What kind of baby food can hedgehogs eat
Hedgehog Treats - Millermeade Farm's Critter Connection
Last Updated on October 29, 2022.
-
- Treats that provide nutrition are always more beneficial than food items that seem to be nothing more than empty calories.
- Establishing a regular routine when offering treats may help your hedgehog try new treats since they know treats are expected at that time.
- Perishable treats should be removed after one hour.
Insects
- Insectivores by nature, hedgehogs typically love insects. It is a good idea to include insects as part of your hedgehog’s balanced diet.
- The most popular insects of hedgehogs and their owners are live mealworms, wax worms, silk worms and crickets.
- Canned crickets, mealworms (only one or two per day), wax worms or other insects can be used but they tend to smell bad and should ideally be used within a week of opening.
Rancid canned insects can cause stomach upset to hedgehogs.
- Amy Hood of Hood Petz had a necropsy report that showed that one of her hedgehogs died from a freeze-dried mealworm impaction in the intestinal tract. This was due to the hedgehog’s inability to digest the freeze-dried mealworms. For this reason, many hedgehog breeders and enthusiasts do not recommend freeze-dried insects.
- We prefer to use pet-quality, farm raised insects to wild caught insects because of the risk of parasite infection, insecticide exposure, or other toxins in bugs caught in the wild.
- Even though hedgehogs are insectivores, a captive hedgehog diet of only insects would not be nutritionally balanced.
- When purchasing insects one needs to find out if they have been recently fed or “gut loaded”. Insects that have not been fed are mainly empty shells that are imbalanced in calcium and phosphorus. (Graffam)
- Please refer to our Insects A La Carte guide for more information on this subject.
VIDEO.: Types of hedgehog treats
VIDEO.: Hedgehog enjoying a freeze dried chicken/banana treat
Purchase treats here: Food & Treats
Meat
-
- Most meat is fine as long as they are grilled, broiled, baked, boiled, or even cooked in the microwave. Do NOT feed raw meat or processed meat.
- Meat should NOT be cooked with oil or butter and should not be seasoned.
- It is never a good idea to feed raw meat, because of the risk of salmonella or other bacterial or parasitic infections.
- Meat should be cooked until tender and cut into small pieces.
- Some hedgehog meat favorites are: grilled salmon, chicken, and turkey.
- Beef and pork are acceptable, but should be fed in moderation. These meats are not easily digested and contain lower calcium and higher phosphorus levels than other alternatives.
- Meat is not suitable as a main portion of the hedgehog’s diet. Non supplemented meats do not provide adequate calcium, balanced minerals, tooth abrasion, or adequate vitamins. (Graffam)
- Scrambled, hard-boiled, or mashed hard-boiled eggs are a popular treat for many hedgehogs.
- Be sure that you don’t add seasonings while cooking and try to stay away from too much butter or oils.
- We scramble one egg with about a teaspoon of water and put it in the microwave for one minute or until cooked throughout. The water makes the egg a little lighter and fluffier than plain eggs. The best way to scramble eggs is in the microwave with no added oils or seasonings.
- Make sure the eggs are not too hot when you give them to your hedgehog.
- One hedgehog owner told us that her hedgehog enjoyed ONLY fresh scrambled eggs for breakfast rather than leftovers from later in the day.
- Hedgehogs do not break down cellulose in plant and vegetable matter as well as other animals. Fruits are softer and typically easier to digest than vegetables.
- All vegetables should be diced into small pieces and most should be cooked in the microwave, boiled, or steamed so that they are soft.
- Hard vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes should be cooked to prevent choking hazards.
- Corn and peas contain excess phosphorus, which decreases the calcium absorption and should only be fed in small amounts.
- All skin and seeds should be removed from fruits and vegetables.
- Apple
- Banana
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Honeydew
- Mango
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Asparagus
- Bell Peppers
- Butternut Squash
- Carrots (cooked)
- Cucumber
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Radishes
- Sweet Potato (cooked)
- Turnips
- Zucchini
*Sweet potato, pumpkin, and butternut squash are all high in fiber and are therefore extra beneficial for regulating bowel movements.
Baby Foods
Watermelon can also act as a diuretic.- Many people enjoy giving their hedgehog’s baby food as treats.
- Baby foods are easy to store and relatively inexpensive.
- Gerber Stage 2 Baby Foods Meat in Gravy and Gerber Chicken Sticks are favorite treats. This stage has only meat, water, and cornstarch.
- Baby foods, fruits and vegetables, chicken and applesauce, and meat sticks are also popular.
- Higher stage foods may have added sugar, onion powder, salt, and other ingredients that should be avoided.
- Hedgehogs are thought to be somewhat lactose intolerant to milk, but yogurt and cottage cheese seem to be easier for hedgehogs to digest.
- The yogurt and cottage cheese provide extra calcium to your hedgehog’s diet and the yogurt provides beneficial bacteria as well.
- In one of her posts on Chins-n-Quills, Steph Hyne said she feeds Low Fat Plain Organic Yogurt or Low Fat Cottage Cheese to all of her hedgehogs.
- Yogurt can be helpful to sick hedgehogs because it reintroduces beneficial bacteria into the gut.
- Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about yogurt or other dairy products if your hedgehog is on antibiotics or if you are changing an ailing hedgehog’s diet.
- Some hedgehogs do not tolerate yogurt from cow’s milk. Green stools are the most common and obvious signs of stomach upset.
- Soy based yogurts are good dairy alternatives.
- Different hedgehogs have different taste preferences so you’ll have to experiment with various flavors. Some hedgehogs may enjoy fruit flavors and others are happy with plain yogurt mixed into their food or flavored with favorite baby foods.
- Yogurt can be mixed into the hedgehog’s food or fed alone.
- Stonyfield Farms https://www.stonyfield.com/has a wide variety of organic products that are well suited for both humans and pets. They make lots of products of Organic Yogurts, Organic Smoothies, and O’Soy Soy-Yogurt that are all possible options for ailing hedgehogs. Many grocery stores carry Stonyfield Farms products.
- Another option is that many health food stores sell organic yogurt that can be purchased in small amounts.
- Canned or moist cat foods are easily accessible and relatively cheap to try.
- Pet owner, Megan R. says her hedgehog Prickly Piggly Wiggly, loves Temptations brand cat treats.
- Agador, the hedgehog loves Friskies Fillets, claims owner McCayla C.
- Ferret treats are another option if you have them available.
- Sweet foods containing refined or processed sugars are not a good source of treats for your pet.
We suggest that you completely avoid chocolate because it can be toxic for hedgehogs and other animals. - Fried foods are not a good idea because the grease can upset the hedgehog’s stomach and the excess calories are not good for hedgehogs on the heavy side.
- Hard foods such as peanuts, almonds, and raw carrots are choking hazards. One of our customers had an emergency trip to the veterinarian one night because their hedgehog had an almond lodged in its throat!
- Sticky foods such as raisins or other dried fruit are not a good idea, because they can stick to the roof of the hedgehog’s mouth or to its teeth causing discomfort and tooth decay.
- Fibrous or stringy foods such as celery are hard to chew and digest.
- Raw eggs or meat should be completely avoided, because of the risk of Salmonella.
- Spicy foods and ones such as onions and garlic may be upsetting to your hedgehog’s stomach.
- Controversial foods
- Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and many small animals. They may cause renal, liver, and organ failure.
- Avocados.
- Salty foods such as many canned meats and vegetables can not only upset your hedgehogs stomach, but it can cause electrolyte imbalances as well
- Avocado – controversial
- Chocolate
- Eggs – raw
- Fried foods
- Fried Foods
- Garlic
- Grapes
- Meat – canned
- Meat – processed (hot dogs)
- Meat – raw
- Milk
- Nuts
- Onions
- Outdoor insects
- Raisins and other dried fruit
- Seeds
Other Fun Treats
I cook chicken or turkey then send it through my food grinder with green beans, carrots, apples, until it will hold shape.
I pack it into ice cube trays and freeze. I pop out the cubes and “frost” at service with flavored applesauce to add color. I grind some of my cat food into semi fine crumbles and add sprinkles.
Rebecca Coatney of Harlequin Hedgehogs at the Quillery
www.facebook.com/HarlequinHedgehogsAtTheQuillery
Hi, I have a hedgehog that I bought from you guys back in July and she never really seemed to like any snacks for example I’ve tried giving her water melons, strawberries, bananas, mangos and cantaloupe, crickets and mealworms and she didn’t like any of them, all she eats is her spikes formula food. My sister recently got a bunny so she had to buy some Timothy hay and my hedgehog found a piece and my hedgehog seemed to liked it. I took it away from her right away because I wasn’t sure if she was able to eat it. My question is, is she able to eat the the hay or should I continue to avoid it and are there any other treats that you could recommend for me to try giving her? Thank you very much! HD
That is very interesting that your hedgehog liked the hay.
As long as the hay is from packaged from a pet store it should be fine. Hay used for large livestock hasn’t been treated for anything that could make your hedgehog sick. Your hedgehog may like to nest with her hay. As long as her igloo or sleeping area remains clean it is a comfortable, natural bedding. Keep trying a variety of treats. Just because she doesn’t like it one day doesn’t mean she won’t like it another.
Contributors:
Gail Smith, Shelly Fowler – Beach Bum Hedgies, Melissa Ramos, Coley Emde
Picture of Hedgehog Prickly Piggly Wiggly:
courtesy of Megan R.
Reference:
Stonyfield Organic, Retrieved from www.stonyfield.com
Soft Food recommendations | Hedgehog Central
The following was originally posted to CnQ by Laura D.
SOFT FOODS for HEDGEHOGS
Sometimes our little hedgehogs need to be put on soft foods because of tooth loss, gum problems, or other health issues.
As always, before changing or adding to your hedgie's diet, please check with your veterinarian; this is especially important if your hedgehog is currently on medication or is having trouble eating their regular food on their own.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind when you're changing your hedgehog's diet. First, you can be pretty much assured that the hedgie's poop is going to change in consistency, color, and possibly scent; this is normal as their digestive system adjusts to the new foods, but talk with your vet about what to watch for (such as mucous in the stool). Second, many hedgehogs take a while to figure-out that the new thing in their food dish is actually food; they may choose to anoint with the new substance, walk through it, poop in it, or do other charming things. Third, hedgehogs seem to do best with foods offered at room temperature or a bit warmer; I've no idea why this is, but it's true at least for the quilled kids here.
Many of the following food ideas can be administered via syringe, should your hedgehog be so ill that they need to be hand-fed.
However, if your hedgehog is needing to be syringe-fed, PLEASE clear any of these foods (or any others that you want to try) with your veterinarian before adding them to your hedgehog's diet.
For feeding your little one, I have the following suggestions:
1. Ground-up kibble - I use the same mixture as they've been getting whole (high-protein, low-fat), grind it in a coffee grinder (reserved especially for hedgie food), and store it in a zip-lock bag in the refrigerator. Then I scoop out some and soften it in warm water; it's amazing how much water it can absorb! I usually add what I think will be too much water, and then end-up adding more after it's been sitting for a few minutes. Some times I also add a few drops of Omega-3 oils.
2. Canned and packet versions of their regular kibble - You may want to add some of their regular, ground kibble to the wet version for continuity of flavor.
Also, you may want to look at some of the various canned and pouched cat (and kitten) foods now available.
There's lots of options in terms of flavor and consistency (the "pate" versions have been a hit with the hedgies here) and those may be of some appeal to your hedgehog
3. Baby food - I've had good luck with the Gerber "Stage 2" foods, especially the chicken and gravy (ingredients: chicken, water, cornstarch), the sweet potato (ingredients: sweet potatoes, water, cornstarch), and the mixed veggies. Also, many hedgehogs like the Gerber Graduates Chicken Sticks. When the jar is first opened, the sticks are soft (can be difficult to get out of the jar without crumbling) and can be smushed into small bits with your fingers. After the jar has been opened for a day or two, sometimes the outside of the chicken sticks becomes chewy; when this happens, I just peel-off the outside of the stick and crumble the interior. (The fluid that is in the jar with the chicken sticks can become somewhat gelatinous - I sometimes add a bit of this liquid to the moist food.) I also recommend the "Earth's Best Baby Food" brand, too, and there are other brands available throughout the country; just be sure to look for a food that is just the main ingredient, water, and cornstarch.
I warm the baby foods a bit before serving.
4. Mealworms, waxworms, silkworms, crickets, etc. - if your hedgehog is having trouble chewing, they may not be able to get through the exoskeleton of live mealworms and crickets and the freeze-dried or roasted versions may be too crunchy for them. But there are several options you can try:
4A. You can take live mealworms, waxworms, silkworms, and crickets and freeze them. Once dead, you can then let the insects thaw and mash or grind them up and add it to your hedgie's wet food.
4B. With live mealworms, you can keep an eye on them as they grow and feed your hedgehog the worms that have just shed their skin (they'll be white and soft).
4C. If you have freeze-dried or roasted worms (or crickets), you can add these to the kibble when you grind it. Or you can grind them separately and sprinkle the resulting powder on the moistened food (baby food, moistened kibble, canned cat food, etc.).
4D. You can purchase canned insects (which tend to be a bit softer) in the reptile section of many pet stores and then grind or mash them.
Remember that you'll need to keep the insects in the fridge or freezer once you've opened the can, though, else they'll turn rancid.
5. Yogurt - you can purchase small amounts of organic yogurt (you may need to experiment with flavors - my hedgehogs like the vanilla and banana flavors) and offer this as an addition to (or mixed in with) the moistened regular food. Stonyfield Yogurt has several options in their "YoBaby" line, including smoothies, whole milk yogurt, and drinkable yogurt. These (and other brands) can be found in the yogurt section of many large supermarkets and in natural food and nutrition stores. Please note, though, that some veterinarians advise against giving hedgehogs dairy products while the hedgehog is on antibiotics, so please ask your vet before adding yogurt to your hedgie's diet. Also, yogurt from cow's milk may cause green feces and other signs of stomach upset, so you need to be very careful. Right now I'm working with some local small farmers to purchase some yogurt made from goats' milk, hoping that it will be easy on my sick hedgies' digestive system.
Another option is cultured soy products, such as Stonyfield Farms' O-Soy cultured soy yogurt, which contains live active cultures that assist in the digestive process. You may need to contact a local health food store to find these items. It's not essential to get a "flavored" yogurt. I often purchase "plain" and stir in a bit of baby food or other items to make it palatable for the hedgehogs.
6. Eggs - One thing that's been a big hit around here are scrambled eggs. I just whip an egg, cover the dish with plastic wrap, and microwave it until done, then cool and crumble before serving. Some people use soy milk added before cooking, resulting in a "soft scramble" and other folks make regular scrambled eggs in a frying-pan with butter. Some of my hedgehogs also like well-mashed hard-boiled eggs.
7. Protein Drinks - There are several protein drinks currently available that people've offered to their hedgehogs with good results; the most common are the Boost and Ensure brands, both of which come in different flavors and different versions.
I prefer to offer the Vanilla flavor, but I know that some hedgies prefer the Strawberry. Boost comes in a "Boost Plus" version, which I turn to when there's lots of weight loss in the little one. I usually water it down a bit (though some hedgehogs like it straight). Please do not give your hedgehog Chocolate-flavored anything, as we don't know if chocolate is toxic to hedgies.
8. Children's Electrolyte Drinks - While the most common brand is Pedialyte, many stores also offer a store brand. You can now get this in "freezer pop" servings, which you can just store at room temperature. The smaller serving size means less goes to waste. If you desire, feel free to dilute this with water. Also, a powdered version is now available which allows you to mix the amount that you want, to the dilution-level that you want, with not as much waste.
9. Hill's A/D (and other versions), Critical Care for Carnivores, and Feline Rebound - these are items that you will need to ask your veterinarian about, though the Feline Rebound can be ordered on-line from a few websites.
10. Emma's Mix - I am currently syringe-feeding a little hedgehog who cannot eat on her own because of a lack of teeth and neurological problems. I feed Emma several a day and she receives between 9 and 15 cc's (she starts "blowing bubbles" with her food when she's full) at a time. Her weight is stable at about 320 grams, which seems to be a good weight for her body size. The mix consists of the following:
2 jars (2.5 ounces) Gerber 2nd Foods Chicken
½ jar (about 1.25 ounces) Earth's Best Organic First Sweet Potatoes
½ jar (about 1.25 ounces) Earth's Best Organic First Apples
½ container (about 1 tablespoon) YoBaby Organic Whole Milk Yogurt, Banana or Vanilla OR ½ container Stonyfield Farms' O'Soy cultured soy yogurt (2-3 ounces)
1 tablespoon Earth's Best Organic Whole Grain Oatmeal or Rice Cereal
I mix these five items in a microwave-safe container and store in the refrigerator; I warm the mix for about 30 seconds (until it's about room-temperature) before feeding it to Emma.
One batch lasts about 3-days. I feed the leftover foods (which shouldn't be stored for more than a day or two in the refrigerator, once opened) to my pet rats, who are very appreciative of the treat. Feel free to experiment with the different baby foods until you find a mixture appealing to your hedgehog.
What fruits can be eaten by domestic hedgehogs?
Can a hedgehog eat apples?
Yes, hedgehogs can eat apples. Despite this, they should not be fed daily, as apples are not part of their main diet, even in the wild. Their main food source consists mainly of dried food such as insects and mealworms. Apples should be given in moderation in small amounts, as with any treats you will be giving to your pet dogs or cats.
Can hedgehogs eat applesauce?
Yes, but only regular applesauce that is unsweetened or made from organic applesauce. You don't want to feed them with added preservatives or sugar, as this can be harmful to your hedgehogs. Some hedgehogs have reportedly taken a liking to applesauce, and it has become one of the most popular foods given by most hedgehog owners around the world.
Can hedgehogs eat baby food?
Yes, you can feed your hedgehogs baby food. Because baby food will be gentle on the stomach, and if possible, organic baby food will be the best, as their ingredients are safe for your hedgehogs. As a general rule, you should avoid any dairy products, as this can give your hedgehog diarrhea. Avoid fish-flavored baby food, as some hedgehogs may be allergic and some may have trouble eating it. If organic baby food is not available or within your budget, you may want to consider any meat-flavored baby food, although it can become messy if served to your hedgehogs as they are messy eaters and will sometimes take or drag their leftovers back to your shelter.
Can hedgehogs eat bananas?
Yes, you can feed bananas to your pet hedgehogs. It is perfectly safe for them to consume bananas, but only as an occasional snack in moderation because a banana is a fruit that contains too much natural sugar, which can lead to diabetes. However, bananas cannot be included as the main diet for your pet hedgehogs.
Can hedgehogs eat strawberries?
Yes, you can feed strawberries to your pet hedgehogs. But keep in mind that they should be given as a light snack two to three times a week. Strawberries should be cut to bite size and washed before serving in small portions. Don't leave strawberries in the cage for too long, as they can spoil and upset your hedgehog's tummy.
Can hedgehogs eat blueberries?
Yes, you can feed your pet hedgehogs mob. Blueberries make good treats for them, but be sure to cut them further into bite size so they're easy to consume. Rinse the blueberries thoroughly before serving the hedgehogs in small portions. Blueberries should be treated as a delicacy and not always included in a meal.
Can hedgehogs eat cherries?
Yes, you can feed hedgehogs cherries. Cherries are considered a safe food for hedgehogs, as they are an excellent source of vitamins C and A, protein, iron, and calcium, which help strengthen your hedgehog's antibodies and bones.
Although it should only be fed to your hedgehogs in small amounts about 2-3 times per week. Do not feed them cherries daily, as it is not every day that a hedgehog will stumble upon a cherry in the wild.
Can hedgehogs eat grapes?
No, they can't eat grapes at all. Although hedgehogs are said to be able to feed on a variety of foods, never try to feed them grapes, as they are rumored to be poisonous to these small mammals. Some report that grape skins are toxic, and there are even hedgehogs that die of kidney failure after eating grapes.
Can hedgehogs eat mangoes?
Yes, you can feed mangoes to your hedgehogs. Because mango flesh is soft and juicy, it is easy for your hedgehog to digest. This is one of the most popular fruits that most hedgehog owners feed their hedgehogs, but be aware that it is high in sugar and the mango should be cut into small pieces and fed sparingly several times a week.
Can hedgehogs eat oranges?
No, not at all, since oranges are citrus fruits that are very poisonous to hedgehogs.
Other than orange, you should avoid feeding your pet hedgehogs ANY citrus fruits, as they will definitely upset their tiny stomachs and cause digestive problems, which is bad for them. DO NOT FEED them oranges, although there are rare occasions when they enjoy doing so, do so at your own risk.
Can hedgehogs eat peaches?
Yes, you can continue to feed the hedgehog peaches. Fruits provide them with vitamins that are essential for its growth, in addition to protein, fat and fiber. Cut the peaches into pieces and offer a tablespoon full of peaches to your pet hedgehog. If he shows no interest in him, remove him soon and do not force them to consume fruits that become bad. Feed them 2-3 times a week, don't overfeed them with peaches.
Can hedgehogs eat pineapple?
No, don't feed your hedgehogs pineapples, as they are highly acidic and also high in sugar, which is more harmful in the long run. Some hedgehog keepers do feed their pet hedgehogs pineapple, but in small portions where they don't get any side effects. But those hedgehogs with weak stomachs can be susceptible and experience stomach irritation as a result.
Can hedgehogs eat watermelon?
Yes, you can feed your pet hedgehog watermelon. But still, watermelon should not be fed regularly on a daily basis, although it is quite popular among hedgehog lovers. Hedgehog owners should keep in mind that watermelon is rich in water and sugar, which is not ideal for them to eat all the time. Feed hedgehogs watermelon sparingly.
Can hedgehogs eat raisins?
No, don't feed hedgehogs raisins, as they are poisonous. They are considered toxic and high in sugar. Raisins can even cause your hedgehog's tooth to decay and rot. It is still unknown why hedgehogs suffer kidney failure when eating raisins and grapes almost immediately, but serving hedgehogs with raisins is generally not recommended. Feed them at your own risk, as some people have tried to feed them raisins as a treat.
Can hedgehogs eat raspberries?
Yes, hedgehogs can eat raspberries.
In fact, most of the berries that are available as fruits can be fed to your hedgehogs. If the raspberry is larger than its mouth, be sure to downsize even more to make it easily consumed by your pet hedgehogs, as you don't want them to devour the raspberries and suffocate as a result. Raspberries should be fed in moderation as a treat and never introduced as a permanent addition to any of her meals or after meals.
Can hedgehogs eat watermelon?
Yes, you can feed your pet hedgehog watermelon. But still, watermelon should not be fed regularly on a daily basis, although it is quite popular among hedgehog lovers. Hedgehog owners should keep in mind that watermelon is rich in water and sugar, which is not ideal for them to eat all the time. Feed hedgehogs watermelon sparingly.
Diet of African pygmy hedgehogs | World of Hedgehogs
- Home Diet of African Pygmy Hedgehogs
Tweet
The main diet of the African Pygmy Hedgehog is a natural diet, namely insects, vegetables/fruits, meat (chicken or turkey).
As a treat, hedgehogs can be given food specially designed for them (Spike’s), which you can purchase on our website, of the highest quality, but only as a treat.
Many breeders recommend feeding hedgehogs premium dry cat or dog food.
These feeds must be free of any starchy foods, such as corn or potatoes, or any substitutes or dyes. The first five ingredients should include meat (e.g. chicken, turkey, lamb, beef), as well as fruits and vegetables.
At the same time, the fat content of the feed should not exceed 8-12%, if the fat content is higher, then in six months you risk getting a prickly bun.
To be honest, we have never come across a food with such a wonderful composition in our practice.
At the moment, the issue of feeding hedgehogs with dry cat or dog food causes us serious concerns, as cases of severe allergic reactions to them have become more frequent.
Whether or not to feed your hedgehog with this food is entirely up to you.
There is no guarantee that if parents ate this or that cat/dog food without any problems, did not suffer from allergies to it or eating disorders, then this will never happen to at least one of their children.
The choice of this or that food is always based on the individual tolerance of the animal, its health, life expectancy and indicators of its reproductive qualities.
When buying an animal, be sure to ask the breeder what kind of food the animal and its parents ate, if there were any allergic reactions or eating disorders to it.
Keep in mind that feeding with natural food is healthier for the hedgehog than feeding with dry food. With natural feeding, your pet will be healthier and live longer.
A hedgehog can be given about 15-20 pellets of dry hedgehog food (Spike's) per feeding, but no more. We cannot speak for feeds from other manufacturers, so calculate the amount yourself.
Any food, be it hedgehog/cat/dog, should be a treat!
Hedgehogs have a very weak liver, if it is overloaded, the animal can die very quickly, hardly reaching 3-4 years.
Therefore, as a preventive measure, a hedgehog needs to arrange a fasting day once a week when he does not receive any dry food.
Let's analyze in stages what foods are suitable for a hedgehog and in what quantities they should be given to him (the calculation is made according to the condition of completely natural nutrition, where the food is only a treat):
- ) boiled or steamed without salt and spices. Give one tablespoon, finely chop or grind into minced meat.
Meat must be 100% safe, without any additives, food coloring, growth hormones, etc. If you give your hedgehog meat, buy it from trusted places, directly from farmers or people who raise poultry for themselves.
Under the condition of proper natural nutrition, it is enough to give meat 2 times a week.
- Chicken hearts - boiled or steamed without salt or spices. They are a rather fatty product, so you should give one tablespoon, finely chopped or ground into minced meat, no more than once a week.
- Fish - in general, all types are safe, but its use can affect the smell of the animal's feces, urine and skin. Boil or steam without bones, salt or spices. Give one tablespoon, finely chop or grind into minced meat.
Be aware that fish may contain bones, so make sure it is clean before serving.
- Cereals - rice or oatmeal. Half a teaspoon of cereals boiled in water without a slide, once a week. Can be mixed with meat. Groats are fiber, which is also necessary for the health and normal functioning of the internal organs.
- Fruits and berries - apples, pears, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, melons, pitted cherries, cranberries, papaya, peaches, apricots, pumpkins, Jerusalem artichokes, watermelons, blueberries, kiwis.
It is enough to give once a week, on a fasting day.
Do not feed a whole fruit or berry to a hedgehog, a small, finely chopped slice is enough for him.
- Vegetables Carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, spinach, squash, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, peas, zucchini.
It is enough to give once a week, on a fasting day.
Do not feed a whole vegetable to a hedgehog, a small, finely chopped slice is sufficient.
- Raw quail egg (once a week); chicken (once a week), hard-boiled or in the form of an omelet, without salt and spices.
- Baby food - free of starch, coloring and preservatives.
It is best to do without it at all, since the composition can sometimes not correspond to reality.
This product is only allowed for consumption by old or sick animals. Although it is easier to make meat and vegetable purees on your own.
- Mice/Rats/Nude Hamsters (newborns) - as a treat, once a week, 1-2 pieces depending on size.
The product is rich in vitamins, increases the animal's immunity, improves the quality of needles, wool and skin.
Especially recommended for consumption by sick or debilitated individuals.
With proper natural nutrition, the hedgehog should receive insects daily. Whether you like it or not, there is nothing to do. Insects are the #1 food item in a hedgehog diet.
Insects suitable for food:
- Marble cockroaches - 10-15 adults per feeding maximum. This type of insect is suitable for daily feeding. Due to the large amount of chitin, cockroaches contribute to the gentle cleansing of the intestines, the growth of beautiful healthy needles, and the favorable condition of the skin and coat in general.
- Silkworm - 1-2 pieces 2 times a week as a treat. Contains a high percentage of fat.
- Banana, domestic, two-spotted cricket - 25-30 pieces per feeding (10-15 pieces if mixed with other insects, such as marble or Turkmen cockroaches).
This type of insect is suitable for daily feeding, as it contains a minimum percentage of fat.
- Mealworm - 2-3 pieces 2 times a week, as a treat. Contains a high percentage of fat.
- Zofobas - 2 pieces 2 times a week. Contains a high percentage of fat. If the insect is served live, it should be cut off or crushed, due to their powerful jaws, which are a potential hazard to the animal's digestive system.
- American cockroach - 10-15 pieces per feeding.
- Death's head cockroach - one large or two medium ones per feeding.
- Argentine cockroach - 4-5 adults per feeding.
- Madagascar hissing cockroach - one large or two medium per feeding.
A rather fatty type of insect, so it is better to give them no more than once a week.
- Turkmen cockroach - 10-15 adults per feeding maximum. This type of insect is suitable for daily feeding. Due to the large amount of chitin, cockroaches contribute to the gentle cleansing of the intestines, the growth of beautiful healthy needles, and the favorable condition of the skin and coat in general.
- Grasshopper - 10-15 pieces per feeding. Like crickets, they are suitable for the hedgehog's daily diet.
You can also give the hedgehog a mixture of dry insects - 1 tablespoon per feeding.
Dry insects are preferably given as a treat (twice a week is more than enough).
Remember! The diet of insects must be alternated.
Each hedgehog chooses the most delicious insects for himself and it is not a fact that each of the above will be to his taste.
Crickets (all types), marbled/Turkmen takarakans, zofobuses, flour and wax worms are considered to be the most preferred for hedgehogs.
Insects can be given both live and dead. If you are afraid of living insects or are afraid that they may scatter, then they can be frozen. Before giving the hedgehog insects, the required amount must be thawed to room temperature and only then given.
Never give your hedgehog insects of unknown origin (even those you caught in your garden).
You can buy fodder and dried insects on our website.
Never leave perishable food for a long period. Give them during the hedgehog's active hours, and discard the leftovers.
Do not be surprised if the hedgehog does not eat vegetables or fruits, he is a predator and is used to meat, not vegetarian food.
Dose the amount of feed based on the weight of the hedgehog. To do this, you should purchase a kitchen scale for weighing the animal and food.
Ideally, in order for the hedgehog not to overeat, he should receive 20-30 grams of food per day, possibly less. The animal usually eats as much as it sees fit.
Under no circumstances should hedgehogs:
- Milk and any products containing milk - hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and eating such products can cause indigestion.
- Pineapple - harmful due to high acidity, which can cause irritation in the mouth.
- All citrus fruits.
- Dried fruits - may get stuck or stick to the throat.
- Grapes and avocados - toxic, can cause disruption of the internal organs.
- Garlic and onion.
- Fast food, as well as any chips, hamburgers and more.
- Nuts and seeds - very fatty, can stick to the palate, get stuck in the teeth.
- Raisins - as dangerous as grapes, can get stuck in the teeth or stick to the palate and thus cause dental diseases and inflammation of the oral cavity.
