Introduction
Apples are perfectly safe for hedgehogs to consume since they do not contain any substances that could make them sick. On the other hand, apples do not significantly contribute to meeting their dietary requirements. Can Hedgehogs Eat Apples? As a result, they are not useful to them in any way. To feed your pet hedgehog apple treats, carefully remove the core and any seeds from the fruit.
A Diet For Hedgehogs
There are 17 different species of hedgehogs, and they can be found in Asia, Europe, Africa, and New Zealand. The African Pygmy hedgehog, sometimes known as a four-toed hedgehog, is the most widely kept pet hedgehog species.
Hedgehogs have particular dietary needs because they are insectivores. Insectivores are mammals that get most of their nutrition from insects, earthworms, and other arthropods like moles, shrews, and hedgehogs. Hedgehogs also eat lizards, amphibians, eggs, fish, snakes, carrots, mushrooms, berries, melons, roots, and insects.
Hedgies as pets eat various insects, including crickets, roaches, mealworms, and mealworm pellets. It’s important to strike a balance, as hedgehogs would much rather grab live prey than anything else. If given too many live insects, they could gain weight from an unhealthy, insect-based diet. A tiny amount of fresh fruit and vegetables, such as apples, can be added to the pellets and prey.
Advice On How To Prepare Apples For Your Hedgehogs
Before giving any fruit to your pet, you should first make sure to carefully wash the fruit to remove any chemicals that may have been added to the surface. Animals are frequently more susceptible to the effects of these substances than we are, and should they take them, they run the risk of experiencing serious adverse effects.
To ensure the apple is well cleaned, place it in a dish filled with water and let it sit there for a few minutes. After that, pour out the water and rinse the fruit with fresh water; at this point, it’s ready to be cut. When slicing apples for your hedgehog, you must be mindful of their size, as they are petite. To prevent the hedgehog from choking when eating apples and make eating easier, chop the apples into little cubes that it can easily chew and swallow.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Apple Seeds Without Harm?
Apple seeds are poisonous to most mammals. However, insectivore hedgehogs can handle quite a bit of toxicity. Whether or not they are harmful, most hedgehog owners believe having one is not worth the hassle. Therefore, owners don’t give them to their hedgehog pets if not due to toxicity or the risk of suffocation. When giving your hedgehog an apple, keep this in mind.
Benefits To Hedgehogs Eating Apples
Hedgehogs are omnivorous creatures that feed on insects, small invertebrates, fruits, and some plant matter. Apples can be beneficial to a hedgehog’s diet when provided in moderation. Here are some benefits of hedgehogs eating apples:
Nutritional Value: Apples are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber. These nutrients can contribute to a hedgehog’s overall health and well-being.
Hydration: Apples have a high water content, which can help keep hedgehogs hydrated, especially if they are not drinking enough water from their water dish.
Fiber: The fiber in apples can aid digestion and help prevent constipation in hedgehogs. Proper digestion is crucial for their overall health.
Enrichment: Offering hedgehogs a variety of foods, including apples, can provide mental stimulation and enrichment. Chewing on apple slices can help keep their teeth healthy and prevent overgrowth.
Natural Flavors: Like many animals, Hedgehogs may enjoy the natural sweetness of apples. Providing them with different flavors can make their diet more interesting and appealing.
Supplementary Nutrition: While apples should not be the primary food for hedgehogs, they can be a valuable supplement to their diet, providing additional nutrients and variety.
How Frequently Are Hedgehogs Allowed To Consume Apples?
Apples are not a fruit that you should offer your hedgehog daily. This is because of the reasons we highlighted throughout this post, which can be found here. In any case, the vast majority of breeders will advise you to provide fruit at most three times per week. As a result, we recommend you give your hedgehog an apple as a special treat no more than once per week, and even less frequently than this is fine. Your hedgehog will benefit the most from eating apples as part of a diet that includes vegetables and other fruits.
How Many Apples Can Hedgehogs Eat In A While?
A single slice of apple is the maximum portion size that should be given to a hedgehog at any given time. This should be considered a ballpark figure, although the serving size varies depending on age and size. Remember that kibble and insects or worms comprise the bulk of a hedgehog’s diet, so you should keep this in mind. You should never include fruits in the normal diet of your pet.
Can Hedgehogs Eat The Seeds Of An Apple?
Apple seeds have poison, so this is often a big no-no. Small animals usually can’t get sick from a single source, but many seeds can. The question is whether or not that holds for hedgehogs. After all, they are known to eat dangerous insects, making them more poison-resistant than many other small animals.
This is something that pet hedgehog owners argue about a lot. Most people agree that they don’t know, but they don’t want to take a chance in case they do. Eating one or two seeds by accident probably won’t hurt, but you should stay away from them just in case. Not only could they make your little prickly friend sick, but they could also choke on them because they are the right size and shape.
Hedgehogs Can Also Eat Alternatives To Apples
Hedgehog owners know that feeding their spiky friends varied and nutritious food is essential to their well-being. Apples may be a favorite snack for these critters, but providing them with a balanced diet requires thinking outside the apple box. Some of these alternates are listed below:
Bananas: Hedgehogs would benefit greatly from including bananas in their diet. Since they taste good and feel well, many hedgehogs enjoy eating them. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which helps maintain normal muscular function. Vitamins B6 and C, for instance, can be found in abundance in these foods and benefit a hedgehog’s health. To make eating easier for your pet hedgehog and to remove any possible pesticide residues from the peel, always peel and slice bananas before serving them to your pet.
Kiwi: You can add diversity and health benefits to your hedgehog’s diet with kiwis, a tropical fruit with bright green flesh and characteristic tiny seeds. Kiwis, packed to the gills with vitamin C, are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and general well-being.
They are rich in vitamins K and E, aiding proper blood clotting and antioxidant defenses. Hedgehogs enjoy kiwi, but the skin and seeds might be difficult to digest. Although kiwis are a healthy option, it is best to introduce them slowly while keeping an eye on your pet’s reaction.
Apricots: The sweet orange fruits known as apricots might be a welcome treat for your hedgehog. They contain many beneficial vitamins and minerals, especially A and C. These vitamins are essential for good eyesight, skin, and immunity. Taking the pit out first to feed your hedgehog an apricot would be best.
To make the fruit more manageable for your hedgehog, cut it into little pieces and remove any seeds before serving. Most hedgehogs enjoy apricots, but as with any novel food, watch for any adverse reactions. Always ensure the fruit you serve is clean and cut into bite-sized pieces. When introducing new meals to your hedgehog, it is important to keep a close eye on them to make sure there are no negative responses.
Conclusion
Hedgehogs can consume apples. On the other hand, apples only offer a moderate amount of the beneficial protein that hedgehogs require. Thus, they should be avoided. As a result, you ought to limit the consumption of apples to your hedgehog for special occasions only. When you give them apples, ensure the seeds are carefully removed before feeding them the fruit.
