what to feed pet hedgehogs

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. For your pet hedgehog you want to provide a well balanced diet that is high in protein.

Full Answer

What is the best thing to feed a hedgehog?

Recommended hedgehog treats include:

• mealworms
• boiled chicken
• scrambled / hard boiled eggs
• apples
• bananas
• berries

What is the best Hedgehog to have as a pet?

4 Things You Need to Know About Pet Hedgehogs Before Adopting One

1. Find a Responsible Breeder. Just as with other companion animals, it's important to do your homework before buying a hedgehog. ...
2. They're Very Sensitive. When I got my hedgehog, he was a tiny baby, just weaned from his mother. ...
3. They Love Unusual Scents. ...
4. Respect Their Nocturnal Schedule. ...

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)

More items...

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 is the best food to feed hedgehogs with?

What can I feed hedgehogs? Hedgehogs will relish any combination of meat-based wet dog or cat foods, or dry cat/kitten food, as these are high in the protein that they need. Just remember, they will be getting most of their food from insects and worms in the wild, and this food is only supplementary.

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 can hedgehogs not eat?

What can hedgehogs not eat:Milk.Avocado.Bread.Raw meat.Citrus fruit.Raisins.Onion.Grapes.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 do 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: Earth worms. Slugs. Snails.

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%.

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.

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.

Can humans drink milk for hedgehogs?

Humans shouldn't intervene or stop this process as it's very important for their health and wellbeing. In the case of orphaned hedgehogs that need to be cared for, they can drink milk formulated for kittens as it's very similar to the nutrition hoglets need.

Is dog food safe for hedgehogs?

In fact, dog food is dangerous for hedgehogs. Therefore, it's best to avoid any other type of commercial food. However, the best option would be to make homemade and natural food for your pet hedgehog.

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 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 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.

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?

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.

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.

What do domesticated hedgehogs eat?

Lots of people tend to think the only thing you can feed hedgehogs is cat food, but there are actually lots of things you can feed them.

Cat kibble (or other protein sources)

Cat or dog food like kibble as their main food source. You can actually purchase special hedgehog food, but cat kibble will do fine.

Certain fruits and vegetables

Including some safe to eat fruits and veggies is a great way to include different tastes and textures and some lower calorie nibbles for your hog.

Insects

If owners are able to purchase some from pet stores or online, this can be a nice treat for hogs.

Water

Just like other household pets like cats and dogs, hedgehogs need a constant source of clean water available to them to drink as and when they please.

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 ...

See more on floofmania.com

Can I Use Store-Bought Pet Food Meant For Other Species?

What Human Foods Can They Eat?

Things You Definitely Shouldn’T Feed Your Pet Hedgehogs

Other Considerations

How Much Food Is Too Much?

Conclusion