What Can Hermit Crabs Eat

What can Hermit Crabs Eat?

Hermit crabs can eat a wide variety of foods.  These foods range from fruit, decaying wood, leaf litter, grasses, plants, and other organic material that is washed ashore by the tide.  Hermit crabs are not picky eaters, and will eat almost anything.  They are able to find their food by sent, or by seeing other crabs eating it.

Healthy Hermit Crab Food

Like humans, hermit crabs require calcium, antioxidants, and carotene.  You can tell if a hermit crab is eating properly by its color.  A healthy crab will be reddish orange, while an unhealthy one will be a washed out grey color.  Since every crab is different, it is important to keep an eye on your hermit crab to make sure its colors are staying vibrant.  If they are not you should try changing up its diet.  Some foods to help your crab maintain its health are brightly colored fruits, such as carrots, and corn.  You can also buy special dried pellets that will give your hermit crab the nutrients it needs. Store bought foods such as Hartz Wardley Hermit Crab Premium Food are a good buy.  When buying store bought food, do not cheapen out.  Hermit crabs do not eat much, and food quality can greatly differ.  It is better to buy a premium food if possible.

It is also important to note that you cannot give your crab foods treated with pesticides.  Because of their small size anything treated with pesticides can be fatal to hermit crabs.

Crabs will eat most of the same unprocessed foods humans will.  Do not give your crab anything processed!

If you are giving your crab leaves, bark, or grass to chew on, make sure you clean it very will (no soap).  After you wash the food, let it dry out before giving it.

Although there is no need for store bought food if you are up to the task of ensuring the food you give your crab is not treated with pesticides, and is cleaned well; having a container of pellets, or mixing in a few pellets with the food you are giving them is a good idea to help them have a more balanced diet.

Treats For Your Hermit Crab

Hermit crabs love to try new foods, and enjoy eating something different with each meal.  You can try giving it different types of food every time it eats as a treat.

Here is a video of a hermit crab eating!