Hedgehogs are omnivores and can eat a variety of foods. Safe options include mealworms, cat or dog food (preferably high in protein), cooked chicken or turkey, fruits and vegetables, and scrambled eggs. Avoid feeding them milk, bread, or fatty or sugary foods.
Here are 15 items you should consider adding to your hedgehog’s diet! Read on to learn what they are and how to feed them properly.
1. Insects
Hedgehogs are omnivorous creatures that require a varied diet to thrive. Insects make up a significant portion of a hedgehog’s diet and are a great source of protein and other essential nutrients. Some insects that are safe for hedgehogs to eat include mealworms, crickets, and waxworms.
When feeding your hedgehog insects, it is important to ensure that they are fresh and not contaminated by pesticides or other chemicals. Additionally, you should avoid feeding your hedgehog insects that are too large or hard to digest.
To avoid overfeeding, it is recommended to offer your hedgehog a few insects every other day. Remember, a balanced diet is crucial to keeping your hedgehog healthy and happy.
2. Cat Food
While hedgehogs are primarily insectivores, they can also benefit from consuming certain cat foods. However, not all cat foods are suitable for hedgehogs. Opt for high-protein, low-fat cat foods that don’t contain fish or animal byproducts.
Their diet should consist of mainly protein and fiber-rich foods, which is why cat food is a good option. You can serve cat food to hedgehogs by mixing it with vegetables or fruits to add variety to their diet. It’s essential to feed them only a small portion, as they are small creatures that don’t require much food to survive.
As a rule of thumb, hedgehogs should be fed once a day, with food portions ranging from one to two tablespoons daily. By keeping an eye on their eating pattern, you can help your hedgehog maintain a healthy diet.
3. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a nutritious and delicious food option for hedgehogs. They are packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals that can help your hedgehog maintain a healthy diet. When feeding eggs to your pet, it’s important to remove the shell and chop the egg into small, bite-sized pieces.
This will make it easier for your hedgehog to eat and digest. It’s also important not to overfeed your hedgehog with eggs. While they can be a great addition to their diet, too much can cause digestive issues. As a general rule, one small piece of egg per day is a healthy amount to give your hedgehog.
4. Mealworms
Mealworms are a nutritious and high-protein food source that can benefit hedgehogs greatly. These insects are easy to digest and contain essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote overall health. Feeding mealworms to your hedgehog is quite simple.
You can easily purchase dried mealworms from pet stores or online retailers; just be sure to store them in a cool, dry place. Offer your hedgehog small amounts of mealworms along with their regular diet a few times a week.
Avoid overfeeding, as too many mealworms can lead to obesity and digestive problems. By incorporating mealworms into your hedgehog’s diet in moderation, you can provide them with the nutritional variety they need to thrive.
5. High-Quality Hedgehog Pellets
High-quality hedgehog pellets are specially formulated to provide the right amount of nutrients and vitamins that hedgehogs need to thrive. These pellets contain a balanced combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and are also enriched with essential minerals and vitamins, ensuring your hedgehog gets all the nutrition they need.
To feed your hedgehog with these pellets, you should provide them with fresh and clean water, and serve the pellets in a shallow dish. It’s recommended to feed your hedgehog once a day, taking into consideration their age and activity level. By incorporating high-quality hedgehog pellets into your pet’s diet, you can give them the best chance to live a healthy and happy life.
6. Fruits and Vegetables (strawberries, apples, blueberries, carrots, etc.)
Fruits and vegetables are not only important for our own health, but also for the health of our little hedgehog friends. Hedgehogs require a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure they are getting the vitamins and nutrients they need.
Some great options for fruits include apples, berries, melons, and bananas, while vegetables such as carrots, kale, and green beans are also great choices. It is important to remember that fruits should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content.
In terms of feeding, fresh fruits and vegetables should be offered to your hedgehog on a daily basis, and always ensure they have access to fresh water. With proper nutrition and care, your hedgehog can thrive on a diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables.
7. Baby Food
Hedgehogs are adorable creatures that require a balanced diet to remain healthy. Introducing baby food into their diet can provide them with essential nutrients and a varied food source. When purchasing baby food, it is important to choose products that are high in protein and free of any artificial flavors or preservatives.
It is recommended to mix a small amount of baby food with their regular food, gradually increasing the amount over time. However, baby food should not be their sole source of nutrition. It is important to supplement it with fresh vegetables and protein-rich foods such as insects, scrambled eggs, or cooked chicken.
A hedgehog can be fed baby food a few times a week as a treat or supplement to their diet. By adding baby food to a hedgehog’s diet, it can lead to a healthier and happier pet.
8. WaxWorms
Waxworms are a nutritious snack that hedgehogs love. One of the biggest benefits of feeding waxworms to your hedgehog is that they are high in fat and protein, which is important for their overall health and well-being. To feed your hedgehog waxworms, you can purchase them online or at a local pet store.
It is important to offer them in moderation since hedgehogs need a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods. A few waxworms a couple of times a week is sufficient. Always make sure to remove any uneaten waxworms from your hedgehog’s enclosure to avoid contamination.
9. Canned Dog Food
Canned dog food can be a great source of nutrition for hedgehogs. When selecting it, make sure to opt for high-protein and low-fat varieties that are free of grains and artificial flavors or preservatives. Additionally, you should avoid any formula labeled for puppies as this could contain too much fat for your hedgehog.
To feed your hedgehog canned dog food, mix it with vegetables or fruits and serve it to your pet. As with any other food item, make sure not to overfeed them. A small portion once a day is enough for an average-sized hedgehog.
10. Crickets
Crickets provide an excellent source of protein for hedgehogs, making it an essential part of their diet. In addition to its nutritional value, crickets also serve as a great way to stimulate natural foraging behaviors. Before feeding crickets to your hedgehog, it is important to ensure that they are gut-loaded with nutrient-rich foods.
This means feeding the crickets a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and high-quality cricket feed. You can also add supplements such as calcium and vitamin D3 to further boost their nutritional value. Feeding crickets to your hedgehog should be done in moderation, as too much can cause digestive problems. We recommend feeding 5-10 crickets once or twice a week, depending on the size and age of your hedgehog.
11. Cooked Meat (Chicken, Beef, Turkey)
Hedgehogs are small, fascinating creatures that require a specific diet to stay healthy. One of the best foods to feed them is cooked meat. Cooked chicken, beef, turkey, or fish, for example, is an excellent source of protein that keeps hedgehogs physically fit. You can feed them with small bits of meat, which they will enjoy.
However, keep in mind that meat should only be given as an occasional treat, rather than a primary source of food. You don’t want to overfeed them and cause obesity or other health problems. Experts advise feeding a small amount of cooked meat to hedgehogs once a week or once every two weeks, depending on their size and nutritional needs.
12. Caterpillars
Caterpillars are a great source of essential nutrients for hedgehogs. These plump, squishy insects are packed with protein and are a delicious treat for our spiky friends. However, it’s important to feed them in moderation as they can be fatty and high in calories.
A good rule of thumb is to provide hedgehogs with a handful of caterpillars once a week, as part of a balanced diet that includes other sources of protein such as mealworms and crickets.
Caterpillars can be found in gardens or purchased from pet stores and should be offered in a shallow dish or scatter-fed on the ground. With a little care and attention, caterpillars can be an excellent addition to your hedgehog’s diet, ensuring they receive the nutrients they need to thrive.
13. Unsalted Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that hedgehogs need to stay healthy. While it’s important to avoid salted or processed varieties as they can be harmful to your pet, unsalted nuts and seeds are a nutritious food option for hedgehogs.
Some examples include sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cashews. It’s best to grind or chop the nuts and seeds before serving them to your hedgehog as this will make them easier to digest.
As with other food items, it is important not to overfeed your hedgehog with nuts and seeds. A teaspoon a couple of times a week is enough for a hedgehog.
14. Unsweetened Yogurt
Unsweetened yogurt is a highly beneficial food for hedgehogs. It contains high amounts of protein and calcium, which are essential for the health of these beloved pets. When feeding unsweetened yogurt to hedgehogs, it’s important to choose a plain, unflavored variety without added sugars.
The best way to serve it is by placing a small amount on a shallow dish and offering it to your hedgehog using a teaspoon. Feeding unsweetened yogurt to your hedgehog once a week is ideal, as this will help boost their immune system, promote healthy digestion, and provide them with the necessary nutrients they need for optimal well-being.
15. Snails
Snails are a surprisingly nutritious food option for hedgehogs. These slimy little creatures contain, calcium, and other essential vitamins that help keep your hedgehog healthy and strong. Feeding snails to your hedgehog is simple; you can either buy them from pet shops or find them in the wild.
When feeding snails to your hedgehog, it’s important to remember that they can contain parasites. To avoid contamination, it’s best to boil the snails before feeding them to your pet. Boiling will also make them softer and easier to chew.
Offering a few boiled snails every other week is enough for a healthy diet. This way, your hedgehog can get the vitamins and minerals they need without overindulging in this delicacy.
In Conclusion
Providing hedgehogs with a healthy and balanced diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. There are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to feeding your pet hedgehog, including hard-boiled eggs, mealworms, high-quality pellets, waxworms, etc.
Incorporating a variety of these items into your hedgehog’s diet can ensure they receive the necessary nutrients to live a happy and healthy life. Additionally, always make sure to feed your hedgehog in moderation and provide them with fresh water at all times.
