Hermit crabs love sweet fruits, and they provide essential nutrients.
Safe Fruits:
Bananas
Apples (remove seeds)
Watermelon
Strawberries
Pineapple
Mango
Grapes (cut in half for easy eating)
Oranges (small amounts, as citrus is debated but generally safe)
Coconut (fresh, dried, or shredded—avoid added sugar)
Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
Peaches (remove pits)
Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew)
Pears (remove seeds)
Tip: Dried fruits with no added sugars or preservatives are also safe!
Fresh veggies provide fiber, hydration, and essential minerals.
Safe Vegetables:
Carrots (grated or chopped)
Kale, spinach, romaine lettuce (avoid iceberg lettuce, it lacks nutrients)
Bell peppers (all colors)
Broccoli (chopped into small pieces)
Sweet potatoes (cooked, mashed, or raw)
Cucumbers
Zucchini
Tomatoes (small amounts, not too often)
Corn (fresh or dried, no butter or salt)
Tip: Dark leafy greens are great for hermit crabs, but avoid excessive amounts of spinach due to oxalates.
Hermit crabs need protein to help them grow strong exoskeletons.
Safe Proteins:
Cooked fish (unseasoned, no butter/oil)
Hard-boiled eggs (mashed or crumbled)
Freeze-dried or cooked shrimp (unseasoned)
Plain cooked chicken or turkey (no seasoning, no skin)
Clams, mussels, and oysters (fresh or freeze-dried)
Mealworms (live or dried)
Crickets (live or dried)
Tip: In the wild, hermit crabs eat dead fish and other protein sources, so offering these will mimic their natural diet.
Calcium is crucial for molting and strong shells.
Safe Calcium Sources:
Cuttlebone (sold for birds, but perfect for crabs)
Crushed eggshells (baked to remove bacteria)
Ground oyster shells
Coral sand (pure, no added chemicals)
Tip: Always provide a source of calcium daily for proper molting.
Hermit crabs enjoy nuts and seeds in moderation.
Safe Nuts & Seeds:
Almonds (unsalted, raw)
Walnuts
Sunflower seeds (unsalted)
Pumpkin seeds
Coconut flakes (no added sugar)
Tip: Avoid giving them too many nuts at once, as they are high in fat.
Safe Whole Grains & Other Foods:
Plain cooked rice (brown or white)
Oats (plain, no sugar)
Whole grain bread (small amounts, no preservatives)
Unsalted popcorn (air-popped, no butter)
Seaweed (nori, dried or fresh)
Tip: Seaweed is a great natural snack, rich in minerals.
Chips, crackers, or anything salty
Sugary cereals or candy
Fast food or fried foods
Any food with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Avocado (contains persin, toxic to crabs)
Rhubarb (toxic to most animals)
Iceberg lettuce (has almost no nutrients)
Unripe tomatoes or tomato leaves
Bacon or fatty meats
Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
Raw meat or seafood that could contain bacteria
Garlic & onions (contain harmful compounds)
Chocolate or caffeine (toxic)
Artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol, which is deadly to many animals)
Table salt (use only marine salt for saltwater)
Hermit crabs need two separate water sources at all times:
Dechlorinated Freshwater – Tap water must be treated with a dechlorinator before use.
Saltwater Pool – Use marine aquarium salt (not table salt) to create a saltwater pool.
Offer a variety of foods daily to keep their diet balanced.
Remove uneaten fresh food within 24 hours to prevent mold.
Always provide calcium-rich foods for healthy shell growth.
Keep food bowls clean and free from mold or bacteria buildup.
By feeding your hermit crabs a diverse and nutritious diet, you’ll help them thrive and live a long, happy life.