As a new hermit crab owner one of the first things you’ll need to learn is what to feed your new pet. Hermit crabs can be picky eaters, so it’s important to offer them a varied diet to make sure they get all the nutrients they need. In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about what to feed your hermit crab, from commercial diets to fresh foods to avoid.
An Overview of the Hermit Crab Diet
Hermit crabs are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. In the wild, they have a very diverse diet. To replicate this in captivity, you should feed your crab a balanced commercial diet supplemented with a variety of fresh foods.
Hermit crabs need a good balance of protein, fruits, vegetables, calcium, fiber and fatty acids. They also require both freshwater and saltwater Avoid starchy vegetables, iceberg lettuce and salty, fatty or sugary snacks.
Commercial Diets for Hermit Crabs
A high-quality commercial diet should form the base of your hermit crab’s nutrition. There are a few reputable brands to choose from:
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Florida Marine Research (FMR) – This brand offers time-tested crab food pellets and treats,
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Zoo Med – Another trusted brand that makes crab diet pellets and tempting treats.
Feed pellets once per day. Crush them up, especially for smaller crabs, and you can moisten them if desired. Remove any uneaten food daily.
While commercial diets provide balanced nutrition, they shouldn’t be used exclusively. Keep reading to learn about important fresh food supplements.
Fresh Foods and Treats for Hermit Crabs
In addition to commercial diets, hermit crabs benefit greatly from a variety of fresh foods. Offer a rotating selection from this list:
Fruits
- Mango
- Papaya
- Coconut
- Apples
- Bananas
- Grapes
- Melons
- Pineapple
- Strawberries
Vegetables
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Leafy greens (not iceberg lettuce)
- Broccoli
Animal Protein
- Cooked eggs
- Cooked lean meats
- Cooked seafood
- Freeze-dried shrimp
- Brine shrimp
- Fish food flakes
Grains
- Crackers with no/low salt
- Plain rice cakes
- Plain popcorn
Other
- Unsweetened cereal
- Peanut butter
- Raisins
- Grass
- Leaves
- Tree bark
- Seaweed
- Nuts (unsalted)
Offer a rotating variety of fresh foods daily in addition to commercial diets.
Foods to Avoid for Hermit Crabs
While hermit crabs will enjoy salty, sugary and fatty foods, these unhealthy treats should be avoided:
- Starchy vegetables (potatoes)
- Iceberg lettuce
- Dairy
- Pretzels
- Chips
- Sweetened cereals
Be especially careful not to overfeed fruits and sugary foods.
The Importance of Calcium for Hermit Crabs
Hermit crabs need ample calcium for a healthy exoskeleton, especially during molting. Provide calcium via:
- Cuttlebone
- Calcium supplements
- Crushed eggshells
- Crushed oyster shell
- Coral sand substrate
Providing Freshwater and Saltwater
Hermit crabs need constant access to freshwater and saltwater:
- Use dechlorinator to treat tap water
- Instant Ocean is a good saltwater mix
- Use shallow dishes for water and food
- Give access to sponges and stones for climbing in/out of water
Saltwater is essential for bathing and hydration. Provide both fresh and saltwater in separate dishes.
Sample Feeding Schedule for Hermit Crabs
Now that you know what to feed your hermit crab, here’s a sample schedule:
- Morning: FMR or Zoo Med pellets, moistened if desired
- Afternoon: Fresh foods like spinach, carrots, apple
- Evening: Protein source like egg or shrimp flakes
- Daily: Rotate through the list of fresh foods. Always leave out freshwater and saltwater.
The key is variety. Feed a quality pellet diet every day supplemented with a wide rotation of fresh foods. Avoid overfeeding fruits and unhealthy snacks. With this balanced diet and proper calcium, your hermit crab will thrive in captivity!
Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Hermit Crabs
Can hermit crabs eat strawberries?
Yes, strawberries are a tasty fruit treat that hermit crabs can eat in moderation.
Can hermit crabs eat tomatoes?
Avoid tomatoes, as they are highly acidic. Small amounts very occasionally are ok.
Can hermit crabs eat bananas?
Yes, bananas are a good source of potassium for hermit crabs. Mash up a small piece for your crab.
Can hermit crabs eat apples?
Absolutely! Chop up bits of apple for your crab. Apples are packed with fiber and vitamin C.
What You Shouldn’t Feed a Hermit Crab
Avoid feeding hermit crabs starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, and stay away from iceberg lettuce, as it is of very low nutritional value. Crabs may really like salty, fatty, or sugary snacks, such as pretzels, chips, and sweetened cereal, but these should be avoided. Avoid feeding dairy products as well.
Fresh Foods and Treats
While the commercial diets are convenient and most are quite well balanced, they should be supplemented with fresh foods. Hermit crabs seem particularly fond of having a varied diet. A wide variety of foods from the list below should be offered on a rotating basis (a few one day, then a handful of others the next, and so on).
Fresh foods and treats you can try include:
- Mango
- Papaya
- Coconut (fresh or dried)
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- Apples
- Applesauce
- Bananas
- Grapes
- Pineapple
- Strawberries
- Melons
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Watercress
- Leafy green lettuces (not iceberg/head lettuce)
- Broccoli
- Grass
- Leaves and strips of bark from deciduous trees (no conifers)
- Nuts (unsalted nuts)
- Peanut butter (occasionally)
- Raisins
- Seaweed (found in some health food and grocery stores for wrapping sushi)
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- Crackers (no or low salt)
- Unsweetened cereals
- Plain rice cakes
- Popcorn (plain, air popped, can be given occasionally)
- Cooked eggs, meats and seafood (in moderation)
- Freeze dried shrimp and plankton (found in the fish food section at the pet store)
- Brine shrimp
- Fish food flakes
This list is not exhaustive, but almost any fruit (fresh or dried) can be offered, although some experts recommend avoiding highly acidic or citrus foods (e.g., oranges, tomatoes, lemons, and limes).