Possible foods

[Linzikay2003]

Hey everyone! When I got my hedgehog I was given 2 ziplock bags full of a mixture of puppy food to feed him. While doing research I have seen other people talking about feeding their hedgies fruits and vegetables. Is that an option? I'd love to hear what everyone feeds their lovies!! Thank you!

[Mecki]

You may want to compare the food you were given with the recommended ingredients and percentages. There is a great thread here on the forum:
https://www.hedgehogcentral.com/foru...nutrition.html

I'll be getting a hedgie in the next month or so and already know that after a couple weeks, I'm going to transition to a better kibble than what the breeder uses.

As for fruits and veggies specifically, this thread goes over that topic:
https://www.hedgehogcentral.com/foru...s-veggies.html

I've read elsewhere that hedgies do better with insects as treats moreso than fruits or veggies but I do not know how valid that is.

[Ria]

Hedgehos should have insevts daily. Fruit and veg is optional, isnt recommended for all the time treats. Veg should be cooked so that they digest it bettter.

However you still need insects, as they are an important part of their diet considering hedgehogs are insectivores and not herbivores.

Also not many hedgehogs are actually big fans of fruit and veg.
Holly likes, Carrots, sweet potoato, brussel sprouts, sweet corn - All cooked. She also likes cooked apples. And watermelon all of these should be given at room temp. I haven't tried her with anything else atm as have been changing biscuit and putting her on a mix.

[Linzikay2003]

How many insects are they allowed to have a day?

[Ria]

Most people stick to about 1tbsp of a mix of different insects. Some do less and some do a bit more. I personally stick to about 1tbsp daily.
Then they give other things 2-3 days a week.

[Linzikay2003]

What kind of insects are they allowed to eat?

[Mecki]

Originally Posted by Linzikay2003

What kind of insects are they allowed to eat?

The Nutrition section on this forum is a wealth of information.
Check this thread on insects:
https://www.hedgehogcentral.com/foru...e-insects.html

It isn't just what kind of insects but also where they come from and whether they are live, freeze-dried, or canned. Different types can be fed more than others.

[Ria]

I use locust, dubia roaches, black crickets, orange woodlice and once a week she'll get some mealworms.

The locust, roaches and woodlice I buy live, gut load and chuck them in the freezer for 48 hours to die. The crickets and mealworms I buy canned because its easier on me plus my mum doesnt want like worms in her house so I buy them pre dead, I take them out the cans put them in small plastic tubs and chuck them in freezer too so they last longer as cans only last a week in the fridge before going weird

In the picture if a fat and protein chart for the more common fed insects