Can hedgehogs eat insects only?
Quick Answer
No
While insects make up a significant portion of a hedgehog’s diet, they also eat a variety of other foods. This includes fruits, vegetables, and even small animals. A diet of only insects would not provide a hedgehog with all the nutrients it needs.
What Is It?
A hedgehog’s diet in the wild consists of a variety of insects, worms, centipedes, snails, mice, frogs, and even snakes. Pet hedgehogs also eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and specially formulated hedgehog food.
Why It Can Be Risky
Feeding a hedgehog only insects can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
- Insects alone do not provide all the necessary nutrients a hedgehog needs.
- A diet lacking in variety can lead to health problems such as obesity and heart disease.
Safe Method?
It’s important to provide a balanced diet for your hedgehog. This should include a variety of insects, fruits, vegetables, and specially formulated hedgehog food.
Safe Alternatives
If insects are not available, other protein sources such as cooked chicken or turkey can be used. Fruits and vegetables should also be included in their diet.