Hermit Crab Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Foods and Spices: What’s Safe and What’s Not for Hermit Crabs

As Thanksgiving approaches, it's natural to want to share some holiday cheer with all your loved ones—even the tiny, shelled ones! Hermit crabs can enjoy a few of the foods and flavors from Thanksgiving, but it’s important to be selective. Some ingredients and dishes are safe, while others can be dangerous for these sensitive animals. Here’s a guide to what’s safe and what’s best avoided when treating your hermit crab to a little holiday feast.

Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Hermit Crabs

When considering what to share with your hermit crab, think natural and minimal in terms of preparation. Many fruits and vegetables served plain are safe for them, but make sure they are raw or simply steamed without any spices, oils, or salts. Here are some safe options:

• Safe Preparation: Plain, steamed, without any added ingredients.
• Why: High in vitamins and minerals, sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients that are good for hermit crabs.

• Safe Preparation: steamed without additives.
• Why: Pumpkins and squash are full of beneficial nutrients, and their soft texture is easy for hermit crabs to consume.

• Safe Preparation: Plain and raw.
• Why: Cranberries are a great, antioxidant-rich treat, but only serve them in small amounts.

• Safe Preparation: Raw and diced, with seeds removed (apple seeds contain cyanide compounds that are harmful to hermit crabs).
• Why: Apples are nutritious and have a hint of sweetness that many hermit crabs enjoy.

• Safe Preparation: Washed thoroughly and cooked.
• Why: Leafy greens are loaded with minerals and vitamins, but should be cooked to help break down  the oxalates, which bind calcium and make it harder to absorb .

• Safe Preparation: Thinly sliced, raw, or steamed without salt.
• Why: Carrots are crunchy, nutrient-dense, and hermit crabs typically enjoy munching on them.

Safe Thanksgiving Spices for Hermit Crabs

While hermit crabs don’t need spices, a few can be beneficial in very small amounts. Avoid using these spices in cooked or processed forms, and never add salt or sugar.

• Why: Parsley has antioxidants like flavonoids and beta-carotene, which help combat cellular stress and support long-term health.

• Why: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can be a beneficial addition in tiny amounts.

Several Thanksgiving foods and spices should be strictly avoided, as they contain ingredients or substances harmful to hermit crabs. Here’s what to keep off the menu for your shelled friend:

• Why: These usually contain salt, butter, cream, and sometimes garlic or onion—all harmful to hermit crabs.

• Why: Stuffing contains bread, seasonings, and sometimes garlic, onions, or other unsafe ingredients, which can be toxic.

• Why: Hermit crabs are omnivorous and can eat some protein sources, but prepared meats contain seasonings, fats, and preservatives. Processed meats are particularly bad, as they’re high in salt.

• Why: While pumpkin itself is safe, pies and desserts are loaded with sugar, butter, and spices like nutmeg (which is toxic to hermit crabs), making them dangerous to share.

• Why: Both are toxic to hermit crabs, even in small amounts, and should be kept away from their food.

• Why: Nutmeg is toxic to hermit crabs and can cause serious health issues if ingested.

• Why: Excess salt and sugar can upset the delicate balance of minerals and fluids in hermit crabs, leading to serious health problems.

Tips for Serving Thanksgiving Treats to Hermit Crabs

• Keep it Simple: Hermit crabs don’t need  seasoning or processing to enjoy their food. The closer to raw or natural, the better.
• Offer Small Portions: Hermit crabs are tiny and can only eat a little bit at a time, so keep the portions small.
• Avoid Leftovers: Any uneaten food should be removed from their habitat within 24 hours to prevent spoilage and mold growth.

A Sample Thanksgiving Treat for Hermit Crabs

If you want to make a special Thanksgiving “dish” for your hermit crabs, here’s a safe and easy option:

• Ingredients: Small pieces of raw pumpkin, a sliver of sweet potato, a cranberry, and a small leaf of kale. (Cooked)
• Preparation: Dice everything into tiny, bite-sized pieces and serve it on a small dish. Remove after a few hours.

Final Thoughts

Sharing a bit of Thanksgiving with your hermit crab can be a fun and heartwarming way to celebrate the season. By sticking to simple, raw foods and avoiding harmful ingredients, you can ensure your crab has a safe and enjoyable holiday treat. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your shelled friends!