What Vegetables Can Hedgehogs Eat?
Hedgehogs are becoming increasingly popular as pets. However, it is important to provide your pet hedgehog with a nutritious diet of fresh vegetables and other foods to ensure their optimal health. Here is a list of vegetables hedgehogs can safely eat and benefit from.
Safe Vegetables For Hedgehogs
- Kale: This leafy, green vegetable is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and makes a tasty snack for hedgehogs. Wash the kale before feeding it to your hedgehog and be sure to cut it into small pieces.
- Carrots: Carrots are a favorite among hedgehogs. They provide necessary Vitamin A and carotenoid antioxidants. Be sure to cut carrots into small pieces before feeding them to your hedgehog.
- Cucumbers: Cucumbers are a great source of hydration and provide Vitamin K, Vitamin C and magnesium, along with other essential minerals. Just be sure to slice the cucumbers up into small, bite-size pieces before feeding them to your hedgehog.
- Squash: Squash is an excellent source of fiber and Vitamin A for hedgehogs. Wash the squash before feeding it, and cut it into small pieces. Only feed your hedgehog cooked squash, as uncooked squash is difficult for them to digest.
- Peas: Fresh or frozen peas are full of nutrition that hedgehogs can benefit from. Peas are high in fiber, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Be sure to cook the peas and cut them into small pieces before feeding them to your hedgehog.
- Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, as well as beta-carotene, which is great for your hedgehog’s skin and coat. Wash, cook, and cut the sweet potatoes into small pieces before feeding them to your pet hedgehog.
- Green Beans: Green beans contain iron, Vitamin K and other essential minerals, making them a great addition to a hedgehog’s diet. Wash the beans, cut them into small pieces, and cook them before feeding them to your hedgehog.
In addition to providing your hedgehog with a well-balanced diet of vegetables, it is important to also feed them a variety of insects, such as mealworms, crickets and worms. Insects provide essential fats and proteins that vegetables alone cannot provide. Hedgehogs can also benefit from occasional treats of fruits and grains, such as apples, bananas, oats and corn.
Overall, it is important to make sure that a hedgehog receives the variety of vegetables and other foods they need to remain healthy. Be sure to provide fresh vegetables to your pet hedgehog with each meal, as well as plenty of fresh water.
