What Do Hermit Crabs Eat?

In order to keep your hermit crab healthy your crabs will need a balanced diet. Just like we need our meat and vegetables, so do hermit crabs. The commercial diets are the 'meat and vegetables' of your hermit crab's diet, balanced with some fresh foods such as fruit, nuts, seeds; and then rare treats offered now and then, other 'treats' that should be offered after the meat and vegetable type 'staples'. Hermit crabs are omnivores, which means they will eat almost anything when they need to, but that does not mean that you should feed them anything. Keep in mind what they would eat in the wild like fruits, fish, seaweed, wood and even leaves.Remember, each crab has different preferences. With fresh fruit treats inside the tank, remember to clean out daily. Remember to remove fresh treats as soon as they show signs of spoiling, and refresh the dry treat daily. As a special treat, you can offer popcorn, Nori strip (seaweed), steamed fish or a slice of meat. For more on alternating their diet, read the article by Dr Robert W. Thacker. "In Panama the hermit crab Coenobita compressus rests above the tide line in trees, and under rocks and drift wood during the day and visits the beach at low tide to search for food. fruit, dead animals, and even human feces on the shore (Herreid and Full, 1986)" What Food Are Vital For Hermies To Eat? It is important to feed them a varied diet which includesprotein, calcium. Commercial foods are specially formulated for land hermit crabs and provide the nutrients they would receive in the wild. Think of them as ’greens’. Commercial Foods 'Meat and Vegetables' Type Foods You can view commercial foods in the Product Reviews section. Remember -- not all commercial foods are developed with the dietary needs of land hermit crabs in mind. Read the label and compare with the popular brands. Many manufactpet stores will often throw together leftover small animal food and charge ten times the price for it. Weekly Banquet In a heavy-based bowl within the tank or within a clean plastic tub, place some (or all) of the following: lettuce leaf, spinach or bok choy leaf; broccoli florette; carrot slice or other non-starch vegetable; fresh fruit sliced or chopped; 1/4 of a Nori (Roasted Seaweed Sheets) Sheet; 1 tsp. peanut butter; sprinkling of shredded or other fresh foods that are land hermit crab-friendly or anything from the list above. How Do I Hand Feed My Hermit Crab? Place the food in one hand, and the crab in other. It is best to start with a piece of fruit that is larger than your fingers, such as a slice of banana or apple ring, then move onto grapes and other fruits or smaller items. Brush the food against the larger of its two big claws. If it is hungry, it will rip a little bit off and start eating. If it is not hungry, it will grab the food but not bring it to its mouth. You will soon know if a hermit crab likes the food or not, because when they do like the food they can often eat large amounts at a time. Sometimes they might try to flick your fingers away, as if ‘It’s ok, Mum/Dad, I can do it on my own!’. The food might fall now and then, but once your hermit crab has learnt to feed themselves you will be able to watch the two little ‘feeding hands’ at work moving the food from claw to mouth. Hand feeding is one way to know that they eat. Foods database from The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society Note: Ethoxyquin and Meal are highlighted since many land hermit crab owners do not wish to add Ethoxyquin (EQ) to their diet. Many 'meal' ingredients contain hidden EQ. Name Rating 1-10 Cost Comment Alfalfa      Alfalfa leaf is a member of the legume family. The alfalfa leaf, a portion arising from the alfalfa seed, is an excellent source of key nutrients, including vitamin C, iron, magnesium and manganese. Alfalfa Leaf contains Chlorophyll, helps assimilate protein, calcium and other nutrients, and is a natural deodorizer. Alfalfa Sprouts     Alfalfa sprouts are a member of the pea family. Alfalfa sprouts are rich sources of antioxidants, anti-carcinogens, phytochemicals, enzymes, trace minerals and numerous other living nutrients which work against toxins, resist cell mutation and invigorate the body's immune system. One of the phytochemicals contained in alfalfa sprouts is 'saponins'. Saponins lower the "bad" cholesterol and fat but not the "good" HDL fats. Sprouts are good sources of vitamin C, folate, beta carotene and niacin. Almonds      Almonds contain more calcium than any other nut. Almonds are also a significant source of magnesium, which contributes to strong bones as well, and they supply a healthy amount of vitamin E. These sweet, versatile nuts have the highest dietary fiber content of any nut or seed, supplying more than 3 grams of fiber per ounce; like all nuts, almonds are a good source of protein, although they are lacking the essential amino acid, lysine. (However, that problem is easily solved by combining almonds with legumes that are high in lysine).. Source of calcium, magnesium, quercetin and vitamin E Amaranth     Amaranth is a seed plant which is a good alternative source of carbohydrate energy. Amaranth is a valuable carbohydrate ingredient with a unique flavor that compliments the flavor of barley, oats and rye. It is also high in linoleic acids, which are good for skin and coat. Anchovy fish meal     Anchovy fish meal is the clean, rendered (cooked down), dried ground tissue of undecomposed whole anchovy fish or anchovy fish cuttings, either or both, with or without the extraction of part of the oil. Apple (fresh)  10    Apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber. About 81 percent of the fiber is soluble; most of it is of a type called pectin. Apples provide both soluble and insoluble fiber, some vitamin C and beta carotene, and potassium and boron. A member of the rose family, the apple has a compartmented core and is thus classified as a pome fruit. Apple Rings (dried)  10    All  Australian Dried Mango Strips  10  $10/kilo  Given in little strips at a time, watch them devour!  Avocado      Avocados are a cholesterol-free, sodium-free fruit with low saturated fat. The avocado has the highest vitamin E content of any fruit and contains lutein, which acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against the damaging effects of free radicals. Avocado oil     Avocado oil is a monounsaturated fatty acid. Avocado oil is a rich source for the essential oils that promote a healthy skin and coat. The avocado has the highest vitamin E content of any fruit. It also contains lutein, which is a carotenoid. Lutein acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against the damaging effects of free radicals. It benefits eyesight and reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease. Banana  10  not much  Bananas are an elongated, usually tapering tropical fruit with soft pulpy flesh enclosed in a soft, usually yellow rind. Bananas are a rich source of carbohydrates, potassium, magnesium and many vitamins. Barley      Barley, one of the first crops cultivated by man, has been used as a food and medication since biblical times. More flavorful and chewy than white rice, although not as strongly flavored as brown rice, this versatile grain deserves a place in the kitchen of the health-oriented cook. Like oats, barley is an excellent source of soluble fiber, and so can be effective in lowering cholesterol levels. Hulled barley, the form of the grain in which the bran is left intact, is exceptionally nutritious, especially in terms of thiamin and dietary fiber. In its most commonly eaten form, known as pearled barley, the bran is removed and the grain has less iron, manganese, phosphorus, and thiamin. Still, it's a highly nutritious and tasty food. Bell peppers      Green bell peppers are excellent sources of many essential nutrients, especially vitamin C. Also known as Capsicum Bilberries      Also known as Blueberries  Blackberry      Also called a bramble because it grows on thorny bushes (brambles), the blackberry is the largest of the wild berries. Purplish-black in color, it ranges from 1/2 to 1 inch long when mature. Blackberries are widely cultivated in the United States and are available, depending on the region, from May through August. Look for plump, deep-colored berries sans hull. If the hulls are still attached, the berries are immature and were picked too early; the flavor will be tart. Source of antioxidants and tannin Blackberry leaves      The bark of the root and the leaves contain much tannin Blueberries     Blueberries are the edible fruit of the blueberry bush. Blueberries are a good source of fiber and do not pose a health risk in pet foods. They may add an interesting color or flavor to the food, which can affect a pet's taste preference. They contain more disease-fighting, age-proofing antioxidants than practically any other fruit or vegetable, even powerhouses such as kale, broccoli, and oranges Bok Choy     A member of the brassica family(spinach, cauliflower etc), bok choy offers nutritional assets similar to those of other cabbages: It is rich in vitamin C and contains significant amounts of nitrogen compounds known as indoles, as well as fiber--both of which appear to lower the risk of various forms of cancer. Bok choy is also a good source of folate (folic acid). And with its deep green leaves, bok choy has more beta-carotene than other cabbages, and it also supplies considerably more calcium. Broccoli      A real nutritional powerhouse. Along with a rich supply of vitamins and minerals--notably vitamin C, folate (folic acid), and potassium--it contains the phytochemical sulforaphane, which helps reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, broccoli contains a good amount of beta-carotene. Brown rice      Brown rice is the whole grain which retains a natural coating of bran. Brown rice contains 10% rice bran. Brown rice provides slightly more fiber, Vitamin E, protein, phosphorus, riboflavin, and calcium than white rice. However, most white rice is enriched and therefore provides more thiamin and iron. Canteloupe      Also known as Rockmelon  Carnation flowers      Organic is best Carrot tops      Why throw them away? I find it best to leave them in the tank overnight and remove the next morning. Carrots      Carrots are the roots of the carrot plant, and a member of the parsley family. Carrots are the root of the carrot plant, a member of the parsley family. Carrots provide flavor and important nutrients, including protector antioxidants. Cauliflower and leaves        Celery leaves      Celery is a member of the carrot family and is related to anise, parsley and parsnips. Cereal (Non-sugared)      Oats, Corn Flakes, Wheat Bix etc Chamomile flowers      Available at Organic and Health food stores Chard      Chard goes by many names—Swiss chard, leaf beet, seakettle beet, and spinach beet to name a few  Cherry      Give them the squishy ones! Chicken      A delicacy Cholla wood      They often nibble on choya wood put into the tank as decoration. Cilantro      Also known as Chinese Parsley and Coriander  Clams      Buy a clam or two when shopping - great treat Clover blossoms and leaves      Available at Organic and Health food stores Coconut Curls/Ribbons  10    Available at Organic and Health food stores Coconut (Fresh)  10  $.99 with score for easy breaking  All hermit crabs love this treat  Coconut oil       Extra virgin organic coconut oil preferred  Collards      Rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene  Collards      Rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene and calcium  Cork Bark  10  $9.99 a pound  Even though it's expensive per pound, cork bark is 'very' light weight, so a large piece can only cost a couple of dollars to buy. The bark provides a form of tannin, along with making a great climbing object within the crabitat. Our hermies 'LOVE' to eat it, especially the rotted sections. They will strip the cork bark clean. :D   Corn      All types, including on the cob  Cranberries      Cranberries are the edible fruit of the cranberry plant. Cranberries are excellent antioxidant food (Flavonoids) and are high in Vitamin C. Including dried cranberries aka craisins  Cranberry meal     Cranberry meal is the edible fruit of the cranberry plant that has been dried and ground. Cranberry powder     Cranberry powder is the dehydrated form of the cranberry plant. Cucumber      Source of moisture Currants      Dried or fresh Cuttlefish bone      Available on beaches and in pet stores Dandelion roots      Dandelion roots are said to contain more Vitamin C than carrots and naturally rich in potassium Dandelion flowers      Available at Organic and Health food stores Dandelion leaves       Dandelion leaves are said to contain more Vitamin C than carrots and naturally rich in potassium Dried Kelp     Dried kelp is dried seaweed of the families Laminariacae and Fucaeae. Kelp is a general term used to describe large brown seaweeds. Seaweeds have been used throughout the world for centuries as a rich source of natural organic minerals and vitamins like iodine, potassium and calcium. The thyroid gland depends upon minerals, especially iodine, to function properly and to secrete adequate amounts of thyroxin and trilodothyronine. These hormones influence metabolic rate and body temperature. Kelp is not only rich in iodine, but is also an additional natural source of beta-carotene, B vitamins and vitamin C. Dried Seaweed Select  8  $3.47 plus tax--.4 oz/12 g  Rich in Vit C ,natural dried seaweed, 4 sheets--6" x 7.4"  Dulse/ Dulse Flakes (Maine Coast Sea Vegetables)  10  $4 per 4 oz bag  Dulse is a sea lettuce like kelp and grows in intertidal zones. Dulse is full of essential vitamins and mineral salts. Add this along with Spirulina powder when you grind up FMR pellets. Or put a pinch in a shell and watch your hermies go nuts for this sea veggie!  Eggs - cooked        FMR Food  8  $2.17 plus tax--2 oz  Ingredients: CornMeal, Soybean Meal, AlfalfaMeal, Meat & bone meal, Soybean oil, Coconut oil, Magnesium Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Iron Sulphate, Copper Sulphate, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt, Calcium Carbonate Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein-not less than 12%, Crude Fat-not less than 3%, Crude Fiber-not more than 12%, Moisture-not more than 20%, Minerals- added not to exceed 3.50%   FMR Land Hermit Crab Treat  10  $2.17  Fruits that hermies would get in the wild, with a touch of salt added (not to mention it smells good :-D)  Fish flakes      Best kind has spirulina or kelp powder Flax seed oil      Available at Organic and Health food stores Flax seeds      Available at Organic and Health food stores Garbanzos      Great source of cellulose Grape Leaf      Great to put your messy foods on Grapefruit Tree Bark from dead twigs  10  $0  They pick at the bark until it is clean off the twig  Grapes  7    Seems pretty popular with certain crabs.  Grapevine      Often used as decoration and edible HBH Hermit Crab Bites      HBH Hermit Crab Bites: Guaranteed Analysis: Min. Crude Protein, 38%; Min. Crude Fat, 8%; Max Crude Fiber, 5%; Max. Moisture Content, 8%; Max Ash, 15%. Ingredients: FishMeal, Fish Oil, BloodMeal, Hydrolyzed FeatherMeal, Wheat Flour, Dried Brewer’s Yeast, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosplate (Source of Stabilized Vitamin C), d-Biotin, Choline Chloride, Folic Acid, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine HCI, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, D-Activated Animal Sterol (Source of Vitamin D3), a-Tocopheryl Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex (Source of Vitamin K3), Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodate, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenate (Selenium), Ethoxyquin (Preservative).  Hermit CrabMeal Vitaminized  3  $4.99 plus tax--5.64 oz/160 g  Even though the ingredients are good, our hermies really don't care for this food  Hikari Ocean Plankton  10  $5.97 (plus sales tax) 0.42 oz (12g)  100% Pure Frozen Dried Food Free of Parasites & Harmful Bacteria Ingredients: Ocean Plankton, Vit E, Vit C, Vit B 1, Vit B 2, Vit B 6, Vit B 12. Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 68%, Crude Fat 17%, Crude Fiber 2%, Moisture 5.5%, Phosphorus 0.1%  Honey Roasted Oats  9  inexpensive  All  Honey--Virginia Brand Pure Clover Honey  10  $2.58---16 oz/1 lb.  All hermies love this, it's 100% all natural, contains 'several' natural bacteria's hermies need to stay healthy  Jurassi Diet Hermit Crab Food  9  $4.95 (plus sales tax) 60g/21 oz  Very small pellets, that I blend in the blender to a powder. Ingredients: Krill meal, fish meal, alfalfa, fish oil, beta carotene, spirulina, xanthophyll, vitamin A Acetate, D-Activated Animal Sterol (D 3), Vitamin B 12, Rioflavin, Niacin, Folic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Thiamine, Biotin, DL Alphatocopherol (E), L- ascorbyl-2 polyphosphate (C), choline chloride, cobalt sulfate sulfate, copper sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, Guaranteed Analysis: Protein (min) 35%, Crude Fat (min) 5%, Crude Fiber (max) 5%, Ash (max) 9%. Moisture (Max) 10% Vit. A (min) 8,000 IU/kg, Vit D 3 (min) 450 IU/kg, Vit E (min) 200 IU/kg,   Kashi  8  $3.59--1# 3 1/2 oz. (19.5 oz)  Has 7 whole grains--Whole Oats, Long Grain, Brown Rice, Whole Rye, Whole Hard Red Winter Wheat, Whole Triticale, Whole Buckwheat, Whole Barley, and sesame seeds. It's grown without chemicals or pesticides, and it doesn't contain the usual preservatives or additives. I grind this in a blender, and give it to the hermies dry.  Kaytee Healthy Toppings Apple Bits  9  $1.29 plus tax for 35g/1.2 oz  Crude Protein (min 1%) Crude Fat (min 1%) Crude Fiber (max 18%) Moisture (max 12%) Ingredients: Dehydrated Apple  Kaytee Healthy Toppings Banana Chips  9  $1.29 plus tax for 42g/1.5 oz  Crude Protein (min 1.0%) Crude Fat (min 5.0%) Crude Fiber (max 15.0%) Moisture (max 12.0%) Ingredients: Dried Banana  Kaytee Healthy Toppings Carrots & Greens  9  $1.29, plus tax for 30g/1 oz  Crude Protein (min 7.5%) Crude Fat (min 1%) Crude Fiber (max 30%) Moisture (max 12%) Ingredients: Dehydrated Carrots, Dehydrated Parsley. Dehydrated Alfalfa Leaves  Kaytee Healthy Toppings Carrots & Sweet Potatoes  9  $1.29 plus tax, 1.5 oz/42g  crude protein (min) 6.0%, Crude Fat (min) 0.5%, crude fiber (max) 12.0%, moisture (max) 12% Ingredients: Dehydrated Carrots & dehydrated sweet potatoes  Kaytee Healthy Toppings Coconut & Raspberries  9  $1.29, plus tax for 35g/1.2oz  Crude Protein (min 5%) Crude Fat (min 40%) Crude Fiber (max 18%) Moisture (max 12%) Ingredients: Coconut, Dehydrated Raspberry  Kaytee Healthy Toppings Mixed Nuts  9  $1.29, plus tax for 90g/3.2oz  Crude Protein (min 18%) Crude Fat (min 40%) Crude Fiber (max 8%) Moisture (max 12%) Ingredients: Peanuts, Walnuts, Almonds  Kaytee Healthy Toppings Pumpkin Seeds & Almonds  9  $1.29 plus tax, 2 oz/56g  Crude protein (min) 25.0%, Crude Fat (min) 35.0%, Crude Fiber (max) 10.0%, moisture (max) 12.0%, Ingredients: Hulled pumpkin seeds, Almonds  L/M Cuttlebone  10  $1.98 plus tax   Natural calcium & minerals I crush this into powder form and sprinkle it over all the hermies dry foods  Lettuce  9    Be sure it is cleaned WELL, you don't want pesticides on it. Not iceburg  Mango      Fresh, dried or defrosted Mango  10  $1  They love it  Nutrafin Spirulina Flakes  10    Wonderful addition. High in Calcium, Protein and Beta Carotene!  O.S.I. Spirulina Aquarium Flake Food  9  $6.49 (plus tax) 1.09 oz/30 g  Contains: ETHOXYQUIN (PESTICIDE/INSECTICIDE) Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein..min...41%, Crude Fat..min...4%, Crude Fiber..max..6%, Moisture..max...8%, Vit. A..min 8,000 UI/lb, Vit D..min..800UI/lb, Vit. E...min..100 UI/lb, Choline..min..500 mg/lb, Vit. C..min..200mg/lb, Inositol min. 100 mg/lb, Niacin..min. 100 mg/lb, Pantothenic Acid..min 80 mg/lb Ingredients: FishMeal, Wheat Flour, Spirulina, Shrimp meal, Algae Mea, Fish Protein Concentrate, Torula Dried yeast, Brine Shrimp, Fish Oil, Carotene, Lecithin, Vit A Palmitate, DL Tocopherol Acetate, D-Activated Animal SSterol, Thiamin Mononitrate, Choline Cloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Calcium-d-Pantothenate, Inositol, Niacinamide, Riboflvin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfate, Biotin, Vit. B-12 Supplement, Ethoxyquin (as a antioxidant)  O.S.I. Vivid Color Fish Flakes  9  $2.98-.72 oz. (20g)  CONTAINS ETHOXYQUIN (INSECTICIDE/PESTICIDE) Contains strong Natural Pigments, High level of Beta-Carotene Ingredients: Fish meal, Wheat Flour, Spirulina, Ground Brown Rice, Shrimp meal, Carotene, Fish Oil, Natural and Artificial colors, Lecithin, Vitamin A Palmitate, DL-a_Tocopherol Acetate, D-Activated Animal Sterol, Thiamine Mononitrate, Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2 Polyphosphate, Calcium d-Pantothenate, Inositol, Niacinamide, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfate, Biotin, Cyanocobalamin, Ethoxyquin (as an antioxidant)   Omega One Natural Protein Formula  8  $4.65-1oz. (28g)  CONTAINS ETHOXYQUIN (INSECTICIDE/PESTICIDE) Rich in Omega 3 & 6 Hufa's. Ingredients: Whole Salmon, Halibut, Black Cod, Whole Herring, Sea Food Mix, (including Krill, Rockfish, Shrimp, Squid, Clams and Octopus), Wheat Flour, Wheat Gluten, Soy Flour, Fresh Kelp, Lecithin, Astaxanthin, Vit C, (L-ascorbyl-2Phosphate), Natural and Artificial colors, Vit A, D, E, K3, B 1, B 2, B 6, B 12, Niacin, Pantothrnic Acid, Folic Acid, Biotin, Inositol, Ethoxyquin, and Naturox (natural mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract) as Antioxidants.   Omega One Natural Protein Formula-Veggie Flakes  10  $5.25 for 1 oz. (28g)  CONTAINS ETHOXYQUIN (INSECTICIDE/PESTICIDE) Freshwter & Marine Fish. Made with FRESH Kelp & Sirulina. Rich in Omega 3 & 6 HUFA'S. For healthy immune systems. Natural Pigments in Salmon Skins for vibrant colors. Fresh, natural fats for strong appetite stimulation. Guaranteed Analysis: Min. Crude Protein..42%, Min. Crude Fat..10%, Min. Crude Fiber..2%, Max. Moisture..8.5%, Max. Ash..8%. Ingredients: Whole Salmon, Halibut, Black Cod, Whole Herring, Spirulina, Seafood mix (including Krill, Shrimp, Squid) Wheat Flour, Fresh Kelp, Wheat Gluten, Lecithin, Astaxanthin, Vit C (L-Ascorbyl=2-Phosphate), Natural and artificial Colors, Vit A, D, E, K3, B1, B6, B12, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Folic Acid, Biotin, Inositol, Ethoxyquin, and Naturox (natural mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract) as Antioxidants.  Omega One Saltwater Tropical Fish Marine Flakes  10  $4.79 for 1 oz (28g)  CONTAINS ETHOXYQUIN (INSECTICIDE/PESTICIDE) Rich in Omega 3 & 6 HUFA'S For healthy immune systems. Natural Pigments in Salmon Skins for vibrant colors. Fresh, natural fats for strong appetite stimulation. Guaranteed Analysis: Min. Crude Protein..45%, Min. Crude Fat..11%, Min. Crude Fiber..2%, Max. Moisture..8.5%, Max. Ash..8%. Ingredients: Whole Salmon, Halibut, Black Cod, Whole Herring, Seafood mix (including Krill, Rockfish, Shrimp, Squid, Clams, Salmon eggs and Octopus) Wheat Flour, Wheat Gluten, Fresh Kelp, Spirolina, Soy Flour, Lecithin, Astaxanthin, Vit C (L-Ascorbyl-2-Phosphate), Natural and artificial Colors, Vit A, D, E, K3, B1, B6, B12, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Folic Acid, Biotin, Inositol, Ethoxyquin, and Naturox (natural mixed tocopherols and rosemary extract) as Antioxidants.   Omega One Super Veggie Kelp Pellets   10  $7.95   6.5 ounce jar Made in Alaska with kelp and spirulina as its main ingredients. Also includes an abundance of fresh fish, including salmon, black cod, and whole herring.   Peanut Butter  10  varies  Peanut Butter is my crabs' ultimate favorite.  Pears     Pears are a fleshy pome fruit that is borne by a tree of the rose family and is related to the apple. Pears contain vitamin A, and if the skin is eaten, provide a good source of dietary fiber. Popcorn      An all time favourite! Great source of cellulose Quinoa     Quinoa is a pigweed whose seeds are ground and widely used as food. It is not a true cereal grain, but the botanical fruit of an herb plant. It is treated as a grain in cooking. Quinoa is a good source of protein and nutrients Red Raspberry Leaves    $5.69 for 100 ct.  Natures Way makes a Red Raspberry Leaves product as seen on shopnatural.com  Seaweed Selects by Ocean Nutrition  9  $4.29 plus tax for 12g (0.4 oz)  Optimal food source for all species of Marine Tangs, Angels, Wrasses, Damsels & some Butterfly Fish. A nutritious supplement for grazing fish. Premium quality marine algae. Rich in Vit C! 100% digestible. Green Marine Algae, Natural dried Seeweeds (Macroalgae) (no romaine) Ingredients: 100% Natural dried seaweeds Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein (min) 35%, Crude Fat 0, Crude Fiber (max) 15%, Moisture (max) 4% Since it is a natural dried seaweed, it also has a 'natural' form of iodine in it which is essential for a healthy hermies diet.  Sliced Black Olives  10    My "kids" flip over them!! They drag them around- fast food :) -Melissa (purplefigmnt@snail-mail.net)  Soaked dry dog food  10  small bags available  My hermies love it...eat until gone  Spinach     Spinach is an annual vegetable plant grown for its leaves. Fresh spinach leaves are a rich source of Vitamin A, C and iron. Steamed Rice  8  --  my hermies love it  Stoned Wheat Crackers  8  inexpensive  Great for a plate for messy foods because the juices soak in and leave them mushy and easy to eat Sunflower Seeds      An all time favourite Sweet Potatoes     Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Complex Carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and Beta-carotene. The starch in sweet potatoes converts to sugar easily and provides quick energy. Tetra Bloodworms  9  $1.98 plus tax--.28 oz/8 g  Fantastic meat supplement and source of crude protein-50%  Tetra Dried Baby Shrimp  10  $2.97 plus tax--.35 oz/10 g  Fantastic source of chitin, especially for post molters-they love them  Tetra Ocean Plankton  9  $2.79   Complete organisms, including the shell, are an excellent source of protein as well as roughage   Tetra Water Flea  7  $3.99--.49 oz/14 g  Good meat supplement, including the chitin exoskeleton  Tinned Peaches  10 Practically nothing provided we eat the rest  Our crabs go crazy for it. (never left uneaten in our tank) They all come up an use their pinchers to pull off dainty little strings of peach. I can't prove it but I think it might be enhancing their colour.  Ultra Care Crushed Oyster Shells  9  $2.49 plus tax--13.5 oz/380 g  Excellent source of calcium, and hermies love it  Walnuts     But not shells Wardley Spirulina Discs  9  $3.99---2oz/57g  All vegetable food . Formulated with spirulina as its main ingredient, this blue green algae is known for its abundance of color enhancers. With the addition of stabilized Vitamin C and mutivitamin supplement.  Wardley Spirulina Plus  9  $4.99 (at one store) for .88oz/24.9g  ingredients:spirulina, wheat flour, soy protein isolate, corn gluten meal, wheat gluten meal, wheat germ meal, dehydrated alfafa meal, brewers yeast, rolled oats, rice flour, pea protein, soybean oil, potato starch, lecthin, zucchini, anise seed, spinach, ligin sulfonate, marigold petal extract, xanthan gum, and various vitamins.  Wasa All-Natural Crispbread (Oat flavor)     Available at Organic and Health food stores Watercress     Fresh or frozen (defrosted) Watermelon     A sweet treat Whole Oats     Whole oats consist of the entire oat grain without processing. Whole oats are a good quality source of carbohydrates. The fractionated oat ingredients used by some manufacturers such as oat bran, feeding oat meal, or oat flour, are leeched of much of their nutritional value. Whole Wheat Couscous     Good source of cellulose Wheat     Several forms Wheat germ     Wheat germ meal consists chiefly of wheat germ together with some bran and middlings or shorts. It must contain not less than 25% crude protein and 7% crude fat. This can be a good source of protein but wheat can also be a potential allergen in some animals. Whitefish     Source of protein ZooMed HC Food Dry  7    When crushed or moistened the hermit crabs will eat this on occasion. Quality ingredients.  ZooMed Hermit Crab Food Moist     The only "moist" type canned hermit crab food on the market. The addition of fresh fish makes this food palatable to even the finickest of crabs. ZooMed Turtle Treat  9    Made from dried flies, this treat seems to be a hit!  Zucchini     Zucchini is a summer squash of bushy growth with smooth, cylindrical, usually dark green fruits. Summer squashes are more than 95 percent water, and so offer only a moderate amount of nutrients. The high water content, however, means that they are very low in calories. This is an inexpensive ingredient that contributes a small amount of vitamin C. Information submitted by members of the Land Hermit Crab Owners Society References: The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hermies/ http://www.landhermitcrabs.org Burggren, W.W. and McMahon, B.R. 1988. Biology of the Land Crabs. Cambridge. Herreid, C.F. and R.J. Full. 1988. Energetics and locomotion. In Biology of the Land Crab (eds. W. Burggren and B.R. McMahon). pp. 333-377. Cambridge University Press. New York. Page, H. M. & S.W. Willason. 1983. Feeding activity patterns and carrion removal by terrestrial hermit crabs at Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands. Pac. Sci. 37: 151-155. The Hermit Crab Sourcebook by Stacey Arenella and Summer Michaelson Articles relating to diet: Adulterants & Additives - What follows is a list of ingredients added to commercial and processed foods that may harm hermit crab health when fed. Colour Enhancing Foods -Vanessa : In the wild, land hermit crabs eat many foods which enhance their colour but also benefit their health. A short article on colour enhancing foods, and the benefits of beta carotene-rich foods. Edible Flowers - Did you know that flowers are good for crabs? They contain vitamin C as well as vitamin A and many of the pigmentation substances such as beta carotene. Crabs will enthusiastically eat flowers from this edible flower list, and prefer them as they wilt and die. Food Choices of Land Hermit Crabs - Dr. Robert W. Thacker : This study demonstrates that land hermit crabs (Coenobita compressus H. Milne Edwards) display negative preference indication when feeding on natural foods, preferring foods that they have not experienced recently. Foods Containing Carotenoids - This list contains foods that are moderate to high in beta carotene Foods Containing Zeaxanthin - Zeaxanthin is an important precursor to astaxanthin, the carotenoid crustaceans need most to regulate their body systems. If astaxanthin is hard to come by, then zeaxanthin is the substance that coenobita need most. Food Database - LHCOS : Database of hermit crab foods by members of the Land Hermit Crab Owners Society. Going Natural Beginner's List: If you’ve decided to get rid of commercial diet completely, and go natural, here is a list of the recommended human-grade beginner foods. Hermit Crab Nutrition - Lisa L. : A table which lists nutrition needs, with food types and refrences to research Leaves and bark - LHCOS : Combination of messages by members of the Land Hermit Crab Owners Society. Safe Wood - Kerie : Do you know which woods are safe? Kerie offers a list of woods that can be used safely in a hermit crab environment. Spirulina and Vitamin C - Vanessa : Article looks at the benefits of Spirulina and Vitamin C in land hermit crab care and health. Recipes View the many recipes for land hermit crab food here http://www.crabstreetjournal.com/modules.php?name=Recipes [ Previous ] [ Next ] Zoo Med Hermit Crab Crunchies PUPS Price: $1.82 More Info Zoo Med Hermit Crab Food PUPS Price: $1.82 More Info Zoo Med Hermit Crab Fruit Salad PUPS Price: $3.39 More Info