Hedgehogs require a balanced diet with plenty of protein to promote their growth and development. It should also be high in fiber and low in fat.
Dry cat food is ideal for hedgehogs as it’s soft and chewable, allowing them to crunch it without getting choked. Plus, the less sticky texture means less chance of dental plaque buildup over time.
Contents
Lean Meats
Feeding your hedgehog lean meats such as chicken, beef or pork is a nutritious choice for them. They may also enjoy raw fruits and vegetables.
Insects, especially worms and invertebrates such as millipedes and slugs, provide another important part of their diet. This mimics their natural foraging habits in the wild and helps keep them healthy.
Hedgehogs tend to be lactose intolerant, so it’s best to avoid feeding them dairy products such as milk and cheese. Doing so could cause stomach issues for them; thus, only give small amounts at a time.
Hedgehogs should be fed a premium dry cat food or specialist hedgehog food that is poultry-based with 34% to 15% protein-to-fat ratio. Furthermore, their food should contain L-carnitine which helps promote heart health in pets.
Eggs
Hedgehogs require protein in their diet, and eggs provide it. Furthermore, eggs contain important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, B12, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc which are all great sources for these creatures.
Eggs may contain too much fat, so a limited amount should be consumed. Eggs can be scrambled or boiled and make for an excellent treat on occasion.
Hedgehogs in the wild feed on insects such as beetles, millipedes, worms and caterpillars. Additionally, they consume snails, earthworms and may consume some fruit or berries.
Feeder insects make for a delicious hedgies’ treat, but be careful not to feed them too many. Doing so could lead to digestive issues and an unbalanced diet in your hedgie.
Vegetables
Hedgehogs can be fed vegetables in small amounts to supplement their cat food. Common vegetables for them include carrots, corn, beans and peas.
Additionally, some fruits (like berries and apples) can be given in small amounts to hedgehogs. However, be mindful not to overfeed these as they contain high sugar levels and may lead to obesity in some pet hedgehogs.
Vegetables are an excellent source of dietary fiber for hedgehogs. This comes from the chitin found in insects’ exoskeletons and in the cell walls of fruits and veggies.
Bugs and mealworms can help your hedgehog increase their fiber intake and protect them from digestive issues. Mealworms are especially beneficial for young or lactating hedgehogs since they provide calcium-rich sources of protein which would otherwise be difficult to obtain.
Fruits
Hedgehogs can easily digest the exoskeletons of insects such as mealworms and crickets to obtain fiber for their digestive health. They may also ingest cell walls from fruits and vegetables for additional nutrition.
Insects should be a staple in your hedgehog’s diet, whether they are live, freeze-dried or canned. Not only do they provide essential nutrition such as chitin, but it can also aid with fat digestion and protect against Fatty Liver Disease.
Fruits can be a great addition to your hedgehog’s diet, but it is essential that you do not give them too many. Overfeeding fruits can clog their digestive system and lead to dental decay, so offer them only a small amount of fruit once or twice per week.
Some people feed their hedgehogs bread and milk, but these foods are not recommended due to the high lactose content which can lead to liver problems in hedgehogs. Other alternatives like moist cat food, boiled eggs or baby food provide more nutrition than these two options combined.
