Bringing a hedgehog into your home is an exciting experience. These unique and spiky pets can be wonderful companions, and a key part of keeping them happy and healthy is understanding their dietary needs. If you’re wondering “What Do Pet Hedgehogs Eat?”, you’ve come to the right place. Historically, many owners turned to cat food for their hedgehogs, but thankfully, we now have a better understanding of their nutritional requirements and a wider range of suitable foods available.
This guide will delve into the ideal diet for pet hedgehogs, covering everything from essential food groups to portion sizes and foods to avoid, ensuring your prickly pal thrives.
Understanding the Dietary Needs of Your Pet Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are often categorized as insectivores, but a more accurate description might be omnivores with a strong inclination towards insects. In their natural habitats, hedgehogs consume a diverse diet extending beyond just insects. This varied diet is crucial to consider when replicating their nutritional needs in captivity.
Most pet hedgehogs are African Pygmy hedgehogs, a hybrid species. While their wild counterparts’ diets vary based on location, pet hedgehogs have specific dietary requirements to thrive in a domestic setting. A key aspect of a hedgehog’s digestion is their ability to process chitin. Chitin, found in the exoskeletons of insects, is a vital source of protein and fiber for them. However, chitin alone isn’t sufficient; a well-rounded diet includes a variety of food types.
Hedgehogs can enjoy a range of foods, which we’ll explore in detail:
- Mealworms: These are an excellent source of chitin and protein. Offering them live can also provide enrichment as it encourages natural foraging behaviors. Freeze-dried mealworms are a convenient alternative.
- Waxworms: While tasty to hedgehogs, waxworms are higher in fat and lower in chitin compared to mealworms. They should be offered sparingly as treats.
- Crickets: Another fantastic source of chitin, crickets, whether live or freeze-dried, also stimulate a hedgehog’s hunting instincts. For optimal nutrition, “gut-load” live crickets by feeding them nutritious food before offering them to your hedgehog.
- Other Invertebrates: In the wild, hedgehogs consume a variety of invertebrates like beetles, earwigs, caterpillars, earthworms, millipedes, and fly larvae. These can be incorporated to add variety and nutritional balance to their diet.
- Fruits: Fresh fruits can be given in small quantities as treats. Hedgehogs often enjoy apples, bananas, berries, and melons. Dried fruits, however, should be avoided due to their high sugar concentration and potential for stickiness, which can be harmful.
- Vegetables: Certain fresh vegetables like tomatoes and green beans, and cooked squash can be offered. Avoid starchy vegetables such as corn, potatoes, and carrots, as well as dried vegetables, as they offer limited nutritional value and can be difficult to digest.
- Cooked Meat: Small amounts of cooked, lean meats like chicken or high-protein, low-fat canned dog or cat food can be offered. Ensure meat is cut into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards.
- Cooked Eggs: Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs, served occasionally, are a protein-rich treat that hedgehogs appreciate.
- Pinky Mice: For owners comfortable with it, pre-killed pinky mice can be given as an occasional treat.
- Hedgehog or Cat Kibble: This should form the foundation of your hedgehog’s diet. Look for high-quality hedgehog or cat kibble with at least 30% protein and less than 20% fat. Hedgehog-specific food is ideal, but carefully check the ingredients, as some may contain unsuitable items like raisins and seeds.
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Alt text: A close-up shot of an African Pygmy hedgehog happily eating brown kibble from a clear glass bowl, illustrating a common part of a pet hedgehog’s diet.
Feeding Guidelines: How Much and When
For adult hedgehogs, a daily serving of 1 to 2 tablespoons of kibble is generally recommended. Supplement this with about 1 teaspoon of fruits and vegetables, and a portion of insects. Larger or more active hedgehogs might require slightly more food. Regularly monitor your hedgehog’s weight using a baby scale. A weight gain exceeding 10% could indicate overfeeding, requiring a reduction in portion sizes.
Obesity is a common concern for pet hedgehogs, so careful monitoring of their food intake is vital. While hedgehogs are nocturnal and very active at night, especially if they have a running wheel, it’s still important to control their kibble consumption.
Hedgehogs are most active during the night and may eat more during these hours. Don’t be concerned if you don’t see them eating much during the day. Always remove any uneaten food the next day to prevent spoilage and maintain hygiene. Fresh water should be available to your hedgehog at all times.
Foods to Absolutely Avoid Feeding Your Hedgehog
Certain foods are either toxic, difficult to digest, or nutritionally inappropriate for hedgehogs. Some may lack essential nutrients, while others contain excessive amounts that can lead to health problems.
Here is a list of foods you should never give to your hedgehog:
- Raw meat: Risk of bacterial contamination.
- Processed meat: Often high in salt and unhealthy fats.
- Raw eggs: Risk of salmonella.
- Milk and Dairy products: Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and dairy can cause digestive upset.
- Bread: Offers minimal nutritional value and can be difficult to digest.
- Avocado: Toxic to hedgehogs.
- Celery and Lettuce: Low in nutritional value and can cause diarrhea.
- Nuts and Seeds: Potential choking hazards and some seeds contain toxins.
- Peanuts: Can be a choking hazard and are not easily digestible.
- Dried fruits and Dried vegetables: High in sugar, can be sticky, and offer limited nutritional value.
- Starchy vegetables (corn, potatoes, carrots): Difficult to digest and can contribute to weight gain.
- Hard raw vegetables: Difficult to chew and digest.
- Human junk food (salty or sugary snacks): Unhealthy and detrimental to their health.
By providing a balanced diet with a variety of appropriate foods and avoiding harmful ones, you can ensure your pet hedgehog lives a long, healthy, and happy life. If you have any concerns or questions about your hedgehog’s diet, always consult with a veterinarian experienced in exotic pets.
