Commercial diets for hermit crabs are a convenient and balanced choice, but fresh foods are a must. Hermit crabs seem to prefer a varied diet and should be fed a variety of fresh foods on a rotating schedule. Listed below are some of the foods that your hermit crabs should avoid. Citrus, Tomatoes, Fish flakes, Oatmeal, and Fish oils are all toxic to hermit crabs.
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Citrus
Citrus is a popular fruit to feed your hermit crab. It contains high levels of antioxidants, a crucial part of a crab’s diet. Citrus contains high levels of foliate, a vitamin that hermit crabs need. Folate also plays an important role in producing red blood cells and DNA, which is vital for the health of the crab’s body.
Despite their reputation, citrus is safe for Hermit Crabs to eat in moderation. While it is not recommended to feed your hermit crab more than a small portion of citrus per day, a few oranges and some orange juice may be okay. Citrus is not toxic in small quantities, but oranges and orange fruit peels can be fatal if eaten in excess.
To avoid exposing your hermit crab to citrus, be sure to cover all meat during the night. Uncovered meat attracts insects and mites, so don’t leave it out overnight. Another option is to grind up your favorite foods in an electric coffee grinder. Alternatively, you can give your hermit crab the fruits and vegetables that are in season. These fruits and vegetables contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals that your crab will enjoy.
Tomatoes
There are many things you should know before attempting to feed your hermit crab tomatoes. Although tomatoes are a popular snack food for humans, they do not provide your hermit crab with the proper nutrition that it needs. Tomatoes are also high in lycopene, which can cause stomach issues and increase stress. Hermit crabs also have a high rate of diarrhea after eating tomatoes, so if you want to feed your hermit crab a tomato, cook it first.
In addition to being a delicious treat, tomatoes are extremely acidic. Wild hermit crabs that live in acidic water have trouble finding shells that fit their body type and move their antennae properly. Hermit crabs exposed to acidic waters also exhibit reduced decision-making functions. To avoid these problems, tomatoes should be fed only occasionally. Their high water content and lack of fiber also make them an unhealthful food source for hermit crabs.
Fish flakes
While hermit crabs are fond of popcorn, it is better to feed them plain corn kernels. They will also enjoy any type of fruit, including bananas, mashed bananas, and carrot tops. You should carefully measure the amount of food you give your hermit crab so that you don’t overfeed them. Remember to avoid providing your crab with fish flakes or live insects, which are highly toxic for hermit crabs.
In addition to the fish flakes, you can also give your hermit crab a healthy treat. Popcorn is a good source of calcium, and crushed oyster shell and cuttlebone will offer variety. Fish flakes can also provide important vitamins and minerals. The exoskeleton of a hermit crab is composed of calcium, and fish flakes are rich in these minerals. If you can afford it, fish flakes are a great source of protein and calcium.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is delicious for hermit crabs, but you must be careful when feeding it. Adding honey and milk will make them go crazy! Although dairy isn’t harmful to hermit crabs, it is hard for them to digest it. In the wild, these crustaceans don’t come into contact with lactose, which is a common food allergen. However, small amounts of dairy may be fine for hermit crabs. Oat milk is safer than cow’s milk.
Oatmeal is high in fat, which is good for hermit crabs, especially during the pre-molt stage. It helps them store calories. However, oatmeal isn’t a normal part of a hermit crab’s diet in the wild, so you have to be careful and only feed your pet oats when they’re feeling hungry. Besides oatmeal, hermit crabs can also eat corn chips and other junk foods.
