If you have a pet hedgehog you can have various questions in your mind. What should you feed your hedgehog?
We get it, it’s really important that you know you’re feeding your hedgehogs. But, why? Well, their diets are important. If you’re feeding them the wrong food, they’ll fall ill easily.
Also, there will be a hindrance to their growth. Most importantly, the hedgehogs won’t be happy when they won’t have sufficient food. Hence, it’s important you know their food.
So, can hedgehogs eat pumpkins?
The answer is no. Hedgehogs can’t eat pumpkins. If a hedgehog eats a pumpkin it will make its stomach bloated. And, yes, the Hedgehogs will face diarrhoea. Pumpkins also make them dehydrated. Which is very threatening for the little creatures. So, pumpkin isn’t the best choice when it comes to hedgehogs food. You need to try other alternatives.
So, now you know it’s not safe enough. What should you feed, then?
Read on to find out in detail why hedgehogs can’t eat pumpkins. And what alternative food you can feed your hedgehog-
Can Hedgehogs Eat Pumpkins?
Feeding pumpkins to hedgehogs can be harmful to them. During the Halloween season, many people give their leftover pumpkins to hedgehogs to eat. Hedgehogs can eat those pumpkins but it will create health problems for them.
There are reasons for not giving pumpkins to hedgehogs. Pumpkins are fibrous fruit. So hedgehogs can eat them but they can’t digest them properly.
As a result, they face problems like dehydration. Also, they can suffer from stomach aches.
Other than that, the Pumpkins have seeds. If a hedgehog tries to eat, pumpkin seeds can stick to the throat. And, the Hedgehog will start choking, in that case.
This can be life-threatening sometimes. So, it is wise if you control yourself from giving pumpkins to your hedgehogs.
What Can I Feed My Hedgehogs?: Healthy Alternatives
Now as you know that you can’t feed pumpkins to your hedgehog. You might think, what should you feed your hedgehog?
There are many kinds of healthy food options for hedgehogs. Below we have mentioned some of them.
Hedgehog Formula
Hedgehog food available in the market is the best option for hedgehogs. It contains the right portion of protein and fat. It provides important nutrients necessary for hedgehogs’ good health.
There are many brands of hedgehog food available. But it’s hard to buy it if you are living in a rural area.
Cat Food
Dry cat food is also a good option for hedgehogs. Many hedgehog owners use it as an alternative to hedgehog food. Because cat food is available everywhere.
When buying cat food don’t forget to check if it contains 35% protein and 15% fat. Also, make sure the first ingredient is chicken.
Dog Food
Dog food is as good as cat food. Here, you should also consider the protein and fat hedgehogs get from the food.
Meat
Hedgehogs can eat meat. But you should keep certain things in mind. Give them the right kind of meat. For example, cooked meat with low fat will be good for hedgehogs.
Don’t give too much meat at a time.
Fish
Salmon and tuna fish are ideal options to feed your hedgehog. For both meat and fish, give them to your hedgehog only after cooking. Otherwise, they can cause food poisoning.
Vegetables
Hedgehogs can eat fresh vegetables. Vegetables provide various nutrients necessary for hedgehogs. Vegetables also provide protein. Hedgehogs need a balanced diet just like any other living creature.
So, don’t forget to give them the below-mentioned vegetables.
- Carrot
- Sweet Potato
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Lettuce
What Food Is Harmful To Hedgehogs?
In addition to pumpkins, there are a few other foods that are harmful to hedgehogs. So if you are planning to feed any of this food to your hedgehogs, think again!
Dairy
As the hedgehog’s digestive system is very sensitive you shouldn’t feed them dairy items. Dairy food contains high fat which hedgehogs can’t digest.
As a result, they can vomit and fall sick.
Bread
It’s okay if you give bread to your dogs and rats but don’t give them to hedgehogs. Bread is also not good for the hedgehog’s digestive system. Just like pumpkin, the bread will bloat the stomach of a hedgehog.
Meat
Never feed your hedgehog uncooked meat. You can feed meat in small quantities with low fat. For example, chicken meat contains low amounts of fat.
Insects
Hedgehogs eat many kinds of insects in the wild. There are insects for hedgehogs available in bait shops. Don’t buy these and feed your hedgehog. These foods contain pesticides or other chemicals which can make them sick.
Fruits
Hedgehogs can have fruits but there are some fruits they should not eat. Below mentioned fruits are not good for hedgehogs to eat-
- Avocado
- Pineapple
- Citrus fruits
- Grapes
- Raisins
Vegetables
Above, we have given a shortlist of vegetables you can feed your hedgehog. There are some vegetables you must avoid. Don’t feed your hedgehog below-mentioned vegetables-
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato
- Mushroom
FAQs
What Should I Feed My Hedgehog Every Day?
You should feed your hedgehog the right quantity of food to keep them healthy. Hedgehogs require at least 70-100 calories of food every day. This is not a low amount. If you give more than they need, hedgehogs will eat it also.
Are Pumpkins Safe For Animals To Eat?
Wild animals love to eat pumpkins. Pumpkins are safe for wild animals as long as they are not painted with any chemical or color. The chemicals can make it toxic.
What Animals Can Eat Pumpkins?
You can safely feed your leftover Halloween pumpkins to certain animals. They include chickens, ducks, turkeys, etc. The best way to feed the pumpkin is to cut it into pieces and give it to your pet animal. In that way, it will be easier for them to eat.
End Note
Hopefully, you have got the answer to your question, can hedgehogs eat pumpkins?
Ensure the above-mentioned food that is for the healthy and active hedgehogs. Also, give your hedgehog clean water. Change the water at least once a day.
Along with a healthy diet giving clean water will help your hedgehogs to stay hydrated. Hence, they’ll be some happier pets.
Best of luck!
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