The Complete Nutritional Guide for Exotic Pets
“Exotic pet” covers everything from parakeets to hermit crabs, and each one eats very differently. Here’s the big-picture view.
Birds
Most companion birds do best on a quality pellet base plus fresh vegetables, with seed and fruit as treats. Seed-only diets are a common cause of nutritional problems.
Small mammals
Rabbits and guinea pigs need unlimited grass hay for gut and dental health. Guinea pigs also need vitamin C every day because they can’t make their own.
Reptiles
Insect-eaters need gut-loaded feeders dusted with calcium; herbivores need leafy greens; snakes eat whole prey. Proper UVB and heat are part of “nutrition” too — without them, calcium can’t be used.
Invertebrates
Hermit crabs need varied foods plus calcium and both fresh and salt water. Snails need a constant calcium source to keep shells strong.
Every species is different — check our care guides or ask our team.
