Being able to check on a list to see what a hedgehog can eat, makes it easier to pick the right types of food. Providing a balanced diet and avoiding any potential health issues is a must with pygmy hedgehogs.
What can hedgehogs eat? Hedgehogs can eat different types of cat food including wet and dry cat food, vegetables like broccoli, carrots to leafy greens, fruit like apples and bananas, insects like mealworms and crickets, along with meats, especially lean meats like chicken to turkey, scrambled to boiled eggs. Food that is low in fat with a good balance of protein is ideal.
With any new food, it’s always best to try to introduce a small amount first and monitor the hedgehog’s health over the following days. This will allow time to see if the food is agreeable or not, usually, if diarrhea is experienced or very dry poops occur then the food should not be used at all.
Check out my hedgehogs eat list in the table below, along with important additional information.
| # | Food | Additional Information |
| 1 | Dry cat biscuits | Dry cat biscuits should be a hedgehogs main source of food. The indoor varieties of dry cat biscuits have less fat and a good amount of protein, making them ideal for pygmy hedgehogs. |
| 2 | Wet Cat food | Wet cat food (canned cat food) can also be given to pygmy hedgehogs but only in moderation. Wet cat food doesn’t have balanced nutritional content to be used as the main source of food. |
| 3 | Cat biscuit treats | Cat biscuit treats are dry cat biscuits but with a much higher fat content. These should only to be given in moderation. We use this type of cat biscuits as occasional treats for our pygmy hedgehog. |
| 4 | Mealworms | Mealworms provide chitin to help a pygmy hedgehog’s quills stay healthy. However, mealworms should only be given in moderation as they can damage pygmy hedgehog bones by upsetting their calcium to phosphorous ratio[2]. A couple of mealworms a week should be ample enough. To avoid impaction[1] try not to feed too many mealworms at any one time, try to spread out the feeding. WARNING: You should never use wild-caught mealworms, as these can contain pesticides and/or parasites. |
| 5 | Superworms | Superworms are larger worms and look like mealworms on steroids. They are typically five times the size of mealworms. They have more chitin as they have more of a shell. They should only be given in moderation as they can upset the pygmy hedgehog’s calcium to phosphorous ratio[2]. To avoid impaction[1] try not to feed too many superworms at any one time, try to spread out the feeding. WARNING: Superworms can bite and use their head spike to sting pygmy hedgehogs. Do not use wild-caught superworms. |
| 6 | Waxworms | Waxworms are caterpillar larvae and have a considerable fat content so should only be fed in moderation as they can upset the calcium to phosphorous ration in pygmy hedgehogs[2]. To avoid impaction[1] try not to feed too many waxworms at any one time, try to spread out the feeding. WARNING: You should never use wild-caught caterpillar larvae such as waxworms, as these can contain pesticides and/or parasites. |
| 7 | Crickets | Crickets provide chitin to help a pygmy hedgehog’s quills stay healthy. They are lower in fat than other insect options and could be given in moderation every few days[2]. To avoid impaction[1] try not to feed too many crickets at any one time, try to spread out the feeding. WARNING: You should never use wild-caught crickets, as these can contain pesticides and/or parasites. |
| 8 | Grasshoppers | Grasshoppers provide a source of chitin that’s beneficial to pygmy hedgehogs quill health[2]. To avoid impaction[1] try not to feed too many grasshoppers at any one time, try to spread out the feeding. WARNING: You should never use wild-caught grasshoppers, as these can contain pesticides and/or parasites. |
| 9 | Cockroaches | Cockroaches that have been bred for feeding to reptiles can also be used but may be difficult to source. Cockroaches have more protein and less fat than other insects[2]. To avoid impaction[1] try not to feed too many cockroaches at any one time, try to spread out the feeding. WARNING: You should never use wild-caught cockroaches, as these can contain pesticides and/or parasites. |
| 10 | Chicken | We serve roast chicken to our pygmy hedgehog. We remove the skin (skin contains a lot of fat) and cook the chicken without seasoning, oils or butter. After it’s cooled down to room temperature, we cut the chicken into small pieces for our pygmy hedgehog to eat. WARNING: Do not give pygmy hedgehogs any raw meat including chicken. |
| 11 | Turkey | We have served roast turkey to our pygmy hedgehog (at Christmas). We removed the skin (skin contains a lot of fat) and cooked the turkey without seasoning, oils or butter. After the turkey cooled down to room temperature, we cut the turkey into small pieces for our pygmy hedgehog to eat. WARNING: Do not give pygmy hedgehogs any raw meat including turkey. |
| 12 | Duck | Duck can be served to pygmy hedgehogs but duck meat can be quite fattening. Remove the skin (skin contains a lot of fat) and cook the duck without seasoning, oils or butter. After it’s cooled down to room temperature, cut the duck into small pieces for your pygmy hedgehog to eat. WARNING: Do not give pygmy hedgehogs any raw meat including duck. |
| 13 | Pork | Pork is very fatty and should only be served in moderation. Remove the skin (skin contains a lot of fat) and any visible fat (white areas) and cook the pork without seasoning, oils or butter. After it’s cooled down to room temperature, cut the pork into small pieces for your pygmy hedgehog to eat. WARNING: Do not give pygmy hedgehogs any raw meat including pork. |
| 14 | Beef | Beef is fatty and should only be served in moderation. Remove any visible fat and cook the beef without seasoning, oils or butter. After it’s cooled down to room temperature, cut the beef into small pieces for your pygmy hedgehog to eat. WARNING: Do not give pygmy hedgehogs any raw meat including beef. |
| 15 | Lamb | Lamb and Mutton are fatty meats and should only be served in moderation. Remove any visible fat and cook the lamb or mutton without seasoning, oils or butter. After it’s cooled down to room temperature, cut the lamb or mutton into small pieces for your pygmy hedgehog to eat. WARNING: Be careful with mutton and other tougher meats as they can be difficult for the pygmy hedgehog to break down and could become a choking hazard. Do not give pygmy hedgehogs any raw meat including lamb or mutton. |
| 16 | Eggs | We hard boil, poach or sometimes scramble eggs without seasoning, oils or butter. After the egg has cooled down to room temperature, we serve the white parts (not the yellow or orange yolk) by cutting into small pieces. WARNING: Do not give raw eggs to pygmy hedgehogs as there is a salmonella risk. |
| 17 | Apples | We use organically sourced apples as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash the apples first, then peel them and cut into small pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Apples contain sugar, so only be used in moderation. Remove any seeds before serving. |
| 18 | Pears | We use organically sourced pears as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash the pears first, then peel them and cut into small pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Pears contain sugar, so only be used in moderation. Remove any seeds before serving. |
| 19 | Bananas | We use organically sourced bananas as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Cut the banana piece into even small pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Bananas contain sugar, so only be used in moderation. Do not give them the black end part of the banana or any of the banana skin. |
| 20 | Strawberries | We use organically sourced strawberries as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash strawberries first, and cut into small pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Strawberries contain sugar, so only be used in moderation. Remove any seeds before serving. |
| 21 | Blueberries | We use organically sourced blueberries as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash blueberries first, then peel them and cut into small pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Blueberries contain sugar, so only be used in moderation. Remove any seeds before serving. |
| 22 | Blackberries | We use organically sourced blackberries as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash blackberries first and cut into small pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Blackberries contain sugar, so only be used in moderation. Remove any seeds before serving. |
| 23 | Raspberries | We use organically sourced raspberries as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash raspberries first and cut into small pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Raspberries contain sugar, so only be used in moderation. Remove any seeds before serving. |
| 24 | Watermelon | We use organically sourced watermelon as this will have fewer pesticides on them. Cut the watermelon fleshy part into smaller pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Watermelon contains sugar, so only be used in moderation. Remove any seeds before serving. |
| 25 | Cantaloupe | We use organically sourced cantaloupe as this will have fewer pesticides on them. Cut the cantaloupe fleshy part into smaller pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Cantaloupe contains sugar, so only be used in moderation. Remove any seeds before serving. |
| 26 | Honeydew Melon | We use organically sourced Honeydew melon as this will have fewer pesticides on them. Cut the Honeydew melon’s fleshy part into smaller pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Honeydew melon contains sugar, so only be used in moderation. Remove any seeds before serving. |
| 27 | Plums | We use organically sourced plums as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash plums first, then peel them and cut into small pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Do not serve the stone. Plums contain sugar, so only be used in moderation. Remove any seeds before serving. |
| 28 | Mangoes | We use organically sourced mangoes as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash mangoes first, then peel them and cut into small pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Mangoes contain sugar, so only be used in moderation. Remove any seeds and stones before serving. |
| 29 | Cherries | We use organically sourced cherries as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash cherries first, then peel them and cut into small pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Cherries contain sugar, so only be used in moderation. Remove any seeds and stones before serving. |
| 30 | Kiwi Fruit | We use organically sourced Kiwi fruit as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash Kiwi fruit first, then peel them and cut into small pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Kiwi fruit contains sugar, so should only be served in moderation. Remove any seeds and stones before serving. |
| 31 | Peaches | We use organically sourced peaches as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash peaches first, then peel them and cut into small pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Peaches contain sugar, so only be used in moderation. Remove any seeds and stones before serving. |
| 32 | Papaya | We use organically sourced papaya as this will have less pesticide residue. Wash papaya first, then peel them and cut into small pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Only serve the fleshy parts. Papaya contains sugar, so only be used in moderation. Remove any seeds before serving. |
| 33 | Carrots | We use organically sourced carrots as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash the carrots to remove any pesticide residue. Peel the carrots, cut them into small pieces and serve once it’s cooled down and reached room temperature (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Cook the carrots without using any seasoning, butter or oil. |
| 34 | Courgettes | We use organically sourced courgettes as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash the courgettes to remove any pesticide residue. Peel the courgettes, cut into small pieces and serve once it’s cooled down and reached room temperature (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Cook the courgettes without using any seasoning, butter or oil. |
| 35 | Zucchini | We use organically sourced Zucchini as this will have fewer pesticide residues on them. Wash the zucchini to remove any pesticide residue. Peel the Zucchini, cut into small pieces and serve once it’s cooled down and reached room temperature (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Cook the zucchini without using any seasoning, butter or oil. |
| 36 | Peppers | We use organically sourced peppers as these will have fewer pesticide residues on them. Cut into small pieces to make it easier for pygmy hedgehogs to eat (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). |
| 37 | Leafy Greens | We use organically sourced leafy greens as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Choose from: – Arugula; – Swiss Chard; – Bok Choi; – Dandelions (not wild from a garden); – Collard Greens; – Micro Greens; Cut the leafy greens into smaller pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). |
| 38 | Broccoli | We use organically sourced broccoli as this will have fewer pesticides on it. Wash the broccoli to remove any pesticide residue. Cook the broccoli without using any seasoning, butter or oil. Cut the Broccoli into small pieces and serve once it’s cooled down and reached room temperature (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). |
| 39 | Cucumber | We use organically sourced cucumber as this will have fewer pesticides on it. Wash and then peel the cucumber, cutting into small pieces for serving (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). |
| 40 | Kale | We use organically sourced Kale as this will have fewer pesticides on it. Wash the Kale to remove any pesticide residue. Cook the Kale without using any seasoning, butter or oil. Cut the Kale into small pieces and serve once it’s cooled down and reached room temperature (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). |
| 41 | Green Beans | We use organically sourced green beans as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash the green beans to remove any pesticide residue. Cook the green beans without using any seasoning, butter or oil. Cut the Green Beans into small pieces and serve once it’s cooled down and reached room temperature (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). |
| 42 | Butternut Squash | We use organically sourced butternut squash as this will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash the butternut squash to remove any pesticide residue. Cook the butternut squash without using any seasoning, butter or oil. Cut the Butternut Squash into small pieces and serve once it’s cooled down and reached room temperature (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). |
| 43 | Spinach | We use organically sourced spinach as this will have fewer pesticides on it. Wash the spinach to remove any pesticide residue. Cook the spinach without using any seasoning, butter or oil. Cut the spinach into small pieces and serve once it’s cooled down and reached room temperature (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). |
| 44 | Lettuce | Use the Romaine variety of lettuce as normal lettuce has very little nutrition. Wash lettuce first thoroughly and cut into smaller pieces to serve (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). |
| 45 | Cabbage | We use organically sourced cabbage as this will have fewer pesticides on it. Wash the cabbage to remove any pesticide residue. Cook the cabbage without using any seasoning, butter or oil. Cut the cabbage into small pieces and serve once it’s cooled down and reached room temperature (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). |
| 45 | Swedes | We use organically sourced swede as this will have fewer pesticides on it. Wash the swedes to remove any pesticide residue. Cook the swede without using any seasoning, butter or oil. Cut the swede into small pieces and serve once it’s cooled down and reached room temperature (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). |
| 46 | Asparagus | We use organically sourced asparagus as these will have fewer pesticides on them. Wash the asparagus to remove any pesticide residue. Cook the asparagus without using any seasoning, butter or oil. Cut the asparagus into small pieces and serve once it’s cooled down and reached room temperature (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). |
| 47 | Pumpkin | We use organically sourced pumpkin as this will have fewer pesticides on it. Wash the pumpkin to remove any pesticide residue. Cut the pumpkin flesh into small pieces and serve once it’s cooled down and reached room temperature (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). Cook the pumpkin without using any seasoning, butter or oil. Can cause a laxative effect, so be careful in the amounts fed. |
| 48 | Popcorn | To be given only in moderation as popcorn is highly calorific and is total junk food to pygmy hedgehogs. Popcorn has very limited nutritional value. Break the popcorn into smaller pieces (can be a choking hazard if not cut into small enough pieces). |
Impaction
[1]Impaction is when the food dries to cause a blockage in the digestive system, causing constipation. Usually, the impaction can remedy itself, by breaking loose but if this does not happen, impaction can become fatal to hedgehogs and immediate veterinarian care will be required.
Calcium Loss
[2]Calcium loss also known as leaching, is a problem for hedgehogs when the high phosphorous content of some foods, can combine with the calcium in the pygmy hedgehog’s body. This causes the calcium in the pygmy hedgehog’s bones to leach (be expelled in their urine and poop), resulting in potential bone problems.
Seeds and Stones
Anything in the food that can cause choking must be removed including seeds and stones. Hedgehogs aren’t rodents so are not able to gnaw and break down seeds.
Related Questions:
What can’t hedgehogs eat list? Grapes, raisins, onions, celery, oranges to name a few are toxic to hedgehogs and should be avoided.
Can hedgehogs eat bananas? Hedgehogs can eat bananas but only in moderation as bananas are high in sugar. Bananas should only be served occasionally as a treat to supplement their diet.
