The dietary requirements of hermit crabs can be a confusing and daunting challenge to learn. When you find out that actually, those little bottles of preformulated kibble are not as complete a diet as you'd think and can contain unsafe ingredients, what are you supposed to feed them? 



Do I use commercial kibbles?

  Hermit crabs are naturally scavengers. A wide range of meat, fish, bones, seaweeds, other plant matter and even feces help make up their wild diets, and they have an inbuilt instinct to only feed on a plentiful food for a little while before searching out a new one. This helps ensure they get a more varied diet instead of the limited nutrition only one or two food sources would provide. When you take this into account and look at the ingredients the more commercial kibbles contain you find that actually, it can't compare to such a huge cycle of food types. Hermit crabs need variety to thrive best, and offering one or two kibble types just doesn't do that.



The other issue with many shows up when you look at the ingredients list as well, what exactly are all these ingredients?  

• "Meals", such as soy bean and fish, are often the leftovers from other processes that are ground down and added as filler. They might contain some protein, but they are not good quality and often contain preservatives. 

• The unpronouncable words such as Ethoxyquin. Some of these are natural products under more scientific labels, but a lot are preservatives and other unpleasant chemicals that are not really something  that many would want fed to humans, let alone significantly smaller and in many ways more sensitive crabs. Sulphates are another no go that appear, in some cases in multiple forms. The exact consequences of all these chemicals are not yet known but given their nature and how delicate crabs are they are best avoided.

• Other ingredients. Other harmful ingredients can be found in some pelleted and commercial diets.



This is not to say all brands are full of these things. Some are 100% natural dried vegetation and are ok as part of a varied diet. Research is key before using any, check the ingredients and google anything you are unsure of thoroughly, and remember that they need to be supplemented with fresh and dried natural foods to ensure your crabs get everything they need.

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None of the foods in the Crabby Cravings hermit crab shop have preservatives and the majority are from organic suppliers.



What makes a good diet?

The key to healthy hermies is offering a varied diet of fresh and dried foods from a variety

of food groups. Each of the groups has been split up and explained below with examples

for each to give a starting idea of what is safe to feed. If you are uncertain about a food feel

free to get in touch and ask. 

 

Proteins

 ​Protein is a very important part of the diet. In the wild hermit crabs will feed on animals, fish, birds, insects and other creatures they encounter dead and will sometimes hunt small creatures like bugs and shrimp with varied success.

Offering a range of sources helps prevent cannibalism brought on by protein deficiency and promotes healthy growth. Some species are more voracious in their appetite for meat, violas in particular have been noted to favor it over other foods. At least one protein source should be offered every day, either fresh or dried, and at least some should be given fresh. Removing fresh meat before it spoils is recommended to avoid bad odors and other issues. 





 Animal Protein

 

Proteins from animals like chicken, beef, pork and lamb are suitable. Meat can be offered raw or briefly cooked in dechlorinated water or the microwave then cooled for hygiene reasons. Edible parts considered less savoury by humans can also be given to increase variety and nutritional gain and bones can be smashed for access to marrow. Always check for added preservatives and salt which should be avoided. Ham is not suitable. 

 



Seafood, Shellfish and Other Aquatic Protein

Fish and shellfish are a particularly important protein source and should be offered regularly. Fish should be from unpolluted waters, small whole fish or fish heads, while less palatable to us, are good offerings as the eyes and other parts are rich in nutrition. If using captive kept fish they must always be from tanks free from medicated or chemical treatment. Smoked, dyed and treated fish are not suitable.

Shellfish, shrimp, squid and other such creatures can be obtained from fish counters or frozen. Check they have not been bleached, had salt added or treated in other ways.

Bloodworm is usually eaten well and can be sourced from most pet shops dried.

 Crab and lobster are particularly popular with hermit crabs and they will nibble away at carapace as well as the meat.



Krill is mentioned on its own as it is a rich natural source of astaxanthin, a colour boosting pigment which also helps keep the organs healthy. A little more expensive than shrimp but a worth part of any crabs diet.



​                                                                                         Insect Protein

                                                                                          Prekilled crickets, locusts, waxworms, meal worms, roaches and other bugs

                                                                                          are usually taken with enthusiasm and provide further nutrition. Offering live

                                                                                          crickets and bugs is generally best avoided as they often cannot be caught,

                                                                                          there is a risk of breeding or laying and crickets have been known to bite

                                                                                          predatory invertebrates and reptiles.

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                                                                                          Tank custodian isopods will usually be consumed when they die and can                                           

                                                                                         occasionally be caught, this is not an issue and they are rich in calcium so

                                                                                         make a healthy snack. 



 

 

                                                                                        

 

 Egg

Egg can be offered in many forms including boiled, scrambled without seasoning and powdered. Always cool cooked food before offering.



Plant Protein

  Although also healthy and a good part of the diet these should not be offered as replacements for meat and fish. Pulses, broccoli, beans, spinach, alfalfa, flax seed and edible nuts are all sources.





Calcium

Calcium is vital for the healthy growth of the exoskeleton. At least one source should be kept in tank all the time and other sources should be offered regularly. 

 

Cuttlebone

 Cuttlefish bone is a good natural source of calcium also often used with snails, birds and other pets. It is a long white rounded piece that forms the internal shape of the cuttlefish, it is porous and provides buoyancy.  Can spoil when wet so breaking off small chunks for in the tank is advised. Can also be offered powdered or grated over food.



Shells

Oyster shell  grit is a course ground shell product that does not spoil

and is often offered to birds like chicken. Other shells too battered for

other uses can also be crushed and hermit crabs will pick at intact

shells on occasion.



Eggshell

 Cleaned and crushed, powdered or intact eggshell is a source of

calcium popular with hermit crabs and easily available.



Coral

 ​Natural, unbleached coral is a good source of calcium and can also be used as tank decorations and climbing places. Try to source from ethically obtained coral wherever possible.



Other sources

Nuts, figs, seaweed and other foods also contain calcium.



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Seaweed

 Plants from the ocean are a regular part of most hermit crabs diet. Different species offer rich sources of iron, magnesium  calcium and other important nutrients, and offering seaweed sources as often as possible is highly recommended. Most options smell of the beach, often quite strongly.



Powders

Dried and powdered seaweed is an easily stored, long lasting source. Various species are available in this form, some with coarser grains than others. This form is good for sprinkling over or adding to food, and the coarser grained product are better for serving alone. 



Flake Sheets

 These thin dried sheets are sold in different types for use in both human (sushi) and pet diet. Easily torn into portions and very easy to eat, they do sometimes become pulpy in water.



Dried

Dried intact seaweed is available but usually more expensive, and often strongly scented. Can be quite brittle depending on the species.



Fresh

 Fresh seaweed can be used, but certain factors must be taken into account. Pollution in the local area, either in the water or on the beach, can lead to toxins. Local laws can prohibit the gathering of seaweed, beached or otherwise, so must always be checked and adhered to. Beached seaweed may have already begun to rot, and as with any wild gathered product may be harbouring other creatures. The very strong odour is also an obvious factor!

Can be found in shops sometimes, usually very expensive.



Spirulina

Spirulina is known as a "super food" for humans and is particularly rich in nutritional benefits  Unfortunately it is also often rather expensive but worth investing in. Usually sold in powdered form.



Fruit



Apples, strawberries, blueberries, papaya, mango, pineapple, peaches, banana, grapes, apricot, blackberries and many other fruits are not only safe for hermit crabs to eat, but also high in various vitamins and minerals that are needed for healthy crabs. Dried are easy to store and fresh have other benefits, so offering a mix of both is a good plan.



​                                                                                                 Coconuts

                                                                                                 Coconut is often a favourite with hermit crabs, the flesh can be frozen or

                                                                                                 dried to make it last, the milk can be frozen in icecube trays for adding to

                                                                                                 mushy foods and the shells are brilliant for use as hides and other tank

                                                                                                 decor. Coconut is high in fibre, protein and other vitamins and minerals.



​                                                                                                Colour Boosting Fruits

                                                                                                Tomatoes, bell peppers, apricots, blueberries, pineapple, passion fruit,

                                                                                                mango, papaya and some other fruits are rich in beta carotene which helps

                                                                                                enhance the red and oranges in hermit crab exo skeletons, as well as other

                                                                                                colour enhancing nutrition. 



Vegetables

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Sweet potato, broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, swede, parsnip, beetroot, peas, beans, squash, sweetcorn and babycorn are some of the vegetables that hermit crabs can eat. Offering a range of fresh and dried gives them access to the various vitamins and minerals that are on offer and keeps them interested.

Onions and garlic are not safe.



Root Vegetables

Potato (not green parts, the eyes or rest of the plant), sweet potato, parsnip, carrot and swede are all safe to use. Harder veggies can be grated rather than cut to make them easier to eat but may spoil faster.



Squashes, Pumpkins etc

  Squashes and pumpkins are great for hermit crabs, the brighter coloured the better as they will help with carapace colour, and the seeds from pumpkins also make a great food. Butternut squash is usually a favourite. 



Pulses

 Pulses are a rich source of plant protein and fibre, some may need crushing to allow them crabs to eat them and if you are unable too soaking overnight first may assist. Sprouting beans, peas and other pulses also gives another good food source that the crabs will readily demolish.



Mushrooms

Mushrooms are crab safe, always use human edible ones and wash if not peeling. Dietry mushrooms are a good source of folic acid and B vitamins and essential minerals.



Nuts and Seeds



Nuts

 Nuts can be offered fresh or dried, and are a good source of fibre, protein

and fats needed to aid healthy sheds. Walnuts, pecans, brazils, almonds

and peanuts are particular favourites, and sweet chestnuts and hazel nuts

are also good options.



Peanut butter

​Peanut butter is one of the all time favourite hermit crab treats. It is important to use 100% pure butters with no salt, sugar or anything else added.



Seeds​

 Seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, hemp and flax are all good, healthy foods rich in some of the fats needed for shedding.

Aniseed is not safe to use.



Sprouting

Sprouting seeds in the tank allows the crabs to graze on the shoots, providing enrichment and further nutrition. They can be scattered or planted into a tray of substrate.





Plants

 

 A lot of plants are not only safe for hermit crabs to eat, but also rich in vital vitamins and minerals. It is important to correctly identify anything you use and to only use the safe parts, as well as making sure that they are from areas free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Store bought will usually involve pesticides and fertilisers, as will ones from florists.



Leaves

 Dandelion, turnip greens, blackberry leaves (best dethorned), rose, spinach, lettuces, oak, maple, sycamore, watercress, broccoli, cauliflower, clover, carrot tops and grape leaves number among some of the ones that can be given as part of a hermit crab diet.

Oak and maple leaves are particularly high in tannins, something vital for good health which also helps enhance carapace colour. Dandelion is high in calcium.



​                                                                                 Flowers

                                                                                 Rose, hibiscus, dandelion, chamomile, sage blossom, viola, pansy, carnation flower,  

                                                                                 marigolds, clover and elderberry are some of the flower that are safe. Brightly                      

                                                                                 coloured ones, particularly rose and hibiscus, are good for enhancing carapace

                                                                                 colour.







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Roots and Bark

 Roots and bark are sources of tannins, colour boosting molecules that oak is particularly rich in. Dandelion roots are high in calcium, and oak, birch and cork bark are all good to offer.

Avoid pine and other evergreens.



Grains

Grains provide fibre and other needed nutrition. Amaranth is particularly high in calcium.

Millet, amaranth, rolled oats, and others are suitable, and millet is a long standing favourite. Millet can also be sprouted.



Oils

 Hermit crab safe oils can be drizzled over foods to add nutrition, and help aid healthy easy moults. Generally cold pressed oils are best.

 

Fish oils

 Salmon, cod liver and other fish oils are good sources of omegas.



Seed Oils

 Seed oils are often high in omega three and other benefits  and a tiny amount of sesame oil can be used to help encourage appetite return. 



Other oils

 Cold pressed coconut and red palm oils are particularly healthy options, and extra virgin olive oil, sunflower and almond are also good choices. 



Bee Products

 High energy bee products, honey and pollen, are good treats and can be useful in helping crabs make it through the post purchase stress and safely through that vital first moult.



Honey

 Pure honey is a high energy food that can help with the build up to

and recovery from moults. It is good for use with hand feeding and

can be drizzled over popcorn to help the healthy seasonings stick

better. Messy to eat but widely loved, it is well worth having a small

pot on hand. The antibacterial properties also mean some keepers

use it in the treatment of wounds. 





Bee Pollen

 

Bee Pollen is another of those "super foods" that are being touted as the latest thing for humans. They come in the form of tiny grain like balls in various shades of yellow and orangey brown, are quite expensive if bought from health stores and are very, very high in energy. They contain a good balance of enzymes, but can be a bit of a marmite food with crabs. If not eaten as is they can be mixed into mush and puree foods.



Earthworm Castings and the Feces Conundrum

In the wild hermit crabs will often consume the waste of other animals, particularly herbivores, but offering this part of their diet is repulsive to many keepers. Organic earthworm castings, a nutrient rich product that looks like dirt and is free from odour is one way to make up for this.

Waste from pets that have not been medicated or treated with flea repellent or other such things for several months is another option. Sticking to herbivore waste is best, and pets like giant african land snails which have no odour can be a good source.



Treat Foods

 People often want to give their hermies a "treat" a couple of times a month. The best option for this is popcorn. Popcorn is one of the most loved hermit crab foods offered. It needs to be air popped or popped in crab safe oils, and free from sugar, salt and other such things, but can be seasoned with nutritious foods to add a healthy twist.

Unsulfured Blackstrap Molasses are high in nutrients and can be offered twice a month. 



Protein should be offered daily, as should seaweed and calcium, and at least one fruit or vegetable. Fruits and vegetables should ideally be offered 6 days a week at least, and the others at least three days a week preferably more. Variety is key so keep offering new foods wherever possible.











Written for Crabby Cravings by Rachel Turner. Do not reproduce or reuse without permission.