Dietary Needs of Hedgehogs: What to Feed and What to Avoid

Dietary Needs of Hedgehogs: What to Feed and What to Avoid

Hedgehogs may be small, but their dietary needs are quite specific. A healthy, balanced diet is essential to keeping your hedgehog happy and in good health. Hedgehogs are classified as insectivores, but in the wild, they also consume a variety of foods, including insects, plants, and small animals. As pets, their diet should mimic this natural variety while meeting their unique nutritional needs.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the essentials of hedgehog nutrition, explore safe foods and treats, and highlight common dietary mistakes to avoid to ensure your spiky friend thrives.

1. The Basics of a Hedgehog’s Diet

A balanced diet for pet hedgehogs primarily consists of protein, fats, and fiber. Most of their diet should come from high-quality, animal-based protein sources. The ideal protein content in their food should be between 30-35%, with a fat content of around 10-15%.

Here are the key components of a hedgehog’s diet:

High-Quality Cat Food

Surprisingly, one of the best staple foods for hedgehogs is high-quality dry cat food. Choose a brand with high protein content (around 30-35%) and low fat (10-15%). The food should have meat listed as the first ingredient, such as chicken, turkey, or fish.

• Why cat food? Hedgehog-specific food can be hard to find or may lack the necessary quality. Cat food offers the right balance of nutrients and is widely available.
• What to look for: Grain-free, high-protein cat foods with limited filler ingredients like corn or wheat.

Insects

Insects are a natural and essential part of a hedgehog’s diet. They’re high in protein and fiber, making them a great way to replicate the hedgehog’s natural food sources.

• What to offer: Live or freeze-dried mealworms, crickets, waxworms, or dubia roaches.
• How often to feed: Insects should be offered 1-2 times a week as treats or supplements to their main diet.

Fresh Vegetables and Fruits

Hedgehogs can also eat small amounts of certain fruits and vegetables. These foods add variety and extra fiber to their diet.

• Safe vegetables: Cooked carrots, peas, green beans, spinach, squash, and sweet potatoes.
• Safe fruits (in moderation): Apples, pears, bananas, berries, and watermelon.

2. What to Avoid Feeding Your Hedgehog

Not all foods are safe for hedgehogs. Some items can cause digestive issues, while others may be toxic or harmful. Here’s a list of foods to avoid:

Dairy Products

Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, so any dairy products like milk, cheese, or yogurt can cause upset stomachs, diarrhea, and other digestive problems.

• Why to avoid: Hedgehogs lack the enzymes needed to properly digest lactose.

Sugary or Processed Foods

Foods that are high in sugar or heavily processed should never be part of a hedgehog’s diet. These include sugary snacks, candies, chips, or anything containing artificial sweeteners.

• Why to avoid: Processed foods lack the nutrients hedgehogs need and can lead to obesity and other health issues.

Nuts and Seeds

Hedgehogs can have difficulty digesting nuts and seeds due to their tough textures, which can also pose a choking hazard.

• Why to avoid: Choking risk and hard-to-digest components can make these foods dangerous.

Raw Meat or Eggs

While protein is an essential part of a hedgehog’s diet, feeding raw meat or eggs is not recommended as it can carry harmful bacteria like salmonella.

• Why to avoid: Potential for bacterial contamination and digestive upset.

Toxic Foods

Some foods are outright dangerous for hedgehogs, including:

• Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney failure.
• Avocado: Contains a toxin called persin, which can be harmful to hedgehogs.
• Onions and garlic: Can lead to digestive issues and are toxic in large amounts.

3. Treats for Hedgehogs

Just like with any pet, treats can be a fun way to bond with your hedgehog and add some variety to their diet. However, treats should be given in moderation to avoid obesity and other health issues.

Here are some safe treat ideas:

• Cooked chicken or turkey: Small, lean portions with no seasoning.
• Scrambled eggs: Cooked plain without oils or butter.
• Freeze-dried insects: Mealworms, crickets, or silkworms can be given as an occasional treat.
• Small fruit pieces: Hedgehogs often enjoy small pieces of apple, banana, or watermelon.

4. Common Dietary Mistakes to Avoid

While hedgehogs can eat a variety of foods, there are a few common dietary mistakes that new owners often make. Here’s how to avoid them:

Overfeeding or Free-Feeding

Hedgehogs have a tendency to overeat, which can lead to obesity and related health issues. It’s important to measure out their food portions rather than leaving a full bowl for free-feeding.

• Tip: Adult hedgehogs generally need about 1-2 tablespoons of dry food per day. Be sure to adjust the portion size depending on your hedgehog’s age and activity level.

Not Offering Enough Variety

Just feeding your hedgehog one type of food isn’t enough to meet all their nutritional needs. A balanced diet that includes protein, fiber, and vitamins from different sources is key.

• Tip: Offer a variety of cat food, insects, vegetables, and occasional fruits to ensure they’re getting a wide range of nutrients.

Feeding Unhealthy Treats

It can be tempting to spoil your hedgehog with treats, but many common treats are too sugary or high in fat for regular consumption.

• Tip: Keep treats healthy by sticking to natural, low-sugar options like insects, lean meats, or small pieces of fruit. Limit treat portions to avoid weight gain.

5. Water Needs

It’s crucial to provide your hedgehog with fresh, clean water at all times. Use a water bowl rather than a bottle, as some hedgehogs find it easier and more natural to drink from a dish. Be sure to clean the bowl daily to prevent bacterial growth.

Conclusion: Feeding Your Hedgehog for Optimal Health

Feeding your hedgehog a balanced, nutritious diet is one of the most important aspects of their care. By offering high-quality cat food, protein-packed insects, and small amounts of safe vegetables and fruits, you’ll be setting them up for a long, healthy life.

Remember to avoid harmful foods like dairy, nuts, raw meat, and toxic fruits, and always watch out for overeating to prevent obesity. With the right diet, your hedgehog will stay energetic, happy, and full of life.

By understanding and meeting their dietary needs, you’re not just feeding them—you’re giving them the foundation for a healthy and vibrant life.

Written by Heather, from Quills and Cuddles at Setareh Hedgehogs. 🌿✨
For more hedgehog care tips, fun stories, and updates, be sure to check out our website at Setareh Hedgehogs. Don't forget to follow along on Instagram @setarehhedgehogs to see more adorable hedgie moments. We can’t wait to share the quill-filled fun with you!