Build a Balanced Crab Plate: How to Feed Your Hermit Crab

Build Your Crab Plate -

Feeding your hermit crab isn’t just about putting food in a bowl, it’s about building a balanced little meal that helps them grow, molt and stay healthy. Think of each meal like a tiny dinner plate. Protein is the star of the plate but every food group plays an important role.

Crab Plate Percentages - 

  • Protein – 50%
    Protein is the most important part of a hermit crab’s diet. It supports growth, energy and healthy molts. Offering protein daily helps crabs get the amino acids they need to build and repair their exoskeleton. Examples: red shrimp, chicken heart, crickets, mealworms
  • Sea Vegetables, Harvestables, Fruits & Veggies – 20%
    This is their “foraging” section. In the wild, hermit crabs wander and snack on a wide variety of plant-based foods. This part of the plate provides vitamins, minerals and natural enrichment by letting them explore different textures and flavors. Examples: kelp, spinach, oak leaves, pumpkin, cranberries
  • Calcium – 15%
    Calcium helps build strong shells and is especially important before and after molting. Hermit crabs naturally seek out calcium sources to rebuild their exoskeleton, so this should always be available. Examples: crushed eggshell, crab & lobster shell, oyster shell
  • Fats – 10%
    Healthy fats give energy and support the molting process but they’re best offered in smaller amounts. Think of fats as the “energy booster” part of the meal, not the main course. Examples: coconut, chia seeds, almonds
  • Other – 5%
    This includes optional extras and variety foods that add enrichment and interest to their diet. These aren’t the main nutrients, but they help keep meals exciting and engaging. Examples: honey granules, worm castings, green sand

How Much Should I Feed?

A good starting amount is about ¼–½ teaspoon for every 2 hermit crabs.

If food is gone quickly, offer a little more next time.

If food is left behind, scoop a little less. Hermit crabs are tiny but they’re great at leaving clues.

Feeding Tips for Happy Crabs -

  • Change food every other day to keep it fresh
  • Remove old food so it doesn’t mold
  • Offer variety over time rather than the same foods every day
  • During molting, crabs may eat less or not at all—this is normal

Feeding Made Simple -

Balancing all these food groups can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re new to hermit crab care. That’s exactly why I offer complete meal mixes—they’re designed to include the right variety in one scoop, so you don’t have to guess, measure, or worry about missing something important. Simple for you, healthy for your crabs.

(Based on Kilimanjaro Hermit Crab, LHCOS and HCA research)