What Do Snails Love to Eat? And What Foods to Avoid

Snails are primarily herbivores, with a particular fondness for leafy green vegetables. While they enjoy a variety of plant-based foods, it's crucial to know what's safe for them and what to avoid. Besides greens, snails also have a sweet tooth and appreciate fruits like bananas and oranges.

In the wild, you'll often find snails on leaves because that's a significant part of their diet. When kept as pets, snails can be fed various greens such as cabbage, spinach, lettuce, and even carrots. However, it’s important to note that while they eat leaves, snails do not eat grass. Also, avoid feeding them strong-flavored vegetables, like chives.

Favorite Foods for Snails

Snails enjoy a diverse menu of plant-based options. Here are some of their favorites:

Vegetables

Snails love vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, bok choy, carrots, cucumber peels, sugarcane, sunflower leaves, and root vegetables. These options are rich in fiber, which is essential for their digestive health. They should make up the majority of a pet snail's diet.

Fruits

Snails also appreciate sweet, soft fruits such as strawberries, bananas, oranges, honeydew melon, and watermelon. These provide them with essential vitamins and amino acids, adding valuable nutrients to their diet.

What to Feed Baby Snails

Baby snails have slightly different dietary needs. They thrive on moss, fungi, the surface membrane of leaves, soft young leaves, new shoots, and root tips. They will also consume petals, flower buds, and decaying branches. The natural film found on leaf surfaces is particularly beneficial for their growth. If your baby snail has a soft shell, a little calcium-rich milk powder mixed with mashed vegetables can be beneficial. This helps promote fast growth and a stronger shell.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Snails

Certain foods are not suitable for snails. These include grass, weeds, and strongly flavored vegetables such as onions, ginger, garlic, chives, and mustard greens. Additionally, avoid hard foods unless they are finely shredded or cut into thin slices. If feeding fruits or vegetables that are hard, ensure they are cut into small, easily manageable pieces.You might also like:Pet Breeding