The Best Places to Buy Quality Hermit Crab Food

So you’ve decided to get a hermit crab as a pet. They’re fun, low maintenance animals that can live over 10 years with proper care One key to keeping your crab healthy is providing appropriate food. Hermit crabs are scavengers by nature and need a varied diet. In this guide, I’ll recommend the best places to buy tasty and nutritious premade foods, mixes and treats formulated especially for hermit crabs

Why Proper Diet is Crucial for Pet Hermit Crabs

Hermit crabs eat a wide range of foods in the wild. To thrive in captivity they need a diet that mimics what they’d find naturally. Here’s why proper nutrition matters

• Premade foods provide balanced nutrition not possible with table scraps alone.
• A varied diet prevents boredom and picky eating. Crabs enjoy exploring new foods.
• Improper foods or lack of nutrients can cause shell abandonment, lethargy, illness and early death.
• Quality foods support exoskeleton growth needed for crabs to change shells as they grow.

When selecting hermit crab food, look for these key indicators of a nutritious formula:

• High in calcium and protein for shell growth
• Contains fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds
• Made with all natural, organic ingredients
• No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
• Has added vitamins and minerals

Where to Buy Top Quality Hermit Crab Foods

Fortunately, it’s easy to find appetizing and nutritious premade hermit crab foods, mixes and treats from quality brands at these locations:

Local Pet Stores

Visiting a local, independent pet store is a great option for finding hermit crab food. Benefits include:

• Able to inspect products in person before buying
• Store staff often very knowledgeable about hermit crab care
• Ability to buy small amounts to try new foods
• Support small local businesses and community

Be sure to check ingredient lists and selects foods specifically formulated for hermit crabs. Avoid generic crustacean foods.

Large Pet Retailers

Major chains like Petco, PetSmart and Pet Supplies Plus stock a wide variety of name brand hermit crab foods, including:

• Zilla’s Hermit Crab Cuisine
• Fluker’s Buffet Blend Hermit Crab Food
• Exo Terra Hermit Crab Food
• Zoo Med Hermit Crab Food

Their large inventories means you can find staple foods as well as new treats to add variety. Browsing their selection makes it easy to compare formulas.

Online Pet Supply Stores

Ordering hermit crab food online is super convenient, especially if local stores have limited options. Recommended online suppliers include:

Petco – Large pet products retailer with free shipping on orders $35+

Chewy – Specializes in pet food delivery with auto-ship program for regular orders

PetSmart – Major pet supplies seller with in-store and online purchasing

Amazon – Carries a huge range of hermit crab foods and ships via Prime

Check seller ratings, read reviews, and look for guarantees when buying food online. Make sure to order well ahead of running out so you don’t have a gap in food.

Recommended Hermit Crab Food Brands and Products

Over the years, I’ve tried numerous hermit crab foods in search of ones my pets enjoy and thrive on. Here are some of my top picks:

• Zoo Med Hermit Crab Fruit & Veggie Food – My crabs go nuts for the banana chips and other dehydrated fruits. This provides beneficial nutrition from natural ingredients.

• Zilla Clump ‘N Feed – This clay-based substrate and food in one is a great natural calcium source. My crabs pick away at it steadily.

• Fluker’s Repta Treat Food & Watermelon Flavored Treat – Fluker’s makes moist, appetizing treats that provide excitement at feeding time. The watermelon is a hit with my crabs.

• Instant Ocean Crab Salad – My guys love this freeze-dried real crab food. It’s a great source of protein. I break up the rigid pellets before feeding.

• Nature Zone Hermit Crab Bites – These allergen-free bites have strong appetizing aromas and provide a well-rounded nutritional profile.

Tips for Feeding Your Hermit Crab

Once you’ve stocked up on quality foods, here are some tips for feeding your crab:

• Provide a constant, reliably-filled food dish so crab can eat small amounts continuously.
• Mix up food types for variety. Combine pellets, granules, freeze-dried, fresh, etc.
• Break up large pieces, pellets or chunks so crab can easily eat them.
• Remove uneaten fresh foods within 24 hours to prevent spoilage.
• Rotate novel foods to maintain interest and nutrition.
• Experiment to discover each crab’s favorite foods.
• Feed a diet rich in calcium to support shell growth.
• Ensure proper ration of protein, fruits, veggies, nuts and calcium sources.

With a quality, varied diet, proper humidity and proper habitat setup, your hermit crab will live a long, healthy and active life. Feed them a wide array of great foods easily found online or at pet supply stores.