
Domesticated hedgehogs require a balanced diet that includes a mix of commercial hedgehog food, fruits, and vegetables.
A good starting point is to offer a high-quality commercial hedgehog food as the main staple of their diet.
Fresh vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash are also essential for their diet, providing essential fiber and nutrients.
Hedgehogs need a calcium supplement to support bone growth and development, especially during their juvenile stages.
It's best to provide a variety of fruits like berries, apples, and bananas in moderation, as they are high in sugar and calories.
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What to Feed Your Pet
Domesticated hedgehogs require a balanced diet to stay healthy and happy. High-quality dry cat food or specialist hedgehog food should be the staple of their diet.
You can supplement their diet with nutritious treats, but make sure to introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts. This will help prevent digestive issues and ensure your hedgehog can tolerate the new food.
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Some great treats for hedgehogs include gut-loaded insects, such as mealworms and crickets, and fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, and bananas. Hard-boiled eggs are also a great source of protein.
However, there are some foods that hedgehogs should avoid altogether. These include dairy products, raw meat, nuts, seeds, avocados, and hard foods that could get stuck in their mouth.
To ensure your hedgehog gets the nutrients they need, it's essential to provide a varied diet. You can do this by mixing their staple food with different supplements, such as insects, fruits, and vegetables.
Some popular brands of hedgehog food include Ark, Tesco, Gardman, Jacobi Jayne, and Tropifit Atelerix. However, not all of these brands are high-quality or have good nutritional content, so be sure to read the ingredient list carefully before making a purchase.
Here are some guidelines for feeding your hedgehog:
- Feed 3-4 teaspoons of hedgehog pellets per day, depending on their weight and activity level.
- Supplement their diet with nutritious treats, such as gut-loaded insects and fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid feeding your hedgehog foods that are high in fat, sugar, or salt.
- Provide a source of fresh water at all times.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your domesticated hedgehog stays healthy and happy.
Food Restrictions and Precautions
Domesticated hedgehogs have specific dietary needs, and it's essential to know what to avoid feeding them to ensure their health and well-being.
Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, so giving them milk can cause diarrhea. Some people claim that yogurt is fine, but it's best to test this theory with a small amount and monitor your hedgehog's response.
Avocados are toxic to hedgehogs, and raw potatoes can be toxic as well. In addition, raw potatoes are high in calories and low in nutrients, making them a poor choice for your hedgehog's diet.
Nuts, seeds, and hard foods like raw carrots can get stuck in your hedgehog's mouth, so it's best to avoid them altogether. Grapes and raisins are also toxic to hedgehogs, so keep them out of reach.
If you're unsure about what to feed your hedgehog, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian. They can provide personalized advice based on your hedgehog's specific needs and health status.
Here are some foods that are toxic or difficult for hedgehogs to digest:
- Avocados
- Raw potatoes
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Raw carrots
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Raw meat
- Raw eggs
- Dairy products
Remember, every hedgehog is different, so it's essential to monitor your pet's response to different foods and adjust their diet accordingly.
Feeding Schedule and Quantity
A pet hedgehog's diet should be divided into 1 to 2 tablespoons of kibble per day, in addition to 1 teaspoon of fruits and vegetables and some insects.
It's essential to monitor your hedgehog's weight, especially if they're prone to obesity, and adjust their food intake accordingly. If there's more than a 10% weight gain, cut back on food.
You can offer a hedgehog pelleted diet every day, feeding 3–4 teaspoons per day, depending on their weight and activity level.
How Much and When
Feeding your pet hedgehog requires attention to both quantity and timing. Adult hedgehogs need 1 to 2 tablespoons of kibble per day. In addition to kibble, they should also receive 1 teaspoon of fruits and vegetables and some insects.
Larger and very active hedgehogs may require more food, but it's essential to monitor their weight to avoid obesity. If there's a 10% weight gain, you should cut back on food.

A good time to feed your hedgehog is around twilight, as they're active at night. However, if you notice your hedgehog acting hungry in the morning, you can give them a little more food.
Here's a breakdown of the daily diet for an adult hedgehog:
- Kibble: 1 to 2 tablespoons
- Fruits and vegetables: 1 teaspoon
- Insects: some
- High-quality hedgehog food: majority of the daily diet
Remember to monitor your hedgehog's weight regularly and adjust their food intake accordingly.
How Much Food a Day Does a Person Need
A person's daily food needs can vary depending on their age, sex, weight, and activity level. For adults, the recommended daily intake is around 1,600 to 2,400 calories.
The amount of food a person needs can be broken down into different food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
A general rule of thumb is to aim for 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
The recommended serving size for fruits and vegetables is about 1 cup or 2 cups of leafy greens.
For adults, the daily intake of protein should be around 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.
A person's daily water intake should be around 8 cups or 64 ounces.
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Supplements
When it comes to supplements, it's essential to know that hedgehogs don't require vitamins or supplements unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
Hedgehogs don't need supplements, so it's best to stick to their natural diet. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding any supplements to your hedgehog's diet.
If your veterinarian recommends supplements, make sure to follow their guidance carefully. They can provide personalized advice based on your hedgehog's specific needs.
In general, it's best to stick to a balanced and nutritious diet that includes high-quality hedgehog food, low-fat cat food, and occasional treats.
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