HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I see these three words used quite often: Food, treats and supplements. People seem to categorize and treat them each as separate entities. What is the definition of each and how are they handled differently?

I think it's just semantics. Supplements and treats are things that shouldn't be served as staple foods, but contain nutrients hermit crabs still need like calcium. For example, your lipids (like the crab safe oils) should be fed less frequently. Too much refined sugar is bad for them, but not as an occasional treat.

I thought it was just semantics but I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything.

Each manufacturer may have a different standard for the items they use under each term. Speaking for Crabotanicals only, I sell Himalayan Pink Salt which cannot be categorized as a food because a crab would starve if that was all you offered. It is strictly a supplement. Cuttlebone would be a supplement for the reason that you cannot live on calcium alone. I would define treat is something lacking in basic nutrition (really starchy or sugary or highly refined), for instance, I use the term "treat" on my puffed grains. A food would cover at least a good portion of some basic required nutrients.

Those explanations make perfect sense!! Thanks for taking the time to post, Jedi Sena!

This thread inspired me to take a look at my Etsy store and make the distinction clear for shoppers, especially since I am adding so many new products nowadays.

Does this mean I get a discount?

J/K! I'm glad I could help!!

I offer a 10% Discount for purchases over $25 using coupon code: BUY25GET10 and if you tell me you're mool and I owe you one in the order comments, I'll throw in a bonus "thank you" product!