Mazuri Aquatic Turtle Diet is a popular choice among turtle owners, often touted as one of the best commercial foods available. This review delves into the ingredients of Mazuri Aquatic Turtle Diet, examines its nutritional value, and considers its suitability for different aquatic turtle species.
What is Mazuri Aquatic Turtle Diet?
Mazuri Aquatic Turtle Gel Diet is designed as a convenient and nutritionally complete food for aquatic turtles of all life stages. Formulated to be an essential part of a total feeding system, this turtle food may be fed in combination with dry pellets, vegetables, and animal proteins such as insects and freeze-dried shrimp. The Mazuri gel diet is shipped as a powder that is designed to be made into a gel prior to feeding, giving it a long shelf life in powder form.
Key Benefits:
- High-protein formula made with sustainable fish meals.
- Vitamin E, stabilized vitamin C and Omega-3s for skin and immune health support.
- Nutritionally complete - no vitamin or mineral supplementation needed.
Ingredient Analysis: A Closer Look
The ingredient list of any pet food is crucial, as the first few ingredients typically make up the majority of the product. Examining these key components can provide insight into the diet's overall quality and suitability for a turtle's specific needs.
One of the primary concerns raised by turtle keepers is the inclusion of ground corn as a main ingredient. While Mazuri is used and respected in many zoos and by breeders and keepers alike, the presence of corn raises questions about its appropriateness for aquatic turtles. Some argue that corn is not a natural part of a turtle's wild diet and may not be the healthiest option. It's important to consider that by ground corn, they are meaning actual whole ground corn stocks - leaves and all.
It's also important to consider the phytic acid in grains. Grains bind calcium. Its ok on occasion but should never be used as a staple.
Read also: Is Mazuri Insectivore Diet Right for Your Glider?
Nutritional Considerations and Species-Specific Needs
There is no "best" commercial food, particularly since different species have different needs. Cooters/sliders/painteds, etc. are easily deformed by diet; too much protein and lack of proper balance causes retention of scutes and flaring of the carapace.
The protein level is higher in the Mazuri then it is the Omega One. 40.0%. In the Omega One it is only 37%.
Matching the normal wild diet is always in the best interest of the animal, supporting it with a good pellet is ok.
Any diet that has grains is not ideal.
Mazuri as a Base Diet and Supplementation
Mazuri is in my opinion the best in that it's a nice base for almost any diet. Mazuri is not a bad diet.
Read also: Ingredients: Mazuri Crocodilian Diet
Just as with anything else, there are many products available out there but I have never heard anyone complain about using Mazuri for their turtles or tortoises and if a turt/tort is fed properly and given other foods as necessary to round out a diet, I would not worry about whatever small amount or corn, etc.
Alternatives to Mazuri: Omega One and Natural Diets
Some keepers prefer alternative commercial diets like Omega One, citing better ingredients. However, Omega One product still doesn't fit all and should still be mixed to your specific species' need.
The best food will always be the most natural food per the turtle species; Cooters- greens, Sliders and Painted- Greens and protiens, Snappers- high protiens and whole animals, Musks- crustaceans, mollusks, fish, as well as some greens, etc.
Read also: Nutritional Benefits of Mazuri®