Hedgehogs are not herbivores. They are primarily insectivores and omnivores, consuming diverse food sources. An insectivore’s diet mainly consists of insects, while an omnivore’s diet includes both animal and plant matter. This varied feeding strategy allows hedgehogs to thrive in diverse environments by utilizing available resources.
Wild Hedgehog Diet
In their natural habitats, hedgehogs forage for invertebrates. Their diet largely consists of insects such as beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, slugs, snails, millipedes, and earwigs. These small creatures provide the bulk of a hedgehog’s energy and protein requirements in the wild. Some studies have indicated that invertebrates can constitute approximately 75% of a wild hedgehog’s diet.
Beyond insects, hedgehogs are opportunistic feeders, supplementing their meals with small vertebrates they can catch. This can include items like small frogs, lizards, baby rodents, and bird eggs. They may also consume carrion if they encounter it. While their diet is heavily skewed towards animal matter, wild hedgehogs occasionally consume plant material such as roots, berries, and fallen fruit. This diverse intake supports their high energy demands and survival across different seasons and food availability.
Caring for Pet Hedgehog Diets
For pet hedgehogs, a managed diet is important. The foundation of a pet hedgehog’s diet should be a high-quality commercial hedgehog kibble or a low-fat, high-protein cat kibble, preferably poultry-based. This staple provides a consistent source of balanced nutrition, with protein content ideally between 30% and 35% and fat content around 10% to 15%.
Supplementing kibble with feeder insects like mealworms, crickets, and waxworms is beneficial, as they provide chitin, an important fiber source. Small amounts of cooked lean meats like chicken or tuna, and cooked eggs, can be offered as occasional treats. Certain fresh fruits, including apples, bananas, berries, and melons, along with vegetables like fresh green beans, cooked squash, or cooked carrots, can also be given in moderation. However, several foods are harmful and must be avoided, such as dairy products, avocado, nuts, seeds, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and sugary or fried foods. These can cause digestive upset, choking hazards, or be toxic to hedgehogs.
The Importance of Their Diet
Dietary composition is linked to hedgehog health. Their primary reliance on insects provides chitin, a fiber efficiently utilized by their digestive system. Hedgehogs possess a short digestive tract and lack a cecum, an organ that aids in digesting plant matter. This anatomical feature indicates their digestive system is optimized for animal protein and fat rather than cellulose from plants.
A proper diet impacts energy levels and vitality. Adequate protein supports muscle growth and immune function, while balanced fats provide necessary energy and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Conversely, an inappropriate diet, particularly one high in fat or sugar, can lead to health issues such as obesity, fatty liver disease, and even metabolic bone disease due to mineral imbalances. In the wild, their insectivorous habits also contribute to ecosystem balance by controlling populations of various invertebrates. For pet hedgehogs, replicating aspects of their natural diet helps prevent common health problems and supports their long-term well-being.