by Jessy Hudson

Created on: September 21, 2009   Last Updated: September 23, 2009

Hedgehogs are quickly becoming a popular pet. There are many things to consider when deciding to bring a hedgehog into your family, but one of the most controversial and confusing topics can be the issue of what to feed it.

Firstly, it should be noted that research is still being done on the topic of what would be a truly ideal diet for domesticated hedgehogs. Scientists, zoos and veterinarians have yet to come to a consensus as to what the perfect levels of proteins, fats and vitamins may be. That being said, there are several brands of domesticated hedgehog food available on the market today and breeders and hedgehog owners around the world have been raising healthy hedgehogs for many years.

Many first-time hedgehog owners jump to the conclusion that the best and most appropriate food for their new friend would be commercial hedgehog food. While there are some very good brands out there, there needs to be a bit of caution before purchasing this type of food. Some companies tend to take foods formulated for rats, mice and other small rodents and simply re-label them as hedgehog food. The first things to look for in a commercial hedgehog food are high levels of protein and low levels of fat. Also, be sure that the first ingredients are meats and be wary of dried grains such as corn, which can get stuck in the hedgehog's mouth and cause choking.

If a good commercial hedgehog food isn't available in your area, there are some other options to choose from. Quite a few people raise their hedgehogs on cat or dog foods. The most important thing to remember about these is that you should choose the low-fat type of whatever brand you select.

Unless your hedgehog is overweight, it is fine to feed him free choice, though they only need a teaspoon or two of food per day. Hedgehogs are notoriously picky eaters, so it is helpful to provide them with a good amount of variety in their diet. This can be done by offering both dry and wet foods if using a cat or dog food, and by giving them plenty of options with treats. Remember, any treat that you give your hedgehog should only be offered 4 to 5 times a week.

There are many treats that your pet can enjoy. Fruits, especially melon, can be a tasty choice but are high in sugar. Some hedgehogs dislike the taste of fruits and vegetables, but many will eat these if offered in baby food form. Bits of cooked meat or egg are always welcome, but never give raw meat or egg to your pet. Most will greatly enjoy live insects, such as crickets or mealworms. If you decide to give insects to your pet, never feed them insects that are intended for bait or found in the wild. These insects can carry pesticides or parasites. Insects intended for animal consumption can readily be found at pet stores.

Most hedgehogs will happily drink milk or eat cheese, but these are not good options for treats for your pet. Hedgehogs are lactose-intolerant and even comparatively small amounts of these foods can give a hedgehog diarrhea. The only possible exception to this rule is low-fat cottage cheese, but it should still only be given in small amounts.

Overall, the most widespread causes of illness and death in domesticated hedgehogs is fatty liver disease and obesity. Regardless of what diet you choose, be sure that you monitor your pet's weight and provide them with lots of opportunity for exercise. Many pet hedgehogs will run on a wheel, which can help to keep them in top shape. In the end, feeding a pet hedgehog may seem like a daunting task, but with some careful dietary consideration and planning it can be a very fun and rewarding experience.

Resources:

http://hedgehogcentral.com/

http://hedgehoghollow.com/faq/

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