feeding of a growing turtle means a heavier waste load\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-turtletherm\"\u003eTurtletherm\u003c\/a\u003e — a turtle-specific aquarium heater for holding water temperature steady\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-turtle-matic-auto-feeder\"\u003eTurtle Matic Auto Feeder\u003c\/a\u003e — portions floating pellets while you are away\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eZoo Med publishes no warranty term for its turtle foods. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply in addition to any manufacturer term — goods must be of acceptable quality and fit for purpose, and those guarantees cannot be excluded.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDry, shelf-stable pellet food. Ships as standard freight, with no cold-chain or dangerous-goods restriction. Zoo Med publishes no storage instructions or shelf life; keep it sealed, cool and dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhat size turtle is Zoo Med Growth Formula for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eZoo Med formulates it for turtles with a shell length of 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 inches). Below 5 cm the Hatchling formula applies, and at 15 cm and above the Maintenance formula takes over. The measure is shell length, not the turtle's age.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHow much Growth Formula should I feed my turtle?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eZoo Med directs you to spoon out one level teaspoon per turtle, let them feed for a minimum of one hour, then net out and discard whatever is left. If the teaspoon disappears quickly, Zoo Med suggests increasing to one level tablespoon or more per feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhy is the calcium lower in Growth Formula than in Maintenance Formula?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eZoo Med guarantees 0.9–1.3% calcium in the Growth Formula against 1.3–1.7% in Maintenance. The Growth formula instead prioritises protein at 35.0% minimum versus 25.0%. Because phosphorus is guaranteed at 1.0% minimum in both, growing turtles benefit from an additional calcium source such as a calcium block, cuttlebone, and correctly maintained UVB lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhat is the difference between Growth and Hatchling formula?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eProtein level and pellet size. Hatchling Formula guarantees 43.0% minimum crude protein for turtles up to 5 cm shell length; Growth Formula guarantees 35.0% for turtles from 5 to 15 cm. Both float.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDo the pellets cloud the water?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eAny pellet left uneaten will eventually break down and affect water quality. Because these float, leftovers stay at the surface where they are easy to see and net out, which is the main defence. Zoo Med's directions build removal of uneaten food into every feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCan I feed Growth Formula to an adult turtle?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt will not harm an adult turtle, but at 35.0% protein it is more than a fully grown turtle needs, and its guaranteed calcium band is lower than the adult food's. Once shell length passes 15 cm, Zoo Med's own guidance is to move to the Maintenance formula.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ZooMed","offers":[{"title":"365gm","offer_id":55293330948387,"sku":"ZM416","price":22.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"840g","offer_id":55335437304099,"sku":"AA3163","price":42.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1.3kg","offer_id":55335437336867,"sku":"AA3164","price":60.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/ZM416_13.png?v=1782883047","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/zoo-med-aquatic-turtle-food-growth-formula","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}