Hedgehog Diet 101: What to Feed a Pet Hedgehog
By UPCO Pet Supplies | Small Business Pet Shop in St. Joseph MO | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Buying Guides
Learn what to feed a pet hedgehog, from balanced commercial diets to safe treats. This guide covers hedgehog food types, nutrition needs, and feeding tips for a healthy pet.
Quick answer
Feed your pet hedgehog a high-quality commercial hedgehog food with balanced protein and fat, like Pretty Pets Hedgehog Food, as the dietary staple. Supplement with occasional insects and safe fruits or vegetables, and always provide fresh water.
Why a balanced commercial diet matters
Hedgehogs have unique nutritional needs that differ from cats, dogs, or other small mammals. A diet too high in fat can lead to obesity, while one too low in protein may cause muscle loss and poor quill health. Commercial hedgehog foods are formulated to hit the right balance of protein and fat, making them the safest foundation for your pet's daily meals.
Avoid relying on cat food as a long-term substitute. While some owners use high-quality cat kibble in a pinch, cat food often contains higher protein and lower fiber than hedgehogs need, which can contribute to weight gain over time.
Treats and supplements: what's safe
Hedgehogs enjoy variety, but treats should make up no more than 10% of their total diet. Safe options include mealworms (dried or live), crickets, and small amounts of cooked lean meat or egg. For fruits and vegetables, offer tiny portions of apple, banana, blueberries, or cooked carrots — always washed and cut into hedgehog-safe pieces.
Avoid dairy, nuts, seeds, raw meat, and sugary or processed human foods. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, and high-sugar treats can cause dental problems and obesity.
Feeding schedule and portion control
Hedgehogs are nocturnal and naturally eat at night. Offer a measured portion of dry hedgehog food in a shallow bowl each evening, and remove uneaten food in the morning to prevent spoilage. A typical adult hedgehog eats about 1–2 tablespoons of kibble per day, but adjust based on your pet's activity level and body condition.
Monitor your hedgehog's weight weekly. A healthy hedgehog should have a visible waist when viewed from above and be able to roll into a tight ball without a bulging belly. If you notice rapid weight gain, reduce treats and check portion sizes.
Decision rules for choosing a hedgehog food
- Check the guaranteed analysis: Look for a food with 28–35% protein and 10–15% fat. These ranges match a hedgehog's natural insect-based diet and help prevent obesity. Pretty Pets Hedgehog Food falls within this range.
- Choose a complete diet, not a supplement: Select a food labeled as 'complete' or 'balanced' for hedgehogs. Avoid foods that say 'treat' or 'supplement' as the main diet — they lack essential nutrients.
- Avoid fillers and artificial additives: Skip foods with corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors as primary ingredients. Hedgehogs digest animal-based proteins (like chicken or insect meal) much better than plant fillers. If the first three ingredients include a grain or by-product, keep looking.
- Introduce new food gradually: Mix 25% new food with 75% old food for 3–4 days, then 50/50 for 3 days, then 75/25, and finally 100% new. A sudden switch can cause digestive upset.
Recommended hedgehog food
- Pretty Pets Hedgehog Food 3 lb: Specially formulated with balanced protein and fat levels, this complete hedgehog diet helps provide the nutrition pet hedgehogs need for everyday health and wellness. You can feed it as a complete daily diet without worrying about missing nutrients, and the balanced formula supports healthy weight and quill condition.
Pretty Pets Hedgehog Food 3 lb
Is this diet right for your hedgehog?
Best for
- Pet owners who want a convenient, nutritionally complete diet without mixing multiple products
- Hedgehogs that are healthy adults with normal activity levels and no special medical needs
Not for
- Hedgehogs with specific health conditions requiring a veterinary-prescribed diet (e.g., kidney disease, obesity requiring a very low-fat food)
- Owners who prefer a homemade or raw diet — those require careful balancing and veterinary guidance
