Feeding and Nutrition :: Vitamin A

[AllisonChains]

So, we took Izzy to the vet today due to the eyes and she suffers from Vitamin A deficiency. I have no idea what kind of diet she was on prior to May, of course.

I am just wondering what is a good source of vitamin A when they aren't into veggies at all? I have tried all recommendations to try and get her to eat them, but she is just not interested yet.

I did get her some anacharis today, but I didn't know what else would be good.

vitamins? I went to 4 different pet stores and couldn't find any. Well, I only found powdered, but even then, it wasn't quite what I was looking for especially since she isn't eating live stuff, yet.

The girl at PetSmart said that they feed their RES baby food, just off a spoon, with stuff high in Vitamin A. Seriously?

She also said carrots only as a treat, again, seriously? If they help their eyes so much, shouldn't they have more of it?

[imderanged]

hmmm I can't see why some baby carrot food would be a bad idea if your turt would eat it.

[octpusgirl8]

Carrot shouldn't be fed too often because it's a little high in sugar. I give my turtle carrot once a week, he loves it!

[Starchick]

Yeah, most turtles go nuts for carrots. Definitely get some nice fresh ones and slice them really thin, then enjoy the 'lipstick' look on your turtles! I believe the zoomed turtle eye drops also contain Vitamin A, it might help if they're swollen, but you definitely still want a dietary source. If she absolutely refuses vegetables, maybe you could put some cod liver oil on her pellets?

[SpotsMama]

Sweet potatoes (along with carrots) are a very good source. Like carrots, they are rather high in sugar so shouldn't be given very often - a small serving every few weeks should do. Turtles absolutely love sweet potatoes if you steam or microwave a small piece and cut it up for them.

Vitamin A in too large quantities is poisonous so you want to be careful how much you give. If your turtle is eating an occasional carrot peel or sweet potato slice, then you shouldn't also give cod liver oil. But if your turtle won't eat the veggies, then a few pellets that have been soaked in cod liver oil ONCE IN A WHILE would be ok. I think if your turtle has just had a vitamin a shot that he probably doesn't need any supplements for awhile - he should be loaded with vitamin A. What did the vet say about diet and supplements on an on-going basis.

By the way, a turtle that's a little low on vitamin a and suffering eye irritation as a result can be helped with Zoo Med Turtle Eye Drops from the pet store, or else a little cod liver oil dabbed on the eyelids with a q tip.

[AllisonChains]

I did see where you could use some cold liver oil and thought about getting some today, but I will wait to use it, unless on here eyes.

...and speaking of - they are a little swollen again this morning and she is keeping them closed.