If you’ve ever watched a turkey scratch the ground or peck at leaves, you may have wondered, “What do turkeys eat?” The quick answer is: turkeys are omnivores, which means they eat a wide range of food including seeds, grains, insects, fruits, and even small reptiles. Their diet changes with the seasons, their environment, and whether they’re wild or domesticated.
What Do Wild Turkeys Eat?
Wild turkeys eat a highly varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter. Their food sources change depending on what’s available throughout the year.
Common foods in a wild turkey’s diet:
- Seeds and grains – acorns, corn, wheat, oats, and other grains
- Berries and fruits – wild grapes, huckleberries, crabapples, and dogwood fruit
- Insects – grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, ants, and spiders
- Greens and shoots – clover, grasses, and young plant sprouts
- Small animals – snails, salamanders, frogs, and occasionally small snakes
Turkeys are opportunistic feeders, meaning they eat what’s easiest to find and digest. In forests, they rely more on nuts and berries. In fields, they scratch the soil for insects and seeds.
What Do Domestic Turkeys Eat?
Domestic turkeys have a more controlled diet since they’re raised by farmers or backyard owners. Their main food source is typically a commercial feed, which is specially formulated for their growth and health.
Common components of domestic turkey feed:
- Grains – corn, wheat, soybean meal, barley
- Protein supplements – fish meal, alfalfa, or insect-based proteins
- Vitamins and minerals – added to promote strong bones and immune health
Farmers may also give domestic turkeys treats such as leafy greens, cracked corn, and kitchen scraps like vegetables and fruit—but these should be given in moderation.
Seasonal Eating Patterns of Wild Turkeys
Turkeys adapt their diet to the seasons. What they eat in spring may be totally different from what they consume in winter.
| Season | Primary Foods |
|---|---|
| Spring | Insects, new plant shoots, grass seeds, early berries |
| Summer | Insects (high protein), berries, greens, young frogs |
| Fall | Acorns, corn, wheat, seeds, leftover farm crops |
| Winter | Nuts, dried berries, buds, any remaining grain |
Acorns are a fall favorite for wild turkeys because they’re high in fat and help birds store energy before winter.
What Do Baby Turkeys (Poults) Eat?
Baby turkeys, called poults, need a protein-rich diet to support their rapid growth. In the wild, they rely heavily on insects in their first few weeks of life.
Common poult foods include:
- Grasshoppers
- Beetles
- Spiders
- Small worms
As they grow older, poults begin to eat more plant-based foods like seeds and berries. On farms, they are often given starter feeds containing 24% to 28% protein for proper development.
Can Turkeys Eat Human Food?
Yes, but with caution. Turkeys can eat some human foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains, but junk food, processed snacks, or salty items should be avoided.
Safe human foods for turkeys:
- Cooked rice or oats
- Chopped apples or pears (no seeds)
- Peas, lettuce, spinach
- Pumpkin, squash, or carrots (cooked or raw)
Foods to avoid:
- Chocolate
- Avocado
- Onions or garlic
- Junk food or anything with high salt or sugar
Feeding turkeys table scraps should be done sparingly and should never replace their regular, balanced diet.
Do Turkeys Eat Meat?
Yes, in small amounts. Turkeys are technically omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. In the wild, they regularly eat insects and sometimes small reptiles or amphibians.
However, they don’t hunt like predators. Instead, they forage for slow-moving or defenseless creatures like beetles, worms, and lizards.
How Do Turkeys Find Their Food?
Turkeys are ground foragers. They use their feet to scratch through leaves and soil, looking for bugs, seeds, and other edibles. They also use their sharp vision to spot berries or insects on plants and trees.
In open fields, they’ll peck along the ground like chickens. In forests, they search under fallen leaves and logs. Their diet is as much about location as it is about season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do turkeys eat corn?
Yes, corn is a favorite food for turkeys, especially in fall and winter. Many hunters and wildlife enthusiasts use cracked corn to attract wild turkeys.
Can turkeys eat bread?
They can, but it’s not recommended. Bread is low in nutrition and can fill up a turkey’s crop without giving it the nutrients it needs.
Do turkeys eat ticks and pests?
Yes. Wild turkeys help control insect populations by eating ticks, beetles, and other small bugs while foraging through the forest floor.
Conclusion: Turkeys Eat a Varied, Seasonal Diet
So, what do turkeys eat? Just about everything they can find. From seeds and berries to insects and small animals, turkeys are opportunistic eaters. Their diet changes with the seasons and depends on whether they live in the wild or on a farm. Understanding what turkeys eat can help with wildlife observation, backyard feeding, or raising healthy domestic birds.
Want to learn more about turkey behavior and wildlife habits? Explore our animal guides for in-depth knowledge and nature tips.