Are you a hedgehog owner or simply fascinated by these prickly but endearing creatures? What Hedgehogs Eat? Hedgehogs haveunique dietary needsthat must be met for theiroptimal health. This article provides acomprehensive guideon what to feed your quilled pet, fromdaily foods,occasional treatsto those they should never consume.
Ready? Let’s unroll the facts about what hedgehogs eat.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Hedgehogs need adiverse diet that includes daily foodslike meats, veggies, and fruits.
- Occasional snacks such as mealworms, cooked chicken or turkey, boiled eggs, and small amounts of fruits and vegetables are safe for hedgehogs.
- Avoid feeding hedgehogs chocolate, dairy products, nuts and seeds, onions and garlic, citrus fruits, grapes and raisins, and avocado.
- Hedgehogs should haveaccess to fresh water at all times.
What Hedgehogs Eat?
Hedgehogs have a diverse diet that includes daily foods like meats, veggies, and fruits, as well as occasional snacks. However, there are certain foods that should never be fed to hedgehogs due to their potential harm.
Daily Foods (meats, veggies, fruits)
Hedgehogs need a diet full of different foods. These foods help them stay strong and healthy. Here is what you should feed your hedgehog every day:
- Meat-based cat or dog food: This is great for the small, spiky pets. They get important nutrients from it.
- Specially-made hedgehog food: This food has all the good stuff that your hedgehog needs.
- Cat biscuits: These are hard and crunchy. They helpkeep a hedgehog’s teeth clean.
- Fresh veggies: Hedgehogs love vegetables like peas, broccoli, and carrots.
- Certain fruits: Apples and bananas are safe for hedgehogs to eat. But remember, always serve fruit insmall pieces.
Occasional Snacks
Hedgehogs can enjoy occasional snacks in addition to their regular meals. Here are some safe and healthy snack options for your hedgehog:
- Mealworms: These can be given as a special treat, but only in small amounts. They provide extra protein for your hedgehog.
- Cooked chicken or turkey: You can offer small pieces of cooked chicken or turkey as a tasty snack. Avoid using any seasoning or spices.
- Boiled eggs: Hedgehogs can have boiled eggs occasionally. Make sure the egg is fully cooked and cooled before giving it to your pet.
- Fruits: Occasionally, you can give your hedgehog small amounts of fruits like apples or berries. Remove any seeds or pits before offering them.
- Vegetables: Some hedgehogs enjoy nibbling on vegetables like baby carrots or green beans. Offer them in moderation as an occasional treat.
Foods to NEVER Feed Your Hedgehog
Feeding your hedgehog the right foods is important for their health. Here are some foods you should never feed your hedgehog:
- Chocolate:Hedgehogs can’t digest chocolate properly and it can be toxic to them.
- Dairy products:Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, so avoid giving them milk or any other dairy products.
- Nuts and seeds: These can pose a choking hazard for hedgehogs.
- Onions and garlic: These foods can upset a hedgehog’s stomach and cause anemia.
- Citrus fruits:The acidity in citrus fruits can cause digestive issues for hedgehogs.
- Grapes and raisins: These fruits can be toxic to hedgehogs and cause kidney damage.
- Avocado:Avocado contains a substance called persin that is toxic to many animals, including hedgehogs.
How Much & How Often to Feed a Hedgehog
To ensure a healthy hedgehog, it’s important to know how much and how often to feed them. A feeding chart and guide can help you determine the appropriate portions for your pet, while cooked meat is generally considered good for hedgehogs in moderation.
Additionally, incorporating healthy treats into their diet can provide variety and enrichment. Remember to always provide fresh water for your hedgehog and seek veterinary advice if they aren’t eating as usual.
Feeding Chart & Guide
Feeding your hedgehog correctly is key to their health and happiness. The table below provides a comprehensive feeding chart that can guide you in providing the right nutrition for your hedgehog.
| Food Type | Frequency | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Meat-based cat or dog food | Daily | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Special-made hedgehog food | Daily | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Cat biscuits | Daily | 1-2 pieces |
| Mealworms (as treats) | Occasional | 5-10 pieces |
| Shallow dish of water | Always available | Refill as needed |
This guide ensures that you’re feeding your hedgehog a balanced diet, which includes meat-based cat or dog food, specially-made hedgehog food, and cat biscuits daily. Mealworms can also be given as an occasional treat. Always ensure that there is a shallow dish of water available for your hedgehog to drink from. Following this guide not only ensures your hedgehog receives proper nutrition, but it also encourages their natural behaviors.
Is Cooked Meat Good for Hedgehogs?
Cooked meat can be apart of a hedgehog’s diet, but it should only be given insmall amounts. Hedgehogs need abalanced dietthat includesprotein, and cooked meat can provide that.
However, it’s important to avoid seasoning or adding any spices to the meat because hedgehogs are sensitive to those flavors. Raw meats are not recommended for hedgehogs due to therisk of bacterial contamination.
It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian or an expert who specializes in hedgehog care before introducing cooked meat into their diet.
Healthy Treats for Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs can enjoy some healthy treats in moderation. Here are a few options to consider:
- Mealworms: These can be a tasty and nutritious treat for hedgehogs. However, they should only be given occasionally as they arehigh in fat.
- Crickets: Hedgehogs may enjoy the crunchy texture of crickets. Again, these should be givensparingly as treats.
- Cooked chicken or turkey: Lean, cooked poultry can be a good source of protein for hedgehogs. Make sure it isplain and free from any seasoning or spices.
- Small pieces of fruits and vegetables: Hedgehogs can have small amounts of fruits like apples, bananas, and melons as well as veggies like carrots and peas. Remember to cut them intosmall, manageable pieces.
- Pumpkin puree: Hedgehogs may enjoy the taste of pumpkin puree, which can provide someadditional fiberin their diet.
How Often Do Hedgehogs Drink Water?
Hedgehogs need to drink water regularly tostay hydrated. They should have access to a shallow dish offresh, clean waterat all times. Hedgehogs typically drinksmall amounts of waterthroughout the day and night.
It’s important to check their water dish daily and refill it as needed. Providing aconstant supply of waterensures that hedgehogs can drink whenever they feel thirsty, helping them stay healthy and happy.
What to Do If Your Hedgehog Isn’t Eating
If your hedgehog isn’t eating, it’s important to take action. First, check for anyunderlying health issuesby observing their behavior and looking for signs of illness. If you suspect a problem, consult a veterinarian who specializes in exotic pets.
In the meantime, try offeringdifferent types of foodto entice your hedgehog to eat. You can also try warming up their food slightly or adding some water to make it more appealing.
Ensurefresh wateris always available for them to drink. Remember that stress can also impact their appetite, so provide a quiet and comfortable environment for them. If the issue persists or worsens, seek professional advice promptly as lack of eating can be serious for hedgehogs.
Hedgehog Diet in the Wild
Hedgehogs in the wild have a varied diet that consists of insects, plants, and berries.
Changes in Hedgehog Diet
Hedgehogs have adapted to changes in their environment, including their diet. While theirnatural diet consists of earthworms, beetles, caterpillars, earwigs, and millipedes, they have also learned to eat other food sources.
In urban areas where there are fewer insects available, hedgehogs may eat more human food and rubbish. It is important to provide a suitable diet for wild hedgehogs by setting up a feeding station with appropriate foods like wet cat or dog food and mealworms.
This helps ensure that hedgehogs receive the nutrition they need even when theirnatural prey is scarce.
Human Food and Rubbish
Hedgehogs may sometimes eat human food and rubbish, but it’s important to note that these items arenot suitable for their diet. Hedgehogs can be attracted to leftover food, such as bread or milk, but these can actually harm them.
Bread is starchy and lacks nutritional value, whilemilk can cause digestive issues. In addition, hedgehogs should never consume chocolate or anything containing caffeine, as these are toxic to them.
It’s crucial tokeep human food and rubbish away from hedgehogsto ensure their health and well-being.
What to Feed Wild Hedgehogs
Wild hedgehogs have adiverse dietthat includes various foods. Here are some things you can feed them:
- Insects: Hedgehogs love to eatinsects like earthworms, beetles, caterpillars, earwigs, and millipedes.
- Plants: They also enjoy munching onplants and berriesfound in their natural habitat.
- Cat or dog food: If you want to provide an extra treat, you can offer themmeat-based cat or dog food.
- Water: Make sure to leave out ashallow dish of waterfor the hedgehogs to drink from.
Setting up a Hedgehog Feeding Station
To create a Hedgehog Feeding Station, follow these steps:
- Find aquiet and secluded areain your garden.
- Place ashallow dish of waternear the feeding station.
- Provide a variety of hedgehog-friendly foods such asmeat-based cat or dog food,specially-made hedgehog food, andcat biscuits.
- Avoid leaving out bread and milk, as they can be dangerous for hedgehogs.
- Make sure the feeding station isaccessible to hedgehogsbut protected from larger animals.
- Monitor the feeding station regularly to ensure it remains clean and hygienic for the hedgehogs.
- Refill the dishes with fresh food and water regularly to attract hedgehogs to your garden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Ultimate Guide to What Hedgehogs Eat: A Complete Feeding Guide” offersvaluable informationon thebest foods and feeding practicesfor hedgehogs. Whether you have a pet hedgehog or want to attract them to your garden, this guide providesimportant insightsinto their dietary needs.
By following the recommendations in this guide, you can ensure that your hedgehog receives abalanced dietandstays healthy.
FAQs
1. What do hedgehogs eat?
Hedgehogs primarily eat insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. They may also consume fruits, vegetables, and certain types of cat food.
2. Can I feed my hedgehog human food?
No, it is not recommended to feed your hedgehog human food as their dietary needs are different. Stick to a balanced diet that includes appropriate commercial hedgehog food and occasional treats like mealworms or fruit.
3. How often should I feed my hedgehog?
Hedgehogs should be fed once in the evening when they are most active. Provide them with a small portion of food every day, ensuring it is fresh and appropriate for their nutritional requirements.
4. Are there any foods that are toxic to hedgehogs?
Yes, some foods can be harmful or toxic to hedgehogs. Avoid feeding them chocolate, caffeine-containing drinks or foods, onions, garlic, grapes or raisins as these can be dangerous for their health.
