What Do Snails Eat as Pets?
Snails make interesting, low-maintenance pets. If you're considering getting a snail, one of the first things you'll need to do is figure out what to feed it. Here are some tips on what snails eat as pets:
Vegetables
Snails love to eat vegetables and greens, which are packed with nutrients. Many snails really enjoy cabbages, spinach, carrots, and zucchini, which are all nutritious snacks.
Fruits
Snails also enjoy eating fruit, which are a good source of water and sugar. Apples, pears, bananas, and berries are all popular choices for snails. Just be sure to remove any seeds or pits, as these can be harmful to snails.
Protein
Snails also need to eat protein, usually in the form of insects. Mealworms, crickets, and other small invertebrates are all good sources of protein but can be difficult to find outside of pet stores. Freeze-dried insects are a good alternative. You can also offer your snail a small piece of cooked chicken or beef about once a week.
Calcium
Snails need calcium to build and maintain their shells. Cuttlebone, which is the internal shell of a cuttlefish, is a good source of calcium for snails. You can also dust your snail's food with calcium powder. If you cannot find cuttlebone, you can feed your snail eggshells. Just be sure to wash and dry them thoroughly.
Water
Snails need access to fresh water at all times. You can provide your snail with a shallow dish of water or mist its enclosure regularly. Make sure the water is clean and free of chlorine or other chemicals.
Avoiding harmful foods
There are a few foods that you should never feed your snail, including:
- Salt: Salt is toxic to snails. Avoid feeding your snail any food that contains salt.
- Spices: Spices can be irritating to snails' digestive systems. Avoid feeding your snail any food that contains spices.
- Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits are acidic and can damage snails' shells. Avoid feeding your snail any citrus fruits.
- Avocados: Avocados contain a toxin that is harmful to snails. Avoid feeding your snail any avocados.
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