The 5 Best Hermit Crab Commercial Food Options

Are you a proud owner of a hermit crab and want to ensure they receive the best nutrition possible? Look no further than commercial foods specifically designed for these adorable crustaceans. As a fellow hermit crab owner, I’ve had my fair share of trial and error when it comes to choosing the right food.

In this article, I’ll share my personal experience and research to help you find the best commercial food for your beloved hermit crab.

5 Best Hermit Crab Food Brands

When it comes to choosing the best commercial food for your hermit crab, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the numerous brands available in the market. However, a few brands have gained popularity among hermit crab owners due to their high-quality ingredients and proven track record.

Fluker’s Buffet Blend Diet Hermit Crab Food

One of the most popular brands of hermit crab food is Fluker’s, and their Buffet Blend Diet is a top favorite among hermit crab enthusiasts. This food contains a blend of protein-rich shrimp, mealworms, and calcium-rich pellets, making it a complete and balanced diet for hermit crabs.

The Buffet Blend Diet comes in a powder form, which is easy to feed and can be mixed with water to create a paste. This paste can also be used to coat fresh fruits and vegetables, giving your hermit crab a variety of flavors and nutrients.

In addition to its nutritional benefits, Fluker’s Buffet Blend Diet is also affordable and readily available in most pet stores and online retailers. However, it’s important to note that some hermit crabs may not like the taste or texture of the powder, and it’s best to introduce it gradually into their diet.

Fluker’s Premium Variety Diet Hermit Crab Food

For hermit crab owners who want to offer their pets a varied diet, Fluker’s Premium Variety Diet is an excellent option. This food contains a mix of mealworms, river shrimp, and freeze-dried plankton, providing a range of protein sources for hermit crabs.

The Premium Variety Diet also comes in a powder form, which can be mixed with water to create a paste or used as a coating for fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the freeze-dried plankton can be used as a standalone treat or added to other food mixes for added nutrition.

One of the benefits of Fluker’s Premium Variety Diet is its high protein content, which is essential for the growth and overall health of hermit crabs. The variety of ingredients also helps prevent boredom and encourages foraging behavior in hermit crabs.

However, as with any new food, it’s recommended to introduce Fluker’s Premium Variety Diet gradually into a hermit crab’s diet to avoid any digestive upset or picky eaters. Nevertheless, this food is an excellent choice for hermit crab owners who want to offer their pets a variety of high-quality, nutritious foods.

Snout and Shell Berry Hibiscus Hermit Crab Dry Food

Snout and Shell is a small, family-owned business that specializes in providing natural and nutritious food for a range of pets, including hermit crabs. Their Berry Hibiscus Dry Food is a favorite among hermit crab owners due to its high-quality ingredients and unique flavor profile.

This dry food contains a blend of dried fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers that are all safe for hermit crabs to consume. The key ingredients include mango, hibiscus, and cranberries, which provide essential vitamins and antioxidants for hermit crabs.

One of the benefits of Snout and Shell’s Berry Hibiscus Dry Food is its natural and additive-free composition. The company believes in providing wholesome and nutritious food for pets, and this is reflected in their hermit crab food offering. The food is also easy to store and can be kept in an airtight container for several weeks.

However, it’s essential to note that Snout and Shell’s Berry Hibiscus Dry Food may not be suitable for hermit crabs with specific dietary needs or allergies to any of the ingredients. It’s recommended to consult a veterinarian or expert before introducing any new food into a hermit crab’s diet.

Florida Marine Research Hermit Crab Food

Florida Marine Research is a trusted brand in the marine pet industry, and their hermit crab food line is no exception. Their hermit crab food contains a blend of both animal protein and plant-based ingredients, including fish meal, soybean, and wheat germ.

One of the advantages of Florida Marine Research’s Hermit Crab Food is its high calcium content, which is essential for healthy shell growth and overall health. The food also contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E and copper, which support a healthy immune system.

Florida Marine Research’s Hermit Crab Food comes in a pellet form, which is easy to feed and can be mixed with other foods or offered as a standalone meal. The pellets also have a long shelf life and can be stored for several months without losing their nutritional value.

However, it’s important to note that some hermit crabs may not like the taste or texture of the pellets, and it’s best to introduce the food slowly and in small amounts. Additionally, some hermit crab owners have reported that the pellets can be a bit large for smaller hermit crabs.

Zoo Med Hermit Crab Food

Zoo Med has been a leading brand in the pet industry for over forty years, and their hermit crab food products are no exception to their high standards. Their hermit crab food comes in two forms – a pelleted formula and a canned formula.

The pelleted formula contains a blend of protein-rich fish meal, soy flour, and wheat flour, as well as added vitamins and minerals for optimal nutrition. The canned formula contains a mix of chicken, liver, and fish, which provides a high protein source for hermit crabs.

One of the benefits of Zoo Med’s Hermit Crab Food is its high calcium content, which is essential for healthy shell growth and overall health. Additionally, the canned formula includes added omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and a shiny shell.

Zoo Med’s Hermit Crab Food is easy to feed and can be mixed with other foods for added variety. The canned formula can be used as a standalone meal or as a treat, while the pelleted formula can be fed daily to ensure a complete and balanced diet.

However, some hermit crab owners have reported that their pets are picky eaters and don’t enjoy the taste of Zoo Med’s Hermit Crab Food. It’s recommended to introduce the food gradually and offer alternative food options to ensure your hermit crab receives proper nutrition.

How to Feed Your Hermit Crab

Feeding your hermit crab a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. Here are some tips on how to feed your hermit crab:

1. Offer a variety of foods

Hermit crabs are omnivores, which means they require both plant-based and animal protein sources for optimal nutrition. Offer your hermit crab a variety of foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, commercial pellet or powder formulas, and treat options such as freeze-dried mealworms or shrimp.

2. Feed in small amounts

Hermit crabs have small stomachs and can’t consume large amounts of food at once. It’s best to offer food in small amounts and remove any uneaten food after a few hours to prevent spoilage.

3. Provide calcium sources

Calcium is an essential nutrient for hermit crabs, and it’s important to offer sources such as cuttlebone or crushed eggshells for healthy shell growth. Commercial food options also often contain added calcium.

4. Clean food dishes regularly

Dirty food dishes can harbor bacteria and cause illness in hermit crabs. Clean food dishes after each feeding and replace any uneaten food with fresh options.

5. Offer fresh water

Hermit crabs require fresh water to drink and also to soak in to maintain proper humidity levels. Provide a water dish and change the water regularly to prevent contamination.

Tips for Storing Hermit Crab Food

Proper storage of hermit crab food can help maintain its nutritional value and prevent spoilage. Here are some tips for storing hermit crab food:

1. Keep it cool and dry

Hermit crab food should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or moisture. Exposure to heat and humidity can cause the food to spoil or lose its nutritional value.

2. Store in airtight containers

Airtight containers such as plastic bins or glass jars can help prevent moisture and air from entering the food, which can lead to spoilage. Label the containers with the date of purchase or expiration to ensure freshness.

3. Avoid overstocking

Purchasing only the amount of food needed for a few weeks can prevent overstocking and prevent the food from sitting for too long. This can ensure that the food is consumed before it expires.

4. Check for pests

Pests such as ants or weevils can be attracted to stored hermit crab food. Inspect the food regularly and discard any food that shows signs of pests.

5. Rotate the food

Hermit crab food should be rotated regularly to ensure freshness and prevent boredom in your pet. Offering a variety of food options can also provide different nutrients and flavors for your hermit crab.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best commercial food for your hermit crab can be overwhelming, but there are a few brands that have proven to be reliable choices for hermit crab owners. Hermit Crab Patch, Fluker’s, and Zoo Med have all received positive reviews for their high-quality ingredients and essential nutrients.

Additionally, smaller brands like Snout and Shell also offer unique and natural food options for hermit crabs. When feeding your hermit crab, it’s important to offer a variety of foods, provide calcium sources, and clean food dishes regularly. Proper storage of hermit crab food can also help maintain its nutritional value and prevent spoilage.