Hedgehogs are new to the pet market, and owners may find themselves lacking information regarding their proper care. A hedgehog's diet should be high in protein with adequate fats. In the wild, they feed primarily on insects and occasionally small rodents. Find a complete-nutrition hedgehog food, or supplement a hedgehog diet with frozen insects and treats.
Greens
Small Animal Channel says that green vegetables are necessary for hedgehog nutrition. Offer your hedgehog greens such as arugula, romaine lettuce, cabbage, kale, spinach watercress, collards or dandelion leaves. Cooked greens are also acceptable for hedgehogs if they will eat them. According to Hedgie-Pro, ½ teaspoon of chopped dark greens like spinach or kale can be added to a hedgehog's daily food for good nutrition.
- Small Animal Channel says that green vegetables are necessary for hedgehog nutrition.
- According to Hedgie-Pro, ½ teaspoon of chopped dark greens like spinach or kale can be added to a hedgehog's daily food for good nutrition.
Vegetables
Vegetables that are routinely added to hedgehog diets include beets, carrots, green beans, bell peppers, squash, sweet potatoes, turnips and radishes. Harder textured vegetables like carrots and pumpkin are better when cooked or canned. These veggies can be added as a supplement to a daily meal or given as treats periodically throughout a week. According to Dreamflower Meadows, different hedgehogs will have different favourites. Baby food is an excellent way to supplement a hedgehog diet with vegetables conveniently without cooking.
- Vegetables that are routinely added to hedgehog diets include beets, carrots, green beans, bell peppers, squash, sweet potatoes, turnips and radishes.
- Baby food is an excellent way to supplement a hedgehog diet with vegetables conveniently without cooking.
Fruits
Bananas are a hedgehog favourite, according to Pet Advice, and something that can be an everyday snack. Apples, berries, pears, cherries, tomatoes, peaches and melons are additional fruits that are great for hedgehog treats. Dried fruits such as raisins are also all right to give your animal. Keep in mind that fruits are nutritious treats for hedgehogs but do not provide full nutrition on their own.
- Bananas are a hedgehog favourite, according to Pet Advice, and something that can be an everyday snack.
- Dried fruits such as raisins are also all right to give your animal.
Other Foods
These insect eaters will enjoy a vast variety of foods from cheese to tuna fish. Cooked lentils are good sources of protein and nutrition for hedgehogs. Brewer's yeast is another common hedgehog treat. Use these other foods in conjunction with hedgehog food, fruits, insects and vegetables to provide complete nutrition to your pet. Avoid feeding hedgehogs nuts because they are difficult to digest, according to Hedgie Hut.
- These insect eaters will enjoy a vast variety of foods from cheese to tuna fish.
- Cooked lentils are good sources of protein and nutrition for hedgehogs.