Here is a complete list of natural foods you can feed your hedgehog:
- Insects: mealworms, grasshoppers, etc.
- Cooked meats: chicken, turkey or pork.
- Cooked fish: salmon or tuna, with no bones.
- Fruits: watermelons, papaya, pears, cantaloupe, peaches, plums, squash & pumpkin, mangos, apples, bananas, cherries,...
- Vegetables: arugula, spinach, dandelion greens, asparagus,...
What foods are safe for hedgehogs?
- Romaine lettuce
- Arugula
- Dandelion greens
- Collard greens
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Sweet potato
- Asparagus
- Radish, turnip
- Green pepper
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)
How much and how often do you feed a hedgehog?
You should free feed your hedgie, that's what most people here do As for how much a hedgehog eats, it varies between hog to hog. Kashi eats about 20-30 kibbles a night, so I put in about 40 in his bowl... but recently I have had to start crushing up his kibble into smaller pieces (because he kept choking on them), so I measure by table spoon, and he eats about 1 tbsp a night.
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. ...
What kind of food can I feed my hedgehog?
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 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 should I feed my hedgehog daily?
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.
What vegetables can hedgehogs eat?
Pet hedgehogs can eat:Courgette.Green pepper.Cucumber.Broccoli.Leafy greens.Peas.Corn.Carrots.
Do hedgehogs eat bird seed?
Bird Seed? Hedgehogs are often first seen in gardens eating spilled bird food under feeders. They will be eating the seeds as well as all the insects and invertibrates that gather there. Small quanities of seeds and nuts are not harmful to hedgehogs but can cause issues if eaten to excess.
What can 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 do hedgehogs need in their cage?
Fresh food and water should be given daily. Hedgehogs are notorious for becoming obese, so daily exercise is essential. They also need to be provided with mental stimulation when they are in their cages, such as ramps, ledges, tunnels, and other “cage furniture” to climb through or on.
How often should hedgehogs eat?
Some people feed twice a day, morning and night, others feed once a day. Burgess advises that “Food is usually fed in ½ portions twice daily, so the pet gets a couple of meals a day, rather than consuming all their food in a few hours and fasting for the next 20 hours.”
How often do you bathe a hedgehog?
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 do hedgehogs like to play with?
Exercise Wheels. Your hedgie will enjoy having an exercise wheel in his cage. ... Mazes. Hedgehogs love to play in mazes. ... Cat Toys. Some cat toys are appropriate for hedgehogs. ... Boxes. Tissue boxes and other small boxes may be fine for your hedgehogs. ... Tube Tunnels. ... Stuffed Animals. ... Toy Dump Trucks.
How long do hedgehogs live as pets?
Dr. Keller says, “With appropriate care and keeping, your hedgehog will live about five years, and some even live longer than eight years.”
Can hedgehogs eat cheese?
Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant. Milk and cheese will give them bad diarrhoea and can lead to serious illness as well.
Is dog food OK for hedgehogs?
As opportunistic eaters, hedgehogs will readily consume food left out in your garden. The best foods to provide are: Meat-based cat or dog food.
Why can't hedgehogs eat fish based cat food?
A common misconception surrounding hedgehogs and cat food is that they cannot eat fish based cat food. However, this is not actually the case. They can eat fish based cat food with no issues. The only problem that may arise is that the hedgehog will not be as keen on the flavor.
What do hedgehogs need in their cage?
Fresh food and water should be given daily. Hedgehogs are notorious for becoming obese, so daily exercise is essential. They also need to be provided with mental stimulation when they are in their cages, such as ramps, ledges, tunnels, and other “cage furniture” to climb through or on.
Can a hedgehog eat cat food?
Cat food is available to almost everyone, no matter where they live, and it contains protein. It's a small kibble that hedgehogs can eat.
What should I feed my hedgehog?
That means a diet containing moderate amounts of protein, low-fat, and some fiber. Generally, good quality dry cat food supplemented with live calcium-enriched insects and cooked meat should do the trick.
What do hedgehogs eat?
So, hedgehogs will devour almost whatever happens to cross their path if it looks or smells tasty. For example, they’ll eat insects, beetles, worms, slugs, millipedes, spiders, and ants.
What is the best insect feed for mealworms?
There are calcium-rich insect feeds that you can buy to help with this. For example, Fluker’s 70008 High Calcium Cricket Feed comes in a 6lb jar. It seems suitable for mealworms and dubia roaches, as well as crickets, and contains 8% calcium to 0.6% phosphorus.
How do hedgehogs get their fiber?
In the wild, they get their fiber from insect exoskeletons, which contain chitin. Hedgehogs have a particular enzyme called chitinase, which enables them to use this chitin as their fiber intake. Despite their omnivorous tendency, hedgehogs don’t digest plant matter.
Why do hedgehogs eat all night?
Because in the wild, hedgehogs forage all night searching for and consuming food. In captivity, they’re not burning energy in this way, but the high-fat content of insects, coupled with the hedgehog’s relative inactivity, means it’s prone to putting on weight. Also, in the wild, African Pygmy hedgehogs are aestivate.
Why is my hedgehog's bone weak?
Phosphorus absorbs calcium. If there’s too much phosphorus in your hedgehog’s diet, it could cause a calcium deficiency. This calcium deficiency, Metabolic Bone Disease, is a weakening of the bones. It’s not only painful but can also be fatal.
What to avoid with meat?
But, there are things to avoid apart from unnamed meats or poultry. These include: 1 Meat or poultry by-products. Even if the name of the meat or poultry is specified, you can’t be sure exactly what it is. 2 Preservatives like Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT). These are thought to be safe in low doses but otherwise may be carcinogenic. 3 Ethoxyquin. This is an antioxidant with animal safety issues.
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.
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.
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.
Can you feed hedgehogs live insects?
Before feeding many insects to your hedgehog, we strongly recommend gut loading the insects. Gut loading is a process where you feed your insect’s nutritional meals for a few days to pack it with nutrients, which allows the insects to transfer the nutrition to your pet. Gut loading is another good reason to feed your hedgehog live insects when possible.
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 I Use Store-Bought Pet Food Meant For Other Species?
It’s encouraged by most hedgehog owners to avoid kibble meant for hedgehogs altogether.
What Human Foods Can They Eat?
There are some human foods that hedgehogs can eat, as humans are also omnivores. Hedgehogs like meats (unseasoned), some grains, and many of the same diets as humans. Moderation is key.
Other Considerations
If you ever have any questions about what to feed your hedgehog, there are several sources online where you can find the information you need.
How Much Food is Too Much?
Hedgehogs should look like little symmetric rolls of quills, and they should be able to ball into themselves at their perfect weight.
Conclusion
Hedgehogs are omnivores that can eat meats and vegetables, and a slew of other foods in moderation.
What is the best food for a hedgehog?
Chitin is a necessary component to a hedgehog's diet but it isn't the only thing a hedgehog needs from its food, so various items should be fed in addition to insects. Mealworms: Live or freeze-dried mealworms are a good source of chitin for hedgehogs.
What are some good treats for hedgehogs?
Waxworms: Live waxworms are higher in fat but lower in chitin content than mealworms so these should be saved as treats for hedgehogs. Crickets: Also available live or freeze-dried, crickets provide chitin as well as mental stimulation for a hedgehog.
Do hedgehogs eat cat kibble?
Hedgehogs are prone to obesity, so it is of utmost importance to monitor how much you are feeding it. The hedgehog or cat kibble should make up the majority of the daily diet, and even though a hedgehog is very active at night and burns a lot of energy, you'll want to control how much kibble it gets.
When do hedgehogs eat?
If there is more than a 10 percent weight gain you should cut back on how much food is offered. A hedgehog may eat more at night when it is most active and running on its wheel, so don't worry if you don't see it eating much during the day.
Do hedgehogs need cat food?
Being insectivores, hedgehogs need nutrients that may not be found in many other pet foods. Historically, cat food was often used to feed these spiky pocket pets, but there are also quality hedgehog foods that provide ideal nutritional components for a hedgehog to eat.
Is a hedgehog an omnivore?
Hedgehogs are considered either omnivores or insectivores, depending on the source referenced. If you look at the actual diet of a hedgehog you'll see that the omnivore description is probably a more accurate one since hedgehogs in the wild will eat a variety of foods, not just insects. Different species of hedgehogs will have slightly varied diets depending on the part of the world they are from, but most pet hedgehogs are African Pygmy hedgehogs so being a hybrid, their diet isn't the same as a wild hedgehog.
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?
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 are some good treats for hedgehogs?
Healthy Treats for Hedgehogs. Hedgehogs have a broad palate, so there’s a wide variety of foods that can be served as a treat. Many veggies or fruits make excellent treats, as they’re loaded with nutrition and delicious.
How much water should a hedgehog drink?
A healthy hedgehog should drink somewhere in the vicinity of 1 ½ to 2 ½ tablespoons of water every day. As a result, your hedgehog must have access to plenty of fresh, clean water at all times.
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?
What do pet hedgehogs eat? In the wild, hedgehogs eat a diverse selection of insects as well as some plant material and very occasionally small or baby mammals (like pinkie mice). Hedgehogs usually eat at night.
What to feed lizards?
Small amounts of gut loaded insects (i.e. insects fed nutritious food that is then passed on to the lizard), such as worms and crickets and a small amount of fresh vegetables and fruits can also be offered. Check with your veterinarian regarding which vegetables and fruits are recommended.
Can hedgehogs eat raw meat?
As a rule, hedgehogs don't require treats, although an occasional offering of fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains is acceptable. Hedgehogs should not be fed raw meats or eggs. Hedgehogs are not able to digest milk, which may lead to diarrhea.
What is the best food for hedgehogs?
Moist Food. Moist food should also be fed to your pet. Canned cat or dog food work well as hedgehog food. Be sure to get a food that is high in protein and is made primarily from meat or chicken. Fruits & Vegetables. A small amount of fruits and vegetables should be added to his diet.
What are some good treats for hedgehogs?
Insects like crickets and mealworms make great treats. Other choices are moist cat or dog treats, and cooked foods like eggs, hamburger, and chicken. Giving him a small piece of your food is an easy way to supply treats. Water. A hedgehog needs to always have a source of clean fresh water.
What do hedgehogs eat?
Hedgehogs have been known to eat insects, slugs, baby mice, frogs, fish, worms, small snakes, eggs, and even fruit. They are definitely not picky eaters.
Do hedgehogs eat protein?
They are definitely not picky eaters. For your pet hedgehog you want to provide a well balanced diet that is high in protein. How much you should feed him depends on his activity and metabolism. If you notice your hedgehog becoming fat, cut back on his portions.
Can hedgehogs eat chicken?
There is commercial hedgehog food, but it is not always available at some pet stores. A meat or chicken dry cat food that is high in protein is a decent alternative. Dry food should be the primary portion of your pet’s diet. Moist food should also be fed to your pet.
What A Balanced Hedgehog Diet Should Consist of
- Your hedgehog has nutritional needsjust like any other pet you may own (and you!). The Ideal Hedgehog Nutritional guide is: (Numbers in parenthesis are general guides) 1. Protein: 30-33% (or 28-35%) 2. Fat: 10-13% (or 8-15%) 3. Fiber: 3-8% (same) Check the food you buy, and if it lists these requirements, then check the ingredients. The first five ...
Can I Use Store-Bought Pet Food Meant For Other Species?
- It’s encouraged by most hedgehog owners to avoid kibble meant for hedgehogs altogether. They are normally filled with byproducts, corn, and other non-nutritional foods for your hedgehog. Even worse, many hedgehog food brands are full of fillers like sawdust and have no nutritional value at all. The only other option you have is to buy food meant for other species. But which ones?
What Human Foods Can They Eat?
- There are some human foods that hedgehogs can eat, as humans are also omnivores. Hedgehogs like meats (unseasoned), some grains, and many of the same diets as humans. Moderation is key. Stay away from junk foods like chips, candy, and dried fruits. These are not inherently toxic to them, but they aren’t very good for your hedgehog. You can give them very small amounts witho…
Things You Definitely Shouldn’T Feed Your Pet Hedgehogs
- Your hedgehog is still an animal, and as such has foods that are simply not part of their diet. Some of these foods are harmful only in large quantities, but they are still on this list. Some of these foods are toxic to your hedgehog, so never feed them to your pet. This includes (but is not limited to): 1. Any vegetable in the allium family; garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, shallots, chives (t…
Other Considerations
- If you ever have any questions about what to feed your hedgehog, there are several sources online where you can find the information you need. These sources tend to be sporadic and have varying opinions about what is and is not acceptable for your pet. Make sure you do your research. This list, and indeed, all the ones online are not completely exhaustive. The key to a hedgehog’s diet i…
How Much Food Is Too Much?
- Hedgehogs should look like little symmetric rolls of quills, and they should be able to ball into themselves at their perfect weight. If their waist is thinner than their shoulders, consider bumping up their food. If they are so tubby that they can’t ball up, consider dialing back the kibble. It’s estimated that a hedgehog requires one to two tablespoons (Tbsp) of kibble a day. If they’re l…
Conclusion
- Hedgehogs are omnivores that can eat meats and vegetables, and a slew of other foods in moderation. They need mostly protein with a small percentage of fat and fiber. Most foods that are easily available to you are foods that they can eat. It is recommended by most knowledgeable handlers of hedgehogs that quality cat food is the best kind of food to give to your pet and to av…