High Protein, Low Fat — The Core Principle

Hedgehogs are insectivores by nature. Their wild diet is built around insects, grubs, and small creatures. In captivity, the closest practical equivalent is high-quality, high-protein, low-fat kibble — either a formulated hedgehog food or a quality cat food that hits the right nutritional targets. Protein should ideally fall in the 28 to 35 percent range; fat should stay below 15 percent. Obesity is one of the most common health problems in captive hedgehogs, and it almost always traces back to a diet too high in fat or offered in excess.

Choosing the Right Kibble

Not all kibble works for hedgehogs. Key things to look for:

• Avoid fish-based formulas — hedgehogs don't metabolize fish proteins well, and fish-based foods contribute to obesity and very strong-smelling waste
• Avoid high-fat formulas — senior or weight-management cat foods often hit better nutritional targets than standard adult formulas
• Check the first ingredient — chicken or turkey should lead, not corn, soy, or unspecified byproducts
• Avoid mixed or gourmet hedgehog foods — dried fruit, colored pieces, and seeds add sugar and fat without nutritional value

Live and Dried Insects: An Important Supplement

Insects should be offered two to three times per week. Mealworms and crickets are the most practical options. Live insects provide enrichment in addition to nutrition — a hedgehog hunting a live cricket is actively engaged and exercising. Dried insects are more convenient and still nutritionally useful. Keep amounts moderate. Mealworms in particular are high in fat — a small handful offered a few times per week, not a bowl every night.

Foods to Avoid Entirely

• Grapes and raisins — toxic to hedgehogs
• Citrus fruits — too acidic
• Onion and garlic — toxic
• Avocado — toxic
• High-sugar fruits — tiny occasional pieces of apple or melon are acceptable, but sugar contributes to obesity and dental problems
• Dairy and processed meats — not appropriate

Portion Control and Fresh Water

Most hedgehogs will overeat given the opportunity. Offer approximately one to two tablespoons of kibble per night — feed in the evening when they're naturally active. Monitor weight monthly. A healthy hedgehog has a visible waist when viewed from above and can curl into a complete ball without difficulty. A hedgehog that cannot fully curl up is almost certainly carrying excess weight.

Fresh water should be available at all times in a shallow ceramic dish or a sipper bottle. Change it daily. Some hedgehogs get their tongue caught in poorly fitting sipper tubes — check that the ball mechanism works freely, or use a shallow dish to be safe.

Choosing the Right Kibble

Not all kibbles marketed as "hedgehog food" actually meet a hedgehog's nutritional needs — some are too high in fat or low in protein. Many experienced hedgehog owners use a high-quality cat food that meets these criteria:

• Protein content: 28–35%
• Fat content: under 15% (10–12% is ideal)
• First ingredient: a named meat protein (chicken, turkey, salmon)
• No artificial dyes, corn syrup, or excessive grain fillers

Popular choices among hedgehog owners include Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken dry cat food and Purina Pro Plan Savor Chicken & Rice. Rotate between 2–3 brands to ensure nutritional variety and prevent your hedgehog from becoming attached to only one food.

Live and Dried Insects: The Protein Boost

Insects should be a regular part of a hedgehog's diet — not just an occasional treat. They closely mimic the natural prey hedgehogs eat in the wild and provide amino acids and fat profiles that kibble alone doesn't replicate.

• Mealworms: Popular and readily accepted, but high in fat — limit to 3–5 per feeding session, 2–3 times per week
• Crickets: Lower fat than mealworms, excellent protein. Live or dried both work
• Dubia roaches: Excellent nutritional profile, good calcium-to-phosphorus ratio
• Waxworms: High-fat, very palatable — use sparingly as a treat or for underweight hedgehogs

Fresh Foods: Safe Options and What to Avoid

Safe to offer in small amounts:

• Cooked chicken, turkey, or salmon (no seasoning)
• Scrambled or hard-boiled egg
• Cooked green beans, peas, squash, or sweet potato
• Small pieces of apple, pear, or melon (no seeds)
• Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries

Foods to avoid entirely:

• Milk and dairy — hedgehogs are lactose intolerant
• Grapes, raisins, and currants — potentially toxic (as with dogs)
• Avocado — toxic to hedgehogs
• Onion, garlic, and chives — cause anemia
• Nuts and seeds — choking hazard, high fat
• Sticky foods (peanut butter, gummy treats) — can stick in the roof of the mouth and cause choking
• Wild-caught insects — risk of pesticide exposure and parasites

Feeding Schedule and Portion Size

Hedgehogs are nocturnal — feed them in the evening when they're naturally most active. Most adults do well on 1–2 tablespoons of quality kibble per night, supplemented with a small serving of fresh food or insects a few times per week.

Monitor weight weekly. A healthy adult hedgehog weighs 8–24 ounces depending on sex and frame — females are typically larger. If you can feel the spine easily with light pressure, your hedgehog may be underweight. If the belly drags along the ground when walking, overweight is likely. Adjust food quantity accordingly.

Hydration

Fresh water must always be available. A sipper bottle attached to the enclosure works well; so does a heavy ceramic bowl that won't tip. Change water daily. Hedgehogs can develop urinary tract issues from dehydration — watch for reduced water intake, especially in winter when hedgehogs may partially reduce activity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hedgehog Diet

Can hedgehogs eat cat food?

Yes — many experienced hedgehog keepers use high-quality dry cat food as the primary diet. The key is choosing one with 28–35% protein and under 15% fat, with a named meat as the first ingredient. Kitten food tends to be too high in fat and calories. Wet cat food is acceptable as an occasional treat but shouldn't replace dry food as the base.

How often should I feed my hedgehog?

Once daily, in the evening. Hedgehogs are crepuscular to nocturnal and are most active after dark — feeding at dusk aligns with their natural rhythm. Remove any uneaten fresh food the next morning to prevent spoilage. Kibble can stay in the bowl throughout the day, but fresh food should not sit longer than 12 hours.

Are mealworms good for hedgehogs?

Mealworms are a popular and nutritious treat but should be fed in moderation due to their high fat content. Live mealworms are more nutritionally complete than dried ones (dried mealworms lose some protein during processing). Stick to 3–5 mealworms 2–3 times per week as part of a varied insect rotation, not as a daily staple.

Why is my hedgehog not eating?

Loss of appetite in hedgehogs warrants prompt attention. Common causes include stress from a recent move or changes to the enclosure, temperature too low (hedgehogs partially hibernate below 65°F — warm them up gently), illness (dental disease, wobbly hedgehog syndrome, internal parasites), or selective eating (if you've recently changed food, mix the old and new gradually). If appetite loss persists more than 24–48 hours, see an exotic vet.

Do hedgehogs need supplements?

Generally no, if they're eating a varied diet of quality kibble, occasional insects, and small amounts of fresh food. Some owners add a small amount of salmon oil 2–3 times per week for skin and coat health — this is particularly helpful for hedgehogs prone to dry skin. A calcium supplement is rarely needed if insects are dusted occasionally. Avoid over-supplementing; fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) can accumulate to toxic levels.