Food:
A hedgehog’s diet has been one of the topics debated constantly for years. Some people recommend feeding cat food while others recommend a completely natural diet. Hedgehogs need a certain amount of fat, protein and fiber in their diet. Most cat foods are too high in fat and can cause a fatty liver. They need around 10-14% fat, at least 30% protein and up to 10% fiber. Since all cat foods are different in their analysis and ingredients, many breeders will mix 3-4 cat foods together. This will ensure that the hedgehog will be getting what they need to maintain a healthy diet. Some people use a food called Spikes Delight that has been made specifically for hedgehogs. This food has been researched, tested, and changed according to what a hedgehog need in his/her diet. As well as feeding either cat food or hedgehog food insects, fruits and vegetables should also be fed. Mealworms and crickets are a good source of protein. However they should become the hedgehog’s main source of protein because pet food insects are a lot higher in fat than wild insects. Many people ask if it is ok to feed wild insects. As I’m sure many people have I would not. Feeding a wild insect to your hedgehog may be detrimental to their health if that insect is carrying insecticides. Domestic hedgehogs are not use to different poisons that they carry. Hedgehogs are omnivores meaning they eat both animals and plants. Because they enjoy both fruits and vegetable should be offered in their diet. Some people offer them as treat which is fine as well. Below I have a list of acceptable and unacceptable fruit, vegetables and sources of protein.
Some treat to feed you hedgehog:
*Cooked carrots *Bell Peppers *Peas *Corn *Cucumber *Green beans *Radish *Apple *Banana *Blueberries * Cantaloupe *Honeydew *Mango *Pineapple *Raspberries *Strawberries *Watermelon *Cooked sweet potato *Cooked chicken (no seasoning) *Cooked egg
Do not feed:
*Chocolate *Raw eggs *Grapes *Fried foods *Garlic *Raw meats *Milk *Nuts *Onions *Raisins or other dried fruits
How much do I feed my hedgehog?
Well this all depends on your hedgehog. Some hedgehogs just like humans can eat whatever they want and never become overweight while others need to be monitored on a strict diet. In general you should feed your hedgehog 1-2 tablespoons a day. I allow all my young babies to free feed since they are growing. As they get older I cut back to the 1-2 tablespoons depending on their size and weight. A hedgehog that is on the smaller size may do just fine with one tablespoon a day while a larger hedgehog will need 2. On average a hedgehog should weigh around ½ to 1 ¼ pounds or 255 - 540 grams. They will grow to an average of 6-8 inches in length (about the size of guinea pig). They will reach their adult size around 8-10 months of age. Monitor your hedgehog’s size and weight. If you think your hedgehog is too skinny then you can up the amount of food given. If your hedgehog is too fat decrease the amount of food. It’s all a balancing act and learning how much food your hedgehog needs.
If you decide to feed cat food I have added a list below of grade A and B cat foods you can try!
Grade A:
4-health Indoor
Authority Sensitive Solutions
Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor
Blue Buffalo Basics Potato and Duck
Blue Buffalo Basics Fish and Potato
Canidae Life Stages Indoor
Chicken Soup for the Cat Lovers Soul Adult Light or Senior Hairball
Diamond Natural Indoor Cat
Eagle Pack Indoor Adult
Innova Reduced Fat or Weight Management
Natural Balance Green Pea and Chicken
Precise Naturals Senior
Premium Edge Hairball
Purina One Beyond Chicken and Oatmeal or Salmon and Brown Rice
Regal Lean Cat Bites
Tuscan Natural Simply Pure Ocean Extreme
Grade B:
Authority Senior or Weight Management
Blue Buffalo Blue Indoor Health Chicken or Indoor Health Salmon
Canidae Pure Ocean or Pure Stream
Eagle Pack Multi-Cat Adult
Earthborn Holistic Feline Vantage
Goodlife Salmon Recipe or Chicken Recipe
Iams Healthy Naturals Adult Chicken
Iams ProActive Health Adult Weight Control
Lotus Wholesome Grain-Free Duck
Nutri Source Ocean Select Entrée or Country Select Entrée
Precise Naturals Foundation Chicken & Rice or Weight Management
Purina One Smart blend Indoor Advantage or Sensitive Systems or Vibrant Maturity
Royal Canin Indoor Adult or Adult Fit
Taste of the Wild Canyon River Feline Formula
Wellness Healthy Weight
A hedgehog’s diet has been one of the topics debated constantly for years. Some people recommend feeding cat food while others recommend a completely natural diet. Hedgehogs need a certain amount of fat, protein and fiber in their diet. Most cat foods are too high in fat and can cause a fatty liver. They need around 10-14% fat, at least 30% protein and up to 10% fiber. Since all cat foods are different in their analysis and ingredients, many breeders will mix 3-4 cat foods together. This will ensure that the hedgehog will be getting what they need to maintain a healthy diet. Some people use a food called Spikes Delight that has been made specifically for hedgehogs. This food has been researched, tested, and changed according to what a hedgehog need in his/her diet. As well as feeding either cat food or hedgehog food insects, fruits and vegetables should also be fed. Mealworms and crickets are a good source of protein. However they should become the hedgehog’s main source of protein because pet food insects are a lot higher in fat than wild insects. Many people ask if it is ok to feed wild insects. As I’m sure many people have I would not. Feeding a wild insect to your hedgehog may be detrimental to their health if that insect is carrying insecticides. Domestic hedgehogs are not use to different poisons that they carry. Hedgehogs are omnivores meaning they eat both animals and plants. Because they enjoy both fruits and vegetable should be offered in their diet. Some people offer them as treat which is fine as well. Below I have a list of acceptable and unacceptable fruit, vegetables and sources of protein.
Some treat to feed you hedgehog:
*Cooked carrots *Bell Peppers *Peas *Corn *Cucumber *Green beans *Radish *Apple *Banana *Blueberries * Cantaloupe *Honeydew *Mango *Pineapple *Raspberries *Strawberries *Watermelon *Cooked sweet potato *Cooked chicken (no seasoning) *Cooked egg
Do not feed:
*Chocolate *Raw eggs *Grapes *Fried foods *Garlic *Raw meats *Milk *Nuts *Onions *Raisins or other dried fruits
How much do I feed my hedgehog?
Well this all depends on your hedgehog. Some hedgehogs just like humans can eat whatever they want and never become overweight while others need to be monitored on a strict diet. In general you should feed your hedgehog 1-2 tablespoons a day. I allow all my young babies to free feed since they are growing. As they get older I cut back to the 1-2 tablespoons depending on their size and weight. A hedgehog that is on the smaller size may do just fine with one tablespoon a day while a larger hedgehog will need 2. On average a hedgehog should weigh around ½ to 1 ¼ pounds or 255 - 540 grams. They will grow to an average of 6-8 inches in length (about the size of guinea pig). They will reach their adult size around 8-10 months of age. Monitor your hedgehog’s size and weight. If you think your hedgehog is too skinny then you can up the amount of food given. If your hedgehog is too fat decrease the amount of food. It’s all a balancing act and learning how much food your hedgehog needs.
If you decide to feed cat food I have added a list below of grade A and B cat foods you can try!
Grade A:
4-health Indoor
Authority Sensitive Solutions
Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor
Blue Buffalo Basics Potato and Duck
Blue Buffalo Basics Fish and Potato
Canidae Life Stages Indoor
Chicken Soup for the Cat Lovers Soul Adult Light or Senior Hairball
Diamond Natural Indoor Cat
Eagle Pack Indoor Adult
Innova Reduced Fat or Weight Management
Natural Balance Green Pea and Chicken
Precise Naturals Senior
Premium Edge Hairball
Purina One Beyond Chicken and Oatmeal or Salmon and Brown Rice
Regal Lean Cat Bites
Tuscan Natural Simply Pure Ocean Extreme
Grade B:
Authority Senior or Weight Management
Blue Buffalo Blue Indoor Health Chicken or Indoor Health Salmon
Canidae Pure Ocean or Pure Stream
Eagle Pack Multi-Cat Adult
Earthborn Holistic Feline Vantage
Goodlife Salmon Recipe or Chicken Recipe
Iams Healthy Naturals Adult Chicken
Iams ProActive Health Adult Weight Control
Lotus Wholesome Grain-Free Duck
Nutri Source Ocean Select Entrée or Country Select Entrée
Precise Naturals Foundation Chicken & Rice or Weight Management
Purina One Smart blend Indoor Advantage or Sensitive Systems or Vibrant Maturity
Royal Canin Indoor Adult or Adult Fit
Taste of the Wild Canyon River Feline Formula
Wellness Healthy Weight
