Introduction
Hedgehogs are becoming increasingly popular as pets, and you have a cute, spiky hedgehog to add to your pet family. You want to ensure you’re giving your new exotic pet the best care possible, so you’re looking for the best food for your hedgehog. Can Hedgehogs Eat Cat Food? Hedgehogs can eat cat food, but there are better things they can eat. We can help you determine what to feed your hedgehog to keep it healthy.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Cat Food?
Hedgehogs were not popular pets for a long time, so they had no marketed foods. Cat food was a good replacement for hedgehog food for many people because it had enough protein for a hedgehog’s diet and was small enough for them to chew.
But because hedgehogs are becoming more popular as pets, there are now food bits on the market that better meet their dietary needs. Many veterinarians say you should feed your hog a pellet made just for hedgehogs and add a range of insects. So, yes, hedgehogs can eat cat food, but the question is: Should you feed your hog cat food when there are now hedgehog foods on the market? It would be best to talk to your vet about your hog’s diet choices to ensure you’re giving it the best food for growth and health.
What Do Hedgehogs Eat When They Are Out In The Wild?
Hedgehogs are insectivores, which means they eat insects. However, they will eat a wide range of foods in the wild. They eat snakes, fish, worms, bird eggs, frogs, dead animals, carrion, roots, berries, mushrooms, and berries. This varied diet can be given to domesticated hedgehogs by giving them food pellets made for hedgehogs and insects.
What Pellets Should Be Given To The Hedgehog?
The first thing your hedgehog needs for a good diet is pellet food made just for them. Exotic Nutrition Hedgehog Complete Hedgehog Food is a pellet your vet will suggest. It has 35% crude protein and dried mealworms to make a vitamin-rich food for your pet. The Mazuri Hedgehog Diet has shots with less protein and a little more fat. These pellets are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. Exotic Nutrition Berries & Bugs Sugar Glider & Hedgehog Food may be good for hedgehogs that like to eat berries as part of a high-protein diet.
What Are The Ingredients In Cat Food?
Now that we know hedgehogs like to eat cat food let’s talk about whether or not it can meet their nutritional needs. And to do that, we need to (figuratively) take cat food apart and see what it’s made of. The main ingredients in normal cat food are carbs and meat products. Since meat items make up most of the list, let’s start with these:
Meat and meat products
Both cats and hedgehogs get most of their energy from meat. Different types of cat food use different kinds of meat products together, and we’ll quickly go over all of them.
Chicken is the first and most-used food. If a cat food is of the highest quality, it will have chicken skin and meat (no bones). But most medium-quality cat food is made from the cleaned and rendered feet, necks, and intestines of birds that have been killed.
These foods for cats are also called “by-product meals” and are great for them. Beef fat comes from the tissues of beef when rendered; fish tissues that haven’t broken down and dried (or frozen) eggs are also added to cat food.
Carbs are the building blocks of food
The protein in the meat products keeps your cat’s hair, muscles, bones, and immune system in good shape. The carbs give them the energy they need and fibers that help keep their guts healthy. The main sources of carbs in cat food are wheat flour, corn gluten meal, and brewer’s rice. Cat food has more than just meat and carbs. It also has small amounts of vitamins and minerals to help your pet’s general health.
Hedgehogs Do Better When Fed Cat Food
Feeding cat food to hedgehogs has become popular among wildlife enthusiasts and caregivers. While it might seem unconventional at first, there are several benefits associated with providing cat food as part of a hedgehog’s diet. This article will explore these advantages and explain why cat food has gained recognition as a valuable dietary component for hedgehogs.
Nutritional Balance
Commercial cat food is formulated to provide a balanced diet for felines, containing essential nutrients like proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Hedgehogs, too, require a balanced diet, and cat food can help meet many of their nutritional needs. Choosing high-quality cat food with a good balance of nutrients is important.
Protein Content
Hedgehogs are insectivorous by nature, and their diet in the wild primarily consists of insects and invertebrates. Cat food, especially dry kibble, is typically high in protein, which aligns with the hedgehog’s dietary preferences. Amino is essential for health, growth, and muscle maintenance.
Convenience
Cat food is readily available in most pet stores and supermarkets, making it a convenient option for hedgehog caregivers. This accessibility means that hedgehog owners can easily provide their pets with a consistent source of nutrition.
Variety
Cat food comes in various formulations, including dry kibble and wet canned food. This variety allows hedgehog caregivers to tailor the diet to their pet’s preferences and nutritional requirements. Some hedgehogs may prefer one form over the other, offering flexibility in their diet.
Dental Health
Dry cat food can contribute to the maintenance of hedgehog dental health. Chewing on dry kibble can help keep the hedgehog’s teeth from becoming overgrown, a common issue in captivity. However, providing a mix of wet and dry food is often recommended for optimal dental care.
Controlled Diet
Cat food packaging typically includes detailed nutritional information, allowing caregivers to monitor and control their hedgehog’s calorie intake and nutrient balance. It can be especially beneficial for hedgehogs that require special dietary considerations due to health issues.
Weight Management
Hedgehog obesity is a common concern in captivity. Feeding the appropriate cat food in the right quantities can assist in managing a hedgehog’s weight and preventing obesity-related health problems.
Health Supplements
Some high-quality cat foods also contain supplements like taurine, which is important for heart health, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health. These supplements can provide additional benefits to hedgehogs.
Cost-Effective
Cat food can be more cost-effective for hedgehog owners than specialized hedgehog diets while still providing essential nutrients.
Accepted by Hedgehogs
Many hedgehogs readily accept cat food, making the transition to this diet relatively straightforward for caregivers. However, it’s essential to introduce cat food gradually and monitor the hedgehog’s response.
Is It Acceptable To Feed Hedgehogs Wet Cat Food?
Foods for cats that are “wet” contain between 78% and 80% water. These items frequently appear in metal or aluminum containers. Wet cat food is quite fine for your hedgehog. Wet cat food is preferable to dry because it is easier to digest the meat and other ingredients when moistened. Your pet hedgie can benefit greatly from moist cat food if it is too young or has dental problems.
Conclusion
Hedgehogs can eat cat food if nothing else, but many vets now suggest that owners feed their hedgehog pellets that are made specifically for hogs and meet all of their nutritional needs. To ensure your hedgehog gets a well-balanced diet, give it some live or freeze-dried insects, veggies, and fruits. Talk to your vet if you still need to figure out what to feed your hedgehog. They can help you develop a diet that works for you and your hog.
