This might seem strange at first, but there are a number of great reasons for this: Because of this, we highly encourage you to go with cat food over hedgehog formulas. of appropriate dry cat kibble or hedgehog food 1416900. Mealworms and crickets are among their favourites. If your hedgehog enjoys it we highly recommend adding it to their diet a few days a week. One would be their main source of food that will be the foundation for their diet. But understanding what hedgehogs eat and their ideal diet is something that you need to know. Is your Pygmy hedgehog insured? Late Evening Every once in a while youll probably want to give your hedgehog a treat or a snack that goes outside of their normal eating routine. Grapes are toxic to hedgehogs and can cause liver, renal, and organ failure if consumed even in small amounts. Hedgehogs love to eat a variety of different foods, so including some different options in their diet is essential. Approx. 1 tbsp. If you give them vegetables, make sure theyre diced. It is worth noting that fish is not part of hedgehogs natural diet. Dont feed your pet hedgehog starchy veg, such as potatoes and celery. 1 tsp. Filtered water is preferred. Fresh Clean Water Insects will almost certainly be your pets favorite hedgehog treat, so you need to be the one to keep things in moderation! Think about what we said earlier. Primarily marketed for wild hedgehogs but with a good protein to fat
How to Take Care of a Hedgehog (Care Sheet & Guide 2021), Do Hedgehogs Make Good Pets? Other things that could be affecting your pets appetite include loneliness or discomfort due to temperature. Thats why we put together this diet and food list to help you get up to speed on what hedgehogs should eat (and what they shouldnt). Sunday | What can pet pygmy hedgehogs eat? They can also eat beetles, waxworms, millipedes, grasshoppers, hornworms and maggots. If you think your hedgie is acting hungry in the morning, feel free to give it a little bit more. Blueberries are a fantastic food for hedgehogs as long as you dont give them too many. Hedgehog diet hasnt been studied enough, but the vast variety of foods they eat in the wild leads experts and breeders to try to emulate that in order to maintain a broad nutritional content. Check with your veterinarian regarding which vegetables and fruits are recommended for your pet hedgehog. Make sure to introduce one new type of food at a time. Not only that, but hedgehogs love to eat. Poultry-based dry cat food high in protein and low in fat needs to make up the majority of a hogs diet. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! However, meat should only be served cooked, as raw meat could make them very sick. What You Need to Know, How to Bond with your Hedgehog: 9 Easy Ways, Approx. 1 tbsp. They also know getting, Everything You Need To Know About Owning A Pet Hedgehog, How To Take Care Of A Newborn Baby Hedgehog. Its one of the fastest ways you can give your hedgehog too much sugar which can lead to various health problems over time.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hedgehogworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_18',113,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hedgehogworld_com-leader-2-0')}; Youll also want to remove the skin from any of the fruits on this list that have them. It is not one hundred percent clear whether dog food is good for hedgehogs. Hedgehogs do not require treats, although an occasional offering of fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains is acceptable. The following supplemental foods can be offered in small amounts two to three times a week: Gut-loaded insects, such as mealworms and crickets. Hedgehogs need approximately 15% of fibre in their diet a lot compared to the percentage of fibre found in most foods and especially in moist foods. If all this is sounding a little intimidating, dont panic. You should do everything in your power to make sure your hedgehog is comfortable, and that may include changing the ambient temperature in their tank or getting them a friend. However, there are some foods that you simply should not give your hedgehog.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hedgehogworld_com-leader-4','ezslot_20',115,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hedgehogworld_com-leader-4-0')}; The foods below are either toxic to your hedgie or will cause them to have an upset stomach (nobody wants that). This will not only keep them happy, but it will help round out their diet and ensure that they get all of their necessary nutrients. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hedgehogsfeeding. Hedgehogs cannot eat grapes and raisins as they are toxic to them. The reason for this is that hard food tends to have a little more fiber in it which is an important part of any hedgehog diet. The main reason for this is its size. See the trend here? Can Hedgehogs Eat Chocolate? We found a lot of hedgehog foods that contained ingredients, such as nuts, that are not generally recommended by hedgehog owners and experts. The amount that a hedgehog will drink on a daily basis will vary from animal to animal, but you should try to get a rough idea of how much your pet drinks every day. After a decade of sharing his home with the dogs and three cats, one horrifying realization finally set in: oh God, he's a cat person now too, isn't he??? These are all very high in protein and low in fat. The fundamentals of a hedgehogs diet are actually pretty simple if you take the time to learn them. High-quality, protein-based dog food with the right protein to fat ratio can be given to pet hedgehogs as long as the kibbles have been broken into more manageable pieces. So, insects and other high calorie treats need to be given with caution. Favourite brands among African pygmy hedgehog owners are Purina One and Iams. If you go over this youll risk exceeding their recommended level of sugar intake. That week turned into 10 years (his wife moves very slowly), and that kit, What to Do If Your Hedgehog Isnt Eating. Monitor your hedgehogs response to different foods and if you notice something unusual like diarrhoea or other signs of an upset tummy, discontinue the food and consult with your vet. Approx. 1 tbsp. If you decide to allow them to free-feed, make sure to remove any uneaten food at the end of the day to ensure that it doesnt start to rot. Conversely, a pet whos been given nothing but dry kibble will likely want to drink more than normal. Monitor your hogs weight and restrict his feedings if needed. They are greedy eaters and are predisposed to obesity, so, many of the insects that make up the majority of a wild hedgehog's diet should only be given as treats to pet hedgehogs. Many experts fear that certain brands repackage lower quality cat food for hedgehogs and sell it at a higher price. These are safe in terms of being non-toxic, but you should still read the labels to make sure theyre not loaded with unhealthy ingredients. Pet hedgehogs can eat a variety of lean cooked meats: Cook without any oil or seasoning. Were more than happy to help.There are also some great threads on the Hedgehog Central forums about this topic as well. Pretty much everyone has them in their homes, theyre affordable, and theyre easy to store. are expected to eat more. Of course, health issues can often cause changes in an animals appetite as well. 1 tsp. Skins can be a choking hazard! Some pet shops stock it but the best place to buy hedgehog food is online. Its usually smart to break up what a hedgehog eats into two categories. Pet hedgehogs are prone to obesity, make sure you don't overfeed them. of appropriate dry cat kibble or hedgehog food You certainly have a lot to choose from! In the wild, hedgehogs eat a diverse selection of insects as well as some plant material and, very occasionally, small or baby mammals (like pinkie mice). This means if you want to give your hedgehog an insect or two as a snack, make it a very occasional snack. Gregory Rich, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. What You Need to Know! The most important question that youll deal with at dinnertime is what, exactly, to give your hedgehog. Do not feed avocados, as they are toxic to your hedgehog. | What insects can pygmy hedgehogs eat? Many of them have to do with stress, but others could be signs of disease or illness. You should only buy these insects from a pet food store rather than someplace like a bait shop, as the pet food store will take more care to ensure that theyre healthy before selling them. All Times 6 Sep 2018. By
These are the rough guidelines that will help your diet mimic what they eat in the wild from a nutritional perspective. of appropriate dry cat kibble or hedgehog food Its worth pointing out that your hedgehog might like some of the foods in this list and dislike others. Theres no telling what chemicals have been sprayed on them these days. They may have an intestinal blockage, an upset stomach, problems with their teeth and gums, or a more serious disease, like cancer. Bear in mind that this could lead to obesity however as hedgies are greedy eaters. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'hedgehogworld_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_13',105,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hedgehogworld_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; To better explore why this is, lets look at their diet in the wild. Fresh Clean Water When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Hard food is just another way to keep their diet experience a little closer to how it is in the wild.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hedgehogworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_12',108,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hedgehogworld_com-banner-1-0')}; Next, youll want to make sure that you get adult food instead of baby food. As a result, your hedgehog must have access to plenty of fresh, clean water at all times. This will bring excitement and joy to your pet and keep them from falling into an unfulfilling routine. Starchy vegetables are nearly impossible for hogs to digest so avoid them. lean meat How Much Are Hedgehogs? Not all these foods are necessarily toxic, but theres no reason to ever share them with your pet. If youre like most people, then youll sometimes be stuck at feeding times, not knowing whether youre giving them too much or not enough, whether their meals are healthy, and so on. Make sure that the pieces you give to your hedgehog are not too big for him or her to eat. (US & Worldwide Statistics in 2022), How to Hold a Guinea Pig Correctly (with Pictures & Videos), Cute Frogs: 9 Pictures That Will Make You Happy, Goldfish Aquaponics 101: Feeding, Stocking, & Care Guide. Heres a link to the one we recommend: Now that you know cat food is the best way to go for their main food, whats next? Can Hedgehogs Eat Mealworms? And there you have it! Insects are important for hedgies as their exoskeletons are a source of chitin a type of polysaccharide good for hogs. These are all items that you want to give them in moderation. are unhappy with how we deal with your complaint. Fortunately, these animals are simple creatures, and as long as you follow these guidelines, you should have no issue getting your hedgehog to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. These bugs might have come in contact with pesticides or other chemicals that could harm your pet, and the bugs themselves may be dangerous to hedgehogs. Never leave moist or fresh food to go off in your hedgehogs enclosure as you dont want him or her to digest gone off food. lean meat Do Hedgehogs Eat Poop? Despite this, there are still a lot, Hedgehog mites can be a huge pain for both you and your pet. After all, theres a lot to, There are a couple of reasons why you might need to roll up your sleeves and take care, Keeping your hedgehog warm is something that most owners know they need to do. Animals can get a large amount of moisture from the food that they eat as well, so if youve recently given your hedgehog water-filled fruits or vegetables, they may drink less that day. This will help provide a wider range of vitamins and nutrients for your hedgehog. Hedgehogs are sensitive to changes in environment, and they may be too busy making sure their new home is safe (or simply exploring it) to have much of an appetite. These questions are so common that we wanted to highlight them separately for quick reference. As a domesticated species, African Pygmy Hedgehogs don't have to. Treats are fun for hedgies and are also a source of nutrients complementing their staple diet. As a result, many people choose to feed their pet first thing in the morning and once at night. Pet hedgehogs are prone to obesity as they are not as active as wild hedgehogs who have to hunt their food, so insects, fruit and veg should only be given as treats.Obese hedgies are not very fond of exercise. Hedgehog food is a dry food mixture that is designed to provide the essential nutritional requirements within a strong hedgehog diet. veggies of your choice A protein-based diet with a low-fat intake does not mean no fat. is 304839. fca.org.uk/register. of appropriate dry cat kibble or hedgehog food Approx. 1 tbsp. hedgehogs and other types of pet hedgehogs, Amazon; petsathome.com; spikesworld.co.uk, A wide range of pet hedgehog foods to choose from, including a specialist pygmy hedgehog product, DA wide range of live insects, including mealworms, waxworms, crickets and beetles. They are tasty, soft, and easy to break into bite-sized pieces!if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hedgehogworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_16',111,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hedgehogworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')}; Cooked carrots are great food for hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and usually eat at night. of appropriate dry cat kibble or hedgehog food We checked out many expert sources such as breeders and keepers and pygmy hedgehog care communities and the majority advise against feeding potatoes. What You Need to Know! In this guide, well explain exactly what your hedgehog should be eating including amounts and times and reveal the foods that you should never give your little buddy. of appropriate dry cat kibble or hedgehog food Maintain the necessary amount of fat in your hedgies diet between 12% to 15%. Caution should be used in obtaining insects from gardens where insecticides and fertilizers have been used. Hedgies dont process vegetation so well. Feed insects are much higher in fat than the insects your hedgie would naturally be snacking on in the wild. You may want to buy pesticide-free veggies, just in case. Its going to cost you more up front, but you also wont have to buy food for a while. If your hedgie digests grapes by accident, seek immediate veterinary assistance. Saturday 1 tsp. Hedgehogs who are fed mainly canned cat food might need additional fibre in their diet. Approx. 1 tbsp. This means the primary food you feed them will be geared to provide this. Brooks Braithwaite (Sussex) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), our FCA Most pet hedgehog enthusiasts agree that baby hogs and pregnant or nursing hogs need an unlimited supply of food. We believe that its important for you to know these so youre not helpless without your food list, and you have a better understanding of the needs of your hedgehog in general. That said, if your hog has dental problems, it is best to stick to soft foods. veggies of your choice Approx. 1 tbsp. The majority of the food that your hedgehog will eat is still going to be the cat food you decided on above. 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ten turned into three (they got two more, the kitten didn't self-replicate). A healthy hedgehog should drink somewhere in the vicinity of 1 to 2 tablespoons of water every day. You can purchase live insects from Northampton Reptile Centre. Heres a list of foods that are both nutritious and delicious for your little buddy. If you decide to test this theory, give a very small amount and monitor your hedgehogs response to it. Save them for special occasions! It is unclear whether fish is good or bad for hedgies but many experts, including the RSPCA, advice against it. Pygmy hedgehogs love insects, especially mealworms and crickets. Some say that yoghurt is fine because the lactose proteins in yoghurt are broken down differently. High quality, poultry-based cat biscuits seem to be the number one choice among hedgehog owners. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Heres a list of vegetables hedgehogs can eat: Fruits can be yummy treats for your hedgehog and theyll definitely enjoy scarfing down a large number of the fruits on this list. Moist cat food, insects, fruit & veg, boiled eggs and baby food are used to supplement a pet hedgehogs diet. Heres What You Need to Know! Learn more.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hedgehogworld_com-box-1','ezslot_1',103,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hedgehogworld_com-box-1-0')};if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hedgehogworld_com-box-1','ezslot_2',103,'0','1'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hedgehogworld_com-box-1-0_1')};if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hedgehogworld_com-box-1','ezslot_3',103,'0','2'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hedgehogworld_com-box-1-0_2')};if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hedgehogworld_com-box-1','ezslot_4',103,'0','3'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hedgehogworld_com-box-1-0_3')};.box-1-multi-103{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:3px!important;margin-left:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-top:3px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:300px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}, Pet hedgehogs are becoming more and more popular around the world. Avoid giving your pet hedgehog insects youve caught yourself as they might have digested toxins. They dont have a lot of sugar (which is something you should be keeping track of), are healthy snacks, and your hedgehog will certainly enjoy eating at least a few on the list! Potatoes are high in calories and low in nutrients and since domesticated hedgehogs don't forage for food and are prone to obesity it's best to avoid this food. Remove any uneaten moist food after about four hours. Consumption of milk and milk-based foods may lead to diarrhea. If youve tried to solve the problem yourself to no avail, take your hedgehog to the vet as soon as possible. In the wild hedgehogs eat a lot of insects. ratio (32% to 12%) and made of poultry, with chicken listed as the first
Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2022 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. As you probably assumed, these should not be added into your hedgehogs diet too often (maybe one day a week). Too much fat can throw any hedgehog diet out of sync really quickly. lean meat Didn't find what you need? Hedgehogs can eat pineapple as long as you stick the rules of moderation we listed above. This isnt absolutely necessary, but its something we do recommend if possible. So, they are good as treats but shouldnt make most of their diet and shouldnt compromise their staple diet. Peas and corn should be given in very small amounts as they can unbalance the Calcium/Phosphorus levels in hedgehogs metabolism. Fresh Clean Water Approx. 1 tbsp. Theyre like humans in that way. A pet hedgehogs diet should mainly consist of high-quality hedgehog food mixed with high-quality, low-fat cat food. Quincy has been around mutts his entire life and has been writing about them for the past nine years and now consists of sharing a house with three spoiled pups who couldnt hold down a job to save their lives. What You Need to Know! As with all animals, exercise is extremely important for weight control. Find out how ExoticDirects Pygmy Hedgehog insurance can cover vet fees or call us on 0345 982 5505. The following treats are fine for hedgehogs to eat in extreme moderation. Steaming or grilling the meat is fine. Hiding treats in different places for your hedgehog to search for is an excellent way to encourage exercise. and it likes it, None of the online shops that sell this food has included an
Most of them arent made with high-quality ingredients.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'hedgehogworld_com-box-4','ezslot_11',107,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hedgehogworld_com-box-4-0')}; As a matter of fact, almost all respected breeders recommend that you make cat food the staple of your hedgehogs diet. Featured Image: Best dog photo, Shutterstock, How Many Horses Are There? Quincy never intended to be a cat person. Hedgehogs are not able to digest milk. If you do notice that your baby hog is putting on weight though, begin regulating its food intake and encourage exercise. Theres no denying that hedgehogs make sweet, adorable little pets, but caring for them isnt always intuitive, especially if youve never owned one before. Do not offer any "people food" without checking with your veterinarian first. exotic names! You have three options when feeding pygmy hedgehogs insects: live insects, freeze-dried insects and canned insects. This will allow you to know if your hedgehog is drinking more or less than normal. As long as you keep these foods out of your hedgehogs diet you should be just fine. Baby hedgehogs need to have constant access to food. Monitor how your hedgie likes it and responds to it before introducing another type of food. They are greedy eaters and prone to obesity, so owners need to mindfully regulate feedings. What do hedgehogs eat in the wild? In the wild, hedgehogs primarily hunt and feed at night, so ideally, youd be serving them their meals while its still dark outside. veggies of your choice Hedgehogs eat a variety of foods in the wild, so you want their diet to match when it comes to nutrition. For some of the foods on this list that might mean no more than three or four days per week. Some foods can make your hedgehog very ill. Grapes and avocados are toxic to hedgehogs. Thursday Whats just as important as knowing what you should feed your hedgehog is knowing what you should never serve them. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hedgehogworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_19',114,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hedgehogworld_com-leader-3-0')}; Here are the insects you should consider: Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant (more on that below) but there are a couple of dairy products that they can actually eat.
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