Hermit crabs are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. In captivity, their diet should be based on a balanced commercial food supplemented with a variety of fresh foods. A wide variety of foods should be offered on a rotating basis, including:

• Fresh fruits: mango, papaya, coconut (fresh or dried), apples, applesauce, bananas, grapes, pineapple, strawberries, melons, etc.
• Fresh vegetables: kale, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, etc.
• Grains: wheat bran, oats, amaranth, wild rice, etc.
• Seeds: chia, pumpkin, sesame, etc.
• Unsweetened dried fruits: goji berries, etc.

It is important to avoid feeding dairy products and to provide ample calcium to support the health of their exoskeleton, especially during molting. Ways to provide ample calcium include cuttlebone, calcium vitamin supplements, and shredded cuttlebone added to food. Additionally, hermit crabs need access to both fresh and saltwater, so two water dishes should be provided. The dishes should be big and deep enough to let the crabs get into them if they wish to soak, but easy to get out of and not so deep that drowning is a risk. Some safe treats for hermit crabs include peanut butter, honey, washed grass, trail mix, and popcorn.