Can Hedgehogs Eat Tuna?
People often wonder if hedgehogs can eat tuna, especially since one of the most popular pet hedgehogs is the African pygmy hedgehog. Hedgehogs are omnivores and can eat some varieties of fish, so can tuna be a part of their diet? The answer is yes, but with a few caveats.
Benefits of Tuna for Hedgehogs
Tuna is an excellent source of nutrition for hedgehogs. It is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other important nutrients. Eating tinned tuna can be a great way to give hedgehogs a regular and balanced diet.
Risks of Tuna for Hedgehogs
Tuna can contain mercury, especially if it is tinned, and ingesting too much can be harmful to hedgehogs. It’s important to feed tuna to your hedgehog in moderation, and make sure you are using low mercury canned tuna.
Serving Tuna to Your Hedgehog
When serving tuna to your hedgehog, you should:
- Limit to one small can per week
Too much fish can lead to mercury poisoning and other health problems. - Flake tuna in small pieces
Hedgehogs have small mouths and need small pieces to eat safely. - Ensure canned tuna is no-salt added
Salt can be bad for hedgehogs and even fatal in large amounts.
Overall, tuna can be a part of a hedgehog’s diet, but it is important to monitor the amount of tuna ingested and ensure the right type and size of tuna is served.
