what to feed hedgehogs as pets

What to Feed a Hedgehog Pet: The Complete Guide

• Use Moist Meat-Based Cat and Dog Foods as an Addition. So far, we’ve talked about dry foods. Wet cat and dog food are...
• Supplement Your Hedgehog’s Staple Diet With Insects. As mentioned above, hedgehogs are insectivores. While it’s...
• Try to Avoid Poor Quality Speciality Hedgehog Foods. You’ve probably seen these special...

Full Answer

What is the best food for a hedgehog?

• Live crickets, mealworms, or silkworms
• Bits of plain, cooked meat with no seasonings or salt (no processed meats)
• Raw or cooked vegetables and fresh fruit (no citrus)
• Unsweetened “stage 1” pureed baby food (no grains)
• Hard-boiled or scrambled eggs (plain: no salt or butter)

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What human food can you feed a hedgehog?

• Berries
• Apples with no skin or seeds
• Bananas
• Melons
• Pears
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Peas
• Hardboiled egg whites
• Cooked lean meats

What are the bad things for hedgehogs?

Other dangerous food

• Spicy food. Hedgehogs have not evolved to eat spicy food and will most likely end up with stomach upsets. ...
• Pomegranates. Fruits like pomegranate are quite acidic, causing digestive issues and damaging the hedgehog’s digestive tract.
• Tea Tree oil-based foods. ...
• Nuts. ...
• Seeds. ...
• Chives. ...
• Mushrooms. ...
• Wild Hedgehog Food. ...
• Dog Food. ...
• Cat Food with additives. ...

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What food do hedgehogs eat?

Hedgehogs are omnivorous, and they can eat everything from insects to vegetables. They can also eat frogs, small reptiles, and bird eggs, but rarely. In most cases, this tiny creature will eat: Earthworms. Hedgehogs hibernate from October to March, but they mainly eat earthworms while they are awake from April to October.

What is the best food to feed a hedgehog?

High quality, poultry-based cat biscuits seem to be the number one choice among hedgehog owners. Poultry-based dry cat food high in protein and low in fat needs to make up the majority of a hog's diet. Moist cat food, insects, fruit & veg, boiled eggs and baby food are used to supplement a pet hedgehog's diet.

What should you not feed hedgehogs?

Feeding hedgehogsLeave out foods like tinned dog or cat food and crushed cat or dog biscuits. ... Never feed hedgehogs milk or bread - milk can cause diarrhoea and bread isn't very nutritious.Check the food and water bowls each day to top them up with fresh water and food, and remove any food that hasn't been eaten.More items...

What human food can hedgehogs eat?

Apples, bananas, berries, and melons are popular choices among hedgehogs. Vegetables: Fresh tomatoes, fresh green beans, and cooked squash are some options that your hedgehog may enjoy. Starchy vegetables, such as corn, potatoes, and carrots should be avoided as well as dried vegetables.

What should I feed my hedgehog everyday?

Each serving should consist of one cricket or large mealworm or two to three medium sized mealworms. If you elect not to feed live, dry insect food can make up 15 to 25% of your hedgehog's daily meal. To avoid overfeeding, live food and dry insect food should not be given together on the same day.

Can I feed hedgehogs cat biscuits?

What food should I feed to wild hedgehogs? Good quality proprietary hedgehog biscuits, dog biscuits and cat biscuits are best in that order. Along with plenty of fresh drinking water offered in a shallow sided dish. Cooked meaty dog and cat food are also good alternatives.

Can hedgehogs eat lettuce?

Dark, Green and Leafy Veterinarian-recommended hedgehog fruit and veggie mixes are based on nutritious greens. Kale, romaine or leaf lettuces and collard greens are all good choices.

What do hedgehogs drink?

In terms of water, hedgehogs ingest water from their prey and natural sources like dew and puddles. Ponds also provide a water source so it's important to ensure garden ponds have sloping sides or an exit ramp so 'hogs don't fall in and get stuck.

What treats do hedgehogs like?

The most popular insects of hedgehogs and hedgehog owners are mealworms, wax worms, silk worms and crickets. Treats can include live, canned or freeze dried crickets, mealworms (only one or two per day), wax worms or other insects.

Do hedgehogs eat bread?

What not to feed hedgehogs. The following foods should be avoided when feeding hedgehogs: Bread and milk: hogs are lactose intolerant so milk can make them ill and bread has little nutritional value.

Can hedgehogs eat raw chicken?

Pet hedgehogs may eat such table foods as cooked, lean chicken, turkey, beef or pork (in moderation due to fat content). Hedgehogs will often eat small amounts of vegetable and can be given small amounts of fruit as treats .

How often do hedgehogs need baths?

Once a monthOnce a month bathing is adequate for the average hedgehog. Some hedgehogs need baths frequently and others seldom need one. Bathing generally helps to relieve dry skin; however, bathing too frequently may contribute to dry skin.

What veggies can hedgehogs eat?

Here's a list of vegetables hedgehogs can eat:Arugula.Spinach.Dandelion greens.Asparagus.Carrots.Broccoli.Sweet potatoes.Radish.More items...

What is the best food for a hedgehog?

Of the 14 foods we have listed as safe to feed your hedgehog, most would agree the high-quality cat food is the best choice as it’s inexpensive, easy to find, and contains all of the necessary ingredients in the proper ratios. If you have access and unlimited funds, hedgehog food is the obvious choice. Hedgehogs enjoy a varied meal, so you may want to stock up on several of these items. Keep a constant watch over your pet’s weight because hedgehogs love to eat and can quickly become obese.

What do hedgehogs eat?

The hedgehog is an omnivore and feeds on a variety of insects and small animals, as well as plants, berries, and vegetables. Some of the foods they like to eat in the wild are as follows.

Can hedgehogs eat insects?

Unfortunately, your pet hedgehog will not get the exercise that a wild hedgehog gets. Also, some of these foods are hard for the wild hedgehog to get, so they eat very little. Even though insects contain Chitlin, which is an important nutrient for hedgehogs, it can gain weight if fed too many, so it’s better to give these foods as treats.

Do hedgehogs need water?

All life needs plenty of clean water to stay healthy, and the hedgehog is no different. We recommend you always keep a constant flow of clean water within the hedgehogs reach so they can stay hydrated at will, reducing urinary tract infections and other problems associated with dehydration.

Can hedgehogs be pets?

Hedgehogs are not commonly kept as pets, and many new parents may not have a clear idea of what types of foods are best to feed them and what foods you should avoid. We’ve researched this topic well and own several hedgehogs ourselves. We will list as many foods that they can eat as we can, as well as tell you a little about them and how to find them.

Is grape poisonous to hedgehogs?

Grapes – Grapes are also toxic to hedgehogs and should not them to your pet.

Is dry cat food good for cats?

Dry cat food is an excellent second choice, and many people recommend using cat food as their main food source due to its availability and high-quality ingredients. The thing to remember when buying cat food is to use a brand that has about 35% protein and 15% fat. You also want to make sure the first ingredient is chicken and not a meat byproduct or a carbohydrate.

What is the diet of a hedgehog?

The rest of their diet consists in fruits and vegetables. However, we must bear in mind that their diets will vary depending on their species and which part of the world they are from. When it comes to the nutrition of a hedgehog. Their diet consists of: Protein: should be around 22% of their diet, always less than 35%.

What do wild hedgehogs eat?

Some are capable of traveling enormous distances at night. They eat considerable amounts of insects of any kind, especially underground ones, such as:

Why are hedgehogs important?

Wild hedgehogs help in pest control as they mainly eat insects. When adopting a domestic hedgehog, it's important to imitate their diet as close as possible to what they would eat in the wild. This way, we make sure they live a long and happy life. You may also be interested in our article about why hedgehogs bite.

How long do hedgehogs drink milk?

Hoglets will consume only milk until they are approximately six weeks of age. Then, they will begin eating the same foods as their mother, which we have mentioned above.

What are some forbidden foods for hedgehogs?

Here is the complete list of forbidden foods for hedgehogs: Dairy products. Fatty foods.

Can hedgehogs be domesticated?

Nowadays, they can also be domestic pets. However, many hedgehog companions ask themselves what pet hedgehogs eat. In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain what hedgehogs eat. We'll go through their nutrition and complete food list.

Do hedgehogs drink their mothers milk?

Baby hedgehogs, also known as hoglets, are mammals and therefore drink their mother's milk as babies. If they are with their mother, she will take care of feeding them and providing all the care they need. Humans shouldn't intervene or stop this process as it's very important for their health and wellbeing.

What are the things you need to know about hedgehogs?

But before you commit to an adorable pet hedgehog of your own, here are 10 Things You Need to Know About Keeping Hedgehogs as Pets. 1. Hedgehogs Are Territorial Animals. Unlike other “pocket pets” like rats or bunnies, hedgehogs are solitary animals and should be housed alone. Even in the wild, hedgehogs are territorial ...

What happens if a hedgehog eats bread?

If your pet hedgehog consumes milk or bread, they will experience upset stomach and diarrhea. This could lead to premature death dependent on the hedgehog’s health and amount consumed. 4. Hibernation Is Life Threatening For Pet Hedgehogs.

What are hedgehogs' quills called?

Instead of soft fur, hedgehogs have stiff hollow hairs on their back called quills. Another word for quills is ‘spines’ and pet hedgehogs have between 5000 and 7000 of them! It’s normal to be fearful of handling a hedgehog because their quills are certainly intimidating, but once you learn how to pick them up safely, you will find that when a hedgehog is relaxed, their quills are not sharp.

Why do hedgehogs make spitballs?

This can be alarming to see because your hedgehog will suddenly stop what they are doing to twist their body and begin foaming at the mouth. They will then lick the foam mixture onto their quills.

How to tell if a hedgehog is in hibernation?

Some signs of hibernation in your pet hedgehog you should look for are: cool to the touch, difficulties moving, and lack of appetite. If you think your hedgehog is going into hibernation you will need to warm their body slowly using a safe heating pad or covered hot water bottle. 5. Pet Hedgehogs Are Omnivores.

How old do hedgehogs have WHS?

This non-curable disease affects approximately 10% of pet hedgehogs in North America with the onset of symptoms beginning between 2 and 3 years of age. Symptoms of WHS include instability when standing, gradual weight loss, seizures, falling to one side, partial paralysis, and muscle atrophy.

Why do hedgehogs smell?

This behavior is helpful when it comes to determining the toxicity of a food source.

What do hedgehogs eat?

Unlike most other pocket pets, hedgehogs are considered insectivores and these snouted critters have quite the taste for things that creep and crawl. Mealworms and crickets are the most commonly fed insects in captivity but the staple diet for a hedgehog should be a store-bought, specially formulated hedgehog kibble.

What to put in a hedgehog cage for exercise?

A soft bedding such as a recycled paper material or towels that are changed out regularly are best for the sensitive feet of a hedgehog. A large enclosed running wheel should be kept in the cage for your hedgie to exercise in along with a hide box, food bowl, and water bottle.

Why is my hedgehog losing so many spines?

Spine loss is normal in small amounts but if your hedgehog is losing so many spines that it has bald patches it probably has a medical concern. Parasite infestations such as mites are the most common reasons for excessive spine loss. If your hedgehog is losing a lot of spines then it's time for a check-up with the vet.

How old do hedgehogs need to be to be tame?

Younger hedgehogs are easier to tame than older ones, therefore your best chance to having a hedgehog that loves being held is by getting one at about six to eight weeks of age. Typically, hedgehogs don't like their heads being pet and will roll into spiked balls when scared.

Why is exercise important for hedgehogs?

Exercise and activity is very important to hedgehogs so potential owners should be able to commit to be able to provide a hedgehog with the space necessary to do so. Illustration: The Spruce / Katie Kerpel.

What is a pet hedgehog?

Pet hedgehogs are unique animals so they also make unique pets. Not only do they eat a very different type of food when compared to other pocket pets, but they are covered with tiny little spikes and roll into balls when scared. Sonic the hedgehog may have been all blue and cool in the Sega video games but the real animals have their own special ...

Why do you spay a hedgie?

Thorough dental examinations at the yearly vet visits and the occasional dental cleaning under anesthesia is recommended to prevent your hedgie from losing any teeth or developing other dental problems.

Hedgehog foods list

Generally, products sold as “hedgehog food” should be avoided. Instead, opt for dry cat food, and let this make up the majority of your hedgehog’s diet. Look for foods high in protein and low in fat. While most brands will do, we recommend looking for foods that are recommended by cat owners.

Hedgehog treat list: Recommended treats for hedgehogs

Okay, so you have nailed down your hedgehog’s main diet. That can get boring fast though, so why not spice it up with some treats? I mean, we love treats, so why wouldn’t we offer the same enjoyment to our hedgehogs? Just remember to think of these foods as occasional, though, and not as main foods.

What do hedgehogs eat in the wild?

In the wild, hedgehogs feed mostly on insects. These range from beetles to worms, and everything in between! They are omnivores though, meaning they will eat non-insect animals as well. For example, a wild hedgehog wouldn’t hesitate to eat a snail, if it had the chance.

Why feeding your hedgehogs good food is important

As with any pet, feeding your hedgie the right foods is very important. Bad diet choices can lead to disease and illness, two things you definitely wouldn’t wish on your pet, right?

What foods are toxic to hedgehogs?

While most foods won’t harm your hedgehog in any serious way, there are a few that should be avoided at all costs. These can cause serious illness, some because hedgies can’t digest them properly, some because they are choking hazards, and others because they are plain toxic.

Be careful with fatty and sugary foods

Anything high in sugar should be fed in moderation, as they often lead to obesity. An obese hedgehog is an unhealthy hedgehog, so avoid too much sugar and fat. Feeding these foods in too large quantities can make your pet accustomed to them, leading to less interest in regular, healthy foods.

Conclusion

So to round things off: We’ve covered the basics of feeding a hedgehog, with our own hedgehog foods list. While this post hasn’t raised all aspects of the subject, we feel confident it will work as a good guideline for any new or experienced hedgie-owner.

What to feed a hedgehog?

There are plenty to choose from that a good for hedgehogs, these include: 1 Apples – eaten in moderation, apples are a deliciously crunchy treat for hedgehogs. They are high in natural sugars, so they should only be given as a treat now and again 2 Leafy greens – hedgehogs love veggies like broccoli, cucumber, lettuce and more. You might have to cook some of the tougher veggies to make them easier for hogs to eat. Just make sure you feed them bite-size pieces 3 Berries – organic blueberries and raspberries in particular are okay for hedgehogs to eat, opt for organic if you can because these will less likely have been sprayed with possibly harmful chemicals 4 Strawberries – a top choice for hogs, they are nice and sweet but don’t contain as much sugar as other fruits. Just make sure you cut them up into bite-size pieces for your little prickly friend

What to feed an overweight hedgehog?

A good tip if you’re feeding an overweight hedgehog, take into consideration the fact that they find it easier to digest insects so try feeding them some fibrous vegetables, this will allow your hog to eat more without consuming a high amount of calories.

What do wild hedgehogs eat?

Hedgehogs living in the wild will feed on a range of things and tend to survive on a ‘whatever they can get their claws on’ basis.

Why are hedgehogs considered woodland animals?

Hedgehogs are widely recognized woodland animals due to their cute, prickly appearance and timid temperament, making them safe to hang out in your yard or even keep as pets.

How far can hedgehogs cover?

Did you know they can cover up to 12 miles a night? That’s a lot of foraging!

Why is it important to feed hogs?

It’s important that owners feed their hogs a good variety of tastes, textures and smells because that’s what they would be getting out in the wild. Simply feeding them dry cat kibble won’t give them the nutrients or eating experience they need.

How far can a hedgehog run in one night?

Like we said, some hedgehogs can travel as far as 12 miles in one night and are actually good runners, so they don’t usually struggle to find food.

What to feed a hedgehog?

Meats. Try to get lean cuts of the following meats , and only give them to your hedgehog as a snack a few times a week. It’s best if you buy the meats raw and cook them yourself, as precooked meats are often full of salt and other ingredients that are bad for your pet’s health. Chicken. Salmon.

What do hedgehogs eat?

Hedgehogs are omnivores, and as such, they can eat small amounts of lean, cooked meat, like chicken, salmon, tuna, or the occasional bite of steak.

How Often Do Hedgehogs Drink Water?

A healthy hedgehog should drink somewhere in the vicinity of 1 ½ to 2 ½ tablespoons of water every day.

Why does my hedgehog stop eating?

Featured Image Credit: szabfer, Pixabay. There are many reasons that a hedgehog might stop eating. Many of them have to do with stress, but others could be signs of disease or illness. Don’t be alarmed if your hedgehog doesn’t eat when you first bring them home or if you move to a new place.

What does it mean when a hedgehog has a blockage?

They may have an intestinal blockage, an upset stomach, problems with their teeth and gums, or a more serious disease, like cancer. If you’ve tried to solve the problem yourself to no avail, take your hedgehog to the vet as soon as possible.

Why won't my hedgehog eat?

If you suspect that your hedgehog’s refusal to eat is due to environmental factors rather than health problems, you can try to remedy the problem yourself. You can also try to tempt your hedgehog to eat by offering them high-value foods, like baby food or other beloved treats.

What could be affecting my hedgehog's appetite?

Other things that could be affecting your pet’s appetite include loneliness or discomfort due to temperature . You should do everything in your power to make sure your hedgehog is comfortable, and that may include changing the ambient temperature in their tank or getting them a friend.

What Do Hedgehogs Eat?

Hedgehogs are insectivores (insect-eaters), but they are not strict insectivores, as wild hedgehogs will eat different types of food, including mollusks (snails and worms), amphibians, lizards, snakes, birds’ eggs, fish, carrion, mushrooms, roots, berries, and melons.

Who Should Have a Hedgehog?

Like porcupines, the skin over a hedgehog’s back is covered with prickly quills that help protect it from predators. Unlike porcupines, however, hedgehogs cannot shoot their quills out in defense. Their pointed quills can make them difficult to hold, so these animals are not the best for families with very young children or for individuals with very sensitive skin. They are best held in a small towel until they relax.

Where Do Hedgehogs Live?

Wild hedgehogs are native to Africa, Asia, Europe, and New Zealand. They are not native to the U.S., but have become very popular pets here. Most North American hedgehog pets have been bred from African species and are considered domesticated. They are generally called African pygmy hedgehogs. Given the right cage set-up and environment, these animals can thrive in captivity and be fun, social pets.

What Potential Health Problems Do Hedgehogs Have?

Hedgehogs can suffer from a variety of medical problems; some of the more common issues include skin infections with fungus (ringworm), and mites. Both ringworm and mites can cause dry, flaky, crusty skin and quill loss. These infections should not be confused with normal quill loss. Baby hedgehogs will lose their quills as they grow and replace them with adult quills, and adults will periodically lose quills normally. With ringworm and mites, however, quills are lost in patches, exposing areas of dry skin.

Why do hedgehogs roll up?

Hedgehogs are notoriously shy and use their uniquely strong back muscles to roll up tightly into a ball, hiding their faces and causing their spiny quills to point outwards so that predators can’t see their faces or limbs. They will remain balled up whenever they feel frightened or threatened.

What is the disease of a hedgehog?

Another disease commonly encountered in hedgehogs is “wobbly hedgehog syndrome” – a neurologic disease of unknown cause that causes nerve damage and progressive paralysis that begins in the hind end and eventually affects the front end.

Why do hedgehogs take their pets out of cages?

To minimize the fear response, hedgehog owners should start taking their pets out of their cages every day when the animals are young to get them used to being handled and to be less afraid of people, so that they don’t ball up.

What do hedgehogs eat?

This is often supplemented with insects and small amounts of fruits and vegetables. These include beans, peas, carrots, and apples. In the wild, hedgehogs may eat bird's eggs, lizards, mushrooms, and berries. They also enjoy catching live prey.

How to get a hedgehog to run at night?

Hedgehogs can easily become overweight. Plenty of exercise and a healthy diet is important. Adding a smooth-sided wheel will help them run as much as they want at night. Let them settle in on their own when introducing your hedgehog to their new space. Give them a few days to get comfortable.

How to keep a hedgehog from getting stuck?

Before your hedgehog arrives, you’ll want to make sure that they have a large, escape-proof cage. The cage floor should be solid, not wire, so your hedgehog doesn’t get stuck. They’ll need newspaper or paper-based bedding in their enclosure. You should also hedgehog-proof your home. They love to run around and will need extra space to roam outside of their enclosure.

Can hedgehogs carry disease?

Can carry disease . Hedgehogs can seem healthy, but they can transmit bacteria like Salmonella or Mycobacteria to their owners . One large Salmonella outbreak was traced back to a pet African pygmy hedgehog. Before your hedgehog arrives, you’ll want to make sure that they have a large, escape-proof cage.

Is it illegal to own a hedgehog?

Problems With Pet Hedgehogs. Caring for a Hedgehog. Safety Concerns. Hedgehogs are small nocturnal animals. They have a prickly coat and are naturally found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are considered exotic pets and are illegal to own in five states in the U.S. Before buying a hedgehog you’ll need to find out if they’re legal in your state ...

Is a hedgehog a pet?

Hedgehogs are a unique pet that has gained popularity. They can be fun pets to have around, but there are some challenges you’ll have to work around.

Can hedgehogs be dangerous?

Hedgehogs are not recommended for household s with children under 5 years of age or adults over 65. They can carry Salmonella bacteria in their droppings. Even if they seem healthy, the bacteria can infect their bodies, habitat, toys, and anything they come in contact with. This makes them a risk for those vulnerable populations.