Do Hedgehogs Eat Cat Food?
Hedgehogs and cats may look similar, but their diets are very different. Hedgehogs are omnivores, meaning that they eat both plants and animals, while cats are strict carnivores. This means it’s not a good idea to feed cat food to a hedgehog.
What Do Hedgehogs Eat?
Hedgehogs naturally eat insects, small amphibians, and fruit. In captivity, hedgehogs often enjoy a variety of healthy food, such as:
- Insects: Mealworms, crickets, waxworms, etc.
- Non-Lethal Rodents: Hamsters, gerbils, mice, and rats.
- Fruit: Apples, strawberries, bananas, blueberries, etc.
- Protein Sources: Hard boiled eggs, plain cooked chicken, etc.
- Vegetables: Spinach, carrots, etc.
Reasons to Avoid Feline Diets
Cat food is designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of felines, and these needs are very different from those of hedgehogs. Cat diets are usually high in proteins and fats, while hedgehogs require fewer proteins and more carbohydrates.
In addition, most cat foods are loaded with preservatives and artificial flavors, which can be detrimental to a hedgehog’s health. Cat food is also not designed to provide hedgehogs with the necessary amounts of vitamins and minerals, which can lead to malnutrition.
Conclusion
It’s safe to say that hedgehogs and cats are both wonderful animals, but their diets are drastically different. While cats thrive on protein-rich diets, hedgehogs require more plant-based food. Therefore, it’s important to avoid feeding cat food to hedgehogs and stick with the nutritious options above.
