Hedgehogs are omnivores and their diet mainly consists of insects and worms in the wild. However, they can also be fed a variety of foods in captivity. Here are some guidelines on what to feed a hedgehog:
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High-quality hedgehog food: A pet hedgehogs diet should mainly consist of high-quality hedgehog food mixed with high-quality, low-fat cat food. Specially made hedgehog food is also widely available and those resembling pet food with a high meat content are most suitable.
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Insects: Hedgehogs can be fed gut-loaded insects, such as mealworms and crickets, in small amounts two to three times a week. Crickets provide chitin as well as mental stimulation for a hedgehog.
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Meat-based wet dog or cat foods: Hedgehogs will relish any combination of meat-based wet dog or cat foods, or dry cat/kitten food. High protein, low-fat canned dog or cat food, as well as cooked chicken, can be offered in small amounts to a pet hedgehog.
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Fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruit can be offered to your hedgehog as treats. Apples, bananas, berries, and melons are popular choices among hedgehogs. Fresh tomatoes, fresh green beans, and cooked squash are some options that your hedgehog may enjoy. However, dried fruit should be avoided, and starchy vegetables, such as corn, potatoes, and carrots, should be avoided as well as dried vegetables.
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Water: A shallow dish of water should be provided to hedgehogs, especially during a hot dry summer.
Here are some foods that should be avoided when feeding a hedgehog:
- Lettuce and celery, which are low in nutritional value.
- Avocados, as they are toxic to hedgehogs.
- Raw meats or raw eggs, which can be harmful to hedgehogs.
- Milk and milk-based foods, which hedgehogs are not able to digest and may lead to diarrhea.
- Nuts, seeds, or hard foods such as raw carrots, as they may get stuck in the roof of the mouth (especially peanut halves) .
- Bread, which isnt very nutritious.
Its important to note that putting any food out will attract all sorts of wildlife and not just hedgehogs, including predators. To avoid the food you put out being eaten by pets or foxes, you could make a feeding station that is hedgehog-friendly.
