Hedgehog Diets
Hedgehogs are insectivores/omnivores in the wild; therefore, they have diets that are relatively high in protein and low in fat. Obesity can become a problem, so free choice feeding is not recommended. Hedgehogs should be fed one meal in the evening, and only a small amount of food should be present during the day as a snack. High quality dry cat foods may be used for feeding; however, it is not adequate as the sole diet. There are three different feeding options listed below, and the portion size should be adjusted so that most of the food is consumed by morning.
Option 1
1.5 heaping teaspoons high quality cat/kitten chow
1 heaping teaspoon bird of prey or commercial insectivore diet
6-10 small mealworms or 1-2 crickets
1 heaping teaspoon fruit/vegetable mixture (see below)
Option 2
3 heaping teaspoons high quality cat/kitten chow
1 heaping teaspoon fruit/vegetable mixture (see below)
6 small mealworms or 1-2 crickets
Option 3
3-4 teaspoons commercial insectivore diet
5-6 small mealworms or 1-2 crickets
Fruit/vegetable mixture
Chop together
½ teaspoon diced leafy dark greens (spinach, kale, leaf lettuce)
¼ teaspoon diced carrot
¼ teaspoon diced apple
¼ teaspoon diced banana
¼ teaspoon diced grape or raisin