Providing a proper diet is one of the most important parts of keeping your hedgehog healthy. At Great Lakes Hedgehogs, we feed our herd a blend of high-quality cat foods because we have found this provides the balanced nutrition our hedgehogs need.

 

We do not recommend commercially marketed "hedgehog foods" such as Vita Prima, Exotic Nutrition, Mazuri, or similar. Many of these foods are not nutritionally ideal and may contain unnecessary fillers that do not support the health of your hedgehog. 

Feeding these types of foods after adoption may void your GLHH health guarantee.

 

Some high-quality cat food options that can be good choices include:

• Core Wellness

• Chicken Soup for the Soul

• Fromm

• Royal Canin

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Each GLHH hedgehog goes home with a starter supply of the food they are already eating. If you decide to transition your hedgehog to a different food, it is important to do so slowly by gradually mixing in the new food over time. A sudden diet change can cause stomach upset.

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When selecting a food, look for:

• Protein: 28–35%

• Fat: 12–15%​

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The amount fed will depend on your individual hedgehog, but generally 1 tablespoon to ¼ cup of food per day is appropriate. Be careful not to overfeed, as African Pygmy Hedgehogs are prone to obesity.

A good rule of thumb: if your hedgehog can still curl into a tight, complete ball, they are likely maintaining a healthy weight.

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Healthy Treat Options

Hedgehogs enjoy occasional treats, and some great options include:

Live insects:

• Mealworms

• Super worms

• Dubia Roaches

(Only use feeder insects intended for reptiles—not worms or insects from bait shops.) Live insects can be offered about 3–4 times per week.

Other treat options:

• Scrambled eggs (plain, no seasoning)

• Small pieces of unseasoned cooked meat

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Foods to Avoid

Never feed your hedgehog:

• Avocado

• Grapes

• Dairy products

• Nuts

• Dried fruits or dried vegetables​

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If you have questions about your hedgehog's diet, are considering a food change, or need help selecting an appropriate diet, please contact us before making any changes. We are always happy to help guide you in making the best choice for your hedgehog.