Dante Carrillo
Hedgehogs are considered either omnivores or insectivores, but their diet in the wild consists of a wide range of natural foods, mainly insects. Pet hedgehogs, on the other hand, should be fed a high-quality, poultry-based, low-fat cat or hedgehog kibble, supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, and gut-loaded insects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet Type | Omnivore or Insectivore |
| Diet Components | Insects, Fruits, Vegetables, Meat, Cat Food, Hedgehog Food |
| Nutritional Requirements | Protein, Carbohydrates, Fibre, Minerals, Water |
| Important Considerations | Prone to Obesity, Monitor Food Intake, Avoid Toxic Foods (e.g., Grapes, Raisins, Avocados), Provide Safe Water |
| Natural Diet | Invertebrates (Worms, Beetles, Slugs, Caterpillars, Millipedes, Earwigs), Insects |
| Food Sources | Pet Stores, Home-Raised Insects, Garden, Commercially Purchased Insects |
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What You'll Learn
Insects, fruits, and vegetables
Hedgehogs are considered either omnivores or insectivores, depending on the source. While hedgehogs in the wild will eat a variety of foods, not just insects, their diet is largely made up of invertebrates.
Insects
Hedgehogs have the unique ability to digest chitin, a necessary component of their diet. Chitin is found in the hard exoskeletons of insects and provides protein and fibre. Insects that are a part of a hedgehog's natural diet include beetles, earwigs, caterpillars, earthworms, millipedes, and fly larvae. Hedgehogs also eat worms, slugs, and other insects.
Mealworms, whether live or freeze-dried, are a good source of chitin and protein for hedgehogs. Live worms provide mental stimulation as the hedgehog has to work harder to catch their food. Waxworms are higher in fat and should be given as treats. Crickets, available live or freeze-dried, provide chitin and mental stimulation, but gut-loading is necessary to ensure they are loaded with nutrition.
Fruits
Hedgehogs can eat a small amount of fresh fruit, such as apples, bananas, berries, and melons. Dried fruit should be avoided. Fruits should be offered in small amounts, typically 1-3 teaspoons per day.
Vegetables
Hedgehogs can eat fresh tomatoes, green beans, and cooked squash. Starchy vegetables like corn, potatoes, and carrots should be avoided. Beta-carotene-rich vegetables are a good option. Vegetables should be offered in small amounts, typically 1-3 teaspoons per day.
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Pet food
Hedgehogs are considered either omnivores or insectivores, but their diet in the wild is not limited to insects. They also eat a variety of invertebrates, such as worms, beetles, slugs, caterpillars, millipedes, and earwigs, as well as small or baby mammals (like pinkie mice) and plant material.
Pet hedgehogs, on the other hand, should have a diet that consists mainly of high-quality, poultry-based, and low-fat cat or hedgehog kibble, with at least 30% protein and less than 20% fat. Each day, 1 to 3 tablespoons of kibble should be offered to an adult hedgehog, along with 1 teaspoon of fruits and vegetables, and some insects.
Supplemental foods can be offered in small amounts two to three times a week. These include gut-loaded insects such as mealworms, waxworms, crickets, and beetles, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, bananas, and cooked carrots. Boiled eggs and baby food can also be given as treats.
It is important to note that some foods should be avoided, such as raw meats and eggs, milk and milk-based foods, nuts, seeds, and hard or starchy vegetables like raw carrots and potatoes, as these can be harmful to hedgehogs.
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Invertebrates
Hedgehogs are considered either omnivores or insectivores, depending on the source. However, the omnivore description is probably more accurate, as wild hedgehogs will eat a variety of foods, not just insects.
In the wild, hedgehogs eat a wide range of natural foods, but the key items are invertebrates. The most important invertebrates in their diet are worms, beetles, slugs, caterpillars, earwigs, and millipedes. They also eat a wide range of other insects.
Hedgehogs have the unique ability to digest chitin from insects. Chitin is found in the hard exoskeleton of insects and is a necessary component of a hedgehog's diet. It is primarily a protein source but also provides some fiber.
A variety of invertebrates are part of a hedgehog's natural diet, and these can be used to provide variety in a pet hedgehog's diet. In addition to insects, these include:
- Beetles
- Earwigs
- Caterpillars
- Earthworms
- Millipedes
- Fly larvae
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Human food
Hedgehogs are considered either omnivores or insectivores, but their diet can include a good amount of variety. While insects form the primary diet of wild hedgehogs, pet hedgehogs should not eat too many insects as it can lead to mineral imbalances and possibly metabolic bone disease.
Pet hedgehogs can be fed a small amount of cooked, lean meat, such as chicken, or high-protein, low-fat canned dog or cat food. Meat should be cut into small pieces to prevent choking. Cooked eggs, like scrambled or hard-boiled eggs, are also a good source of protein for hedgehogs and can be given as an occasional treat.
Hedgehogs can also eat most berries and are especially fond of apples. Other fruits that can be offered sparingly as treats include bananas, cherries, peaches, watermelon, papaya, and kiwi. While hedgehogs may like to sample vegetables, they have difficulty digesting them due to their poor ability to digest cellulose, so vegetables should only be considered a last resort for treats.
It is important to note that some human foods are toxic to hedgehogs, such as avocados and grapes, while others may be hard to digest, like milk, or may not provide enough nutrition, like celery. It is always best to consult a veterinarian before feeding anything new to your hedgehog, and treats, including human food, should make up less than 5% of their diet and be offered once or twice a week.
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Water
Hedgehogs are prone to obesity, so it is important to monitor their food intake and ensure they have access to plenty of water. Exercise is also crucial for weight control, and hedgehogs may run on a wheel or require a larger cage to move around.
While hedgehogs can occasionally consume human foods, such as cooked lean meat, fruits, and vegetables, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before offering any new items. Human food should not make up the majority of their diet, and treats should account for less than 5% of their overall food intake.
It is worth noting that hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and cannot digest milk, so it is best to offer them only water. Additionally, grapes and avocados are toxic to hedgehogs and should be avoided.
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Frequently asked questions
A hedgehog's diet consists of insects, fruits, vegetables, and invertebrates such as worms, beetles, slugs, caterpillars, millipedes, and earwigs.
The best food for a pet hedgehog is a high-quality, low-fat cat or hedgehog kibble that meets their nutritional requirements.
Hedgehogs are prone to obesity, so it is important to monitor their food intake. The amount of food a hedgehog needs will depend on its size and activity level, but a typical adult hedgehog should eat 1-3 tablespoons of kibble per day, along with some insects, fruits, and vegetables.
Hedgehogs can eat a variety of insects, including mealworms, crickets, waxworms, beetles, earwigs, caterpillars, earthworms, millipedes, and fly larvae.
Hedgehogs should avoid dairy products, as they are lactose intolerant. They should also not eat raw meat, raw eggs, avocados, nuts, seeds, or hard foods such as raw carrots, which may get stuck in their mouth.
