Hedgehogs make fantastic pets. A hedgie baby will melt your heart and bring joy to your home. There’s no doubting the fact that your hedgie isn’t going to be like your pet cat or dog. Yet, hedgehogs make surprisingly affectionate pets.
But since they’re still a relatively rare pet to have, it’s sometimes hard for hedgie owners to get the answers to their questions. And many of these queries seem to focus on what their spiky babies can or can’t eat.
So, can hedgehogs eat blueberries? Blueberries are not only a safe and non-toxic treat for hedgehogs but are also very nutritious and tend to be a favorite snack. However, like anything else that isn’t your hedgehog’s main food source, it’s important to remember that blueberries should only be fed to your hedgehog in moderation.
We’ll offer a more detailed explanation of why blueberries make great hedgehog treats as well as list other fruits that are safe to feed them below, so read on for more!
Why Should You Feed Your Hedgehog Blueberries?
Blueberries are a superfood. They are packed with nutrients that can not only make you healthy but also help reverse the damage done to your body through a sedentary lifestyle, bad eating habits, or frequent alcohol consumption.
A 1 cup serving of blueberries contains significant amounts of fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K. One portion contains only 15 grams of carbohydrates and consists 85% of water. So, you can well imagine why blueberries are safe and even healthy for many of your fruit-eating pets.
As for your hedgehog, blueberries are great for them! You see, hedgehogs have sensitive tummies. And they are prone to obesity and diabetes. But, blueberries are a fruit that is low in calories and sugar yet high in nutrition.
In short, a small treat of blueberries can provide a lot of vitamins and minerals your hedgie needs. However, it is essential to remember that too much of a good thing can be bad too.
Considering the size of these tiny animals, a snack of blueberries once or twice a week is more than enough. Moreover, it would help if you never offered more than a teaspoonful of fruit at a time.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Other Fruits and Vegetables?
Hedgehogs have fantastic personalities. So, one may be shy and affectionate while another hedgie might be loud and highly energetic. Therefore, you may come across a hedgie that will absolutely devour blueberries.
Or, you may run into one that doesn’t even look in the same direction as blueberries. Do not be disheartened as there are plenty of fruits and vegetables that you can feed your pet friend for health benefits.
Fruits that are safe for hedgehogs:
Vegetables that are safe for hedgehogs:
- Green beans
- Romaine lettuce
- Arugula
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Dandelion greens
- Collard greens
You can even offer your hedgie some cooked carrots. But, it’s best to stick to leafy vegetables rather than starchy vegetables that can quickly bloat your spiky baby.
As vital as it is to provide diversity in the diet, you must remember that fresh fruits and vegetables can serve as snacks. These nutritional treats do not make up your hedgehog’s actual diet. And, the primary diet of the hedgie should make up for more than 80% of your pet’s meals.
Related Questions
Now that you know what your dear pet can snack on let’s deal with some of the commonly asked questions that puzzle most hedgie parents.
What Is the Primary Food Source of Hedgehogs?
Hedgehogs aren’t carnivores. Nor are these creatures herbivores. In the wild, hedgehogs survive on a diet of insects. That’s right, you heard that correctly.
Hedgehogs love to eat crickets, grasshoppers, earthworms, and mealworms. Thus, it is safe to say that hedgies need a high-quality protein and low-fat diet.
What Can I Feed My Hedgehog if I Don’t Want to Feed It Bugs?
While insects absolutely make the most high-quality and healthy diet for a hedgehog, if for some reason you’re uncomfortable acquiring live crickets or mealworms and the like, there are hedgehog-specific pellets available on the market.
And, if you have qualms about feeding your prickly baby live bugs specifically, then you can always go for the frozen or dried mealworm option that is readily available at most pet stores. Yet, you will find that your hedgie will delight in having a crunchy, munchy cricket far more than it will have to eat a frozen mealworm.
Another option available for hedgehog guardians is to offer high-quality pet dog or cat food. Dog or cat kibble can also be a healthy alternative as your hedgehog will appreciate the crunch on its meal, and the protein will serve your pet well.
However, it is always a smart move to discuss in detail your hedgie’s diet with an exotic vet when you do adopt your pet.
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