Hedgehog Diet: Commercial complete hedgehog diets are just becoming available.
While these may prove to be good nutrition for the pet hedgehog,
current diets are based on zoo formulations that have been used for
years. Hedgehogs are insectivore/omnivores in the wild. Diets should
be fairly high in protein and low in fat. To minimize obesity, ad-lib
feeding of adults should probably be discouraged. Feed in the evening,
portion size that is mostly consumed by morning. Only a small amount
of food need be present during the day for a snack. Water should be
available at all times. Many hedgehogs will use a water bottle. A low
dish, crock is also utilized. Suggested diet guidelines: For one adult
male hedgehog (550 g). Slightly lesser quantities for adult females.
Younger hedgies may eat the adult quantity, depending on stage of life
and activity.
1 heaping teaspoon bird of prey diet or insectivore diet
1.5 heaping teaspoons high quality cat/kitten chow like Science Diet,
Iams, C/D cat food, ferret chow. (for younger hedgies or
pregnant/lactating, use kitten or ferret formulations; adult hedgies
- may use "Lite" adult cat foods) 1 heaping teaspoon fruit/vegetable
mixture* (see below) 6-10 small mealworms or 1-2 crickets (larger
number if pregnant, lactating)
*Fruit/vegetable mix: chop together 1/2 tsp. diced leafy dark greens
(spinach, kale, leaf lettuce), 1/4 tsp. diced carrot, 1/4 tsp. diced
apple, 1/4 tsp. diced banana, 1/4 tsp. diced grape or raisin, 1/4 tsp.
Vionate vitamin/mineral powder or 1/4 Feline Favor tab (SmithKline
Beecham). Note: crush vitamin tablet and mix in or offer completely
separately - some hedgehogs readily eat cat vitamins. 2. Alternate
diet formulation: amount for an adult per day: 3 heaping teaspoons of
high quality cat/kitten chow like Science Diet, Iams, C/D cat food,
ferret chow. (for younger hedgies or pregnant/lactating, use kitten or
ferret formulations; adult hedgies - may use "Lite" adult cat foods);
1 heaping tsp. of above fruit/vegetable mix; 6 small mealworms or 1-2
crickets. 3. Alternate diet formulation: amount for an adult per day:
3-4 teaspoons commercial insectivore diet (Reliable Protein Products,
Pretty Bird Intl); 5-6 mealworms or 1-2 crickets. 4. Woodland Park Zoo
Diet (amount feeds several adults - can be mixed and frozen or
refrigerated): 1 TB Insectivore diet (1); 1 slice cooked carrot; 5
crickets; 30 small mealworms; 1 TB Fruit mix (2); 1 slice cooked yams;
1 pinch chopped romaine or leaf lettuce. (1) Insectivore diet: 1 Cup
chopped non-domestic feline diet (frozen Nebraska brand); 1 Cup
chopped hard-boiled egg; 1 TB what germ flakes; 1 tsp. powdered milk;
1/2 tsp. Vionate vitamin mineral powder; 2 tsp. wheat germ oil. (2)
Fruit mix (dice and mix together):2 medium sized apples (peeled); 1
orange; 1 small tomato; 1/2 melon; 1/2 papaya; 1/2 cup carrots; 1/2
cup yams; 1/2 cup blueberries; 1/2 cup raisins; 1/2 cup sunflower
seeds (shelled, non salted)
Remember: Individuals may be somewhat resistant to new diets, and the
new foods need to be gradually phased in by mixing with the old. It
helps to have all chunks or pieces of new and old diet the same size
and relative consistency. Cat or dog foods alone do not seem to be
adequate as the sole diet.
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Hedgehog Diet
