What type of food do hermit crabs primarily eat depends on the species. However, there are many different kinds of foods they can eat. You can either purchase a commercial diet or prepare one yourself. These commercial diets are usually well-balanced and convenient, but should be supplemented with fresh foods. Hermit crabs seem to benefit from a varied diet. The food you give them should be varied and offered on a rotating basis.
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Fruits
Various fruits are a good source of nutrients for your pet crabs. Mangoes and coconuts are great choices, as these fruits are high in Vitamin C. Coconuts are high in fiber, too. However, you should avoid feeding your pet coconut milk or oil. Mangoes have a high fat content, and Hermit Crabs cannot digest them properly. So, it is best to feed them in moderation.
Nuts
Hermit crabs eat a variety of foods. In addition to nuts, they also eat seeds, rolled oats, wheat germ, and cooked eggs. Even though these foods aren’t as abundant as those found in other animals, they play an important role in the crab’s diet. In particular, hermit crabs will eat nuts, but they also enjoy other foods such as fresh petals and vegetables.
Seeds
Hermit crabs love fruits, but they will get bored if they only eat one kind of fruit. One trick to keep them happy is to offer different types of fruits. Apples are a popular choice because they are nutrient-dense and available all year. However, if you only offer them apples, they might not be eating the healthiest fruit. This is why it is best to rotate the fruits in your pet’s diet to make sure that they remain interested in the food.
Wood
Hermit crabs love wood, which is a perfect choice for a hermit crab habitat. Some types of wood are better than others, and can be used to create toys and obstacles for your hermit crab. Crushed coral is another good choice. Crushed coral is great for burrowing because it is not too hard and does not absorb the smell of the other kinds of wood. However, you should not use it as your hermit crab’s primary diet – wood shavings and gravel are both too rough for him.
Fish flakes
Hermit crabs are known to enjoy fish flakes as a treat. However, these fish flakes should not be the cornerstone of a crab’s diet. For this reason, it is better to provide high-quality fish flakes as an occasional treat. Besides fish flakes, you can also provide your pet with cuttlebone, a skeleton of a cuttlefish, which is packed with calcium.
Organic produce
Hermit crabs love eating fresh fruit and vegetables, but some varieties may cause health problems if the hermit crabs do not like the taste or texture. Herbs are also good options. Herbs that are edible to hermit crabs include anise, bee balm, chives, dill, fennel, rosemary, and thyme. Avoid giving your hermit crabs spoiled food, which is usually toxic.
Dead animals
If you’re wondering whether hermit crabs eat dead animals, you’re not alone. Hermit crabs are omnivorous, and they’re known to eat a variety of different things, including bits of dead animals and microscopic clams. They’ll even eat macroalgae and insects. While hermit crabs are notorious for their omnivorous diets, it’s important to remember that their eating habits depend on which species of animal they’re feeding on.
