Hatchling growth and predation.

[pagan queen]

I've been thinking about the growth rate of hatchlings in their first few years. I know a lot of people believe they should restrict food and grow them very slowly but talking to people on here, there are many who allow unrestricted eating and who's torts grow quickly. I myself have a 2 year old who has grown quickly and now measures 6 inches.
My theory is that in the wild a tiny hatchling would be at great risk of predation at such a small size. Therefore would it not make sense for them to be programmed to grow quickly in order to lessen the chances of predation?
My 2 year olds growth has slowed considerably, she has barely grown in the past couple of months even though she is still eating as much as she wants.