What Do Hedgehogs Eat? Complete Diet & Feeding Guide [2026]

Published March 27, 2026 · By ExoPetHub Team

Learn what hedgehogs eat, including commercial food options, safe insects, fruits, vegetables, and foods to avoid. Complete hedgehog diet and feeding schedule guide.

Understanding the Hedgehog Diet

In the wild, hedgehogs are insectivores — their diet consists primarily of insects, worms, and other invertebrates, with occasional plant matter. Pet hedgehogs thrive on a diet that mimics this nutritional profile: high protein, moderate fat, and good fiber content.

The ideal macronutrient breakdown for a pet hedgehog is:

Protein: 30-35%
Fat: 10-15%
Fiber: 3-5% minimum

Staple Diet: Commercial Food Options

Hedgehog-Specific Food

Several brands make food specifically formulated for hedgehogs. These are convenient but vary widely in quality. Look for brands where real meat is the first ingredient and avoid those heavy in fillers like corn or wheat.

High-Quality Cat Food (Recommended)

Many experienced hedgehog owners and breeders prefer premium dry cat food as the staple diet. It is widely available, affordable, and often higher quality than hedgehog-specific brands.

What to look for in cat food:

Criteria	Target
First ingredient	Chicken, turkey, or poultry
Protein	30-35%
Fat	10-15% (under 15% is key)
Fiber	3%+
Kibble size	Small — cat food is usually fine; avoid large-breed dog food
Avoid	Fish-based, artificial colors, corn/wheat as first ingredient

Tip: Mix 2-3 brands of cat food to provide nutritional variety and prevent picky eating.

Insects and Live Prey

Insects are an important part of a hedgehog's diet, providing essential nutrients and mental stimulation through foraging behavior.

Recommended Insects

Insect	Frequency	Notes
Mealworms	2-3x per week	High fat — limit to 3-5 per serving
Crickets	2-3x per week	Great protein, encourage hunting behavior
Dubia roaches	2-3x per week	Excellent protein-to-fat ratio
Waxworms	Occasional treat	Very high fat — 1-2 at a time only
Black soldier fly larvae (Calciworms)	2-3x per week	High calcium, lower fat than mealworms
Silkworms	2-3x per week	High protein, low fat, excellent nutrition

Live vs. Dried Insects

Live insects are nutritionally superior and provide enrichment
Freeze-dried insects are a convenient alternative but lower in moisture and some nutrients
Never feed wild-caught insects — they may carry parasites or pesticides
Purchase from reputable feeder insect suppliers

Safe Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables should be offered as occasional treats, making up no more than 10% of the total diet.

Safe Fruits

Fruit	Serving Size	Notes
Blueberries	2-3 berries	Antioxidant-rich, hedgehog favorite
Watermelon	Small cube	Remove seeds, high water content
Banana	Small slice	High sugar — offer sparingly
Apple	Small cube	Remove seeds and skin
Strawberry	Half berry	Cut into small pieces
Pear	Small cube	Remove seeds

Safe Vegetables

Vegetable	Serving Size	Notes
Cooked sweet potato	Small cube	Soft and nutritious
Cooked green beans	1-2 pieces	Cut into small pieces
Cooked carrots	Small cube	Must be cooked soft
Cooked squash	Small cube	Butternut or pumpkin
Bell pepper	Small piece	Raw is fine
Cucumber	Small slice	Low calorie, hydrating

Important: Always cut fruits and vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. Remove uneaten fresh food within 12 hours.

Foods to Avoid

The following foods are dangerous or toxic to hedgehogs:

Grapes and raisins — potentially toxic, can cause kidney damage
Avocado — toxic to many small animals
Chocolate — contains theobromine, toxic to hedgehogs
Onions and garlic — can cause hemolytic anemia
Citrus fruits — too acidic, can cause mouth sores
Raw meat or eggs — risk of salmonella and bacterial infection
Dairy products — hedgehogs are lactose intolerant
Nuts and seeds — choking hazard and difficult to digest
Processed human food — high in salt, sugar, and preservatives
Dried fruit — sticky texture is a choking hazard and too high in sugar
Mushrooms — some varieties are toxic

Feeding Schedule

Time	Food	Amount
Evening (7-8 PM)	Dry kibble (cat food or hedgehog food)	1-2 tablespoons
Evening	Fresh water	Unlimited — refill daily
2-3x per week	Insects	3-5 mealworms or equivalent
2-3x per week	Fruit or vegetable treat	1 teaspoon
Next morning	Remove uneaten fresh food	—

Obesity Prevention

Obesity is one of the most common health problems in pet hedgehogs, leading to fatty liver disease, heart problems, and a shortened lifespan.

Signs of an Overweight Hedgehog

Cannot fully curl into a ball
Fat rolls visible around legs and face
Difficulty walking or reduced activity
Weighs significantly over 600 grams (breed-dependent)

Prevention Strategies

Weigh weekly using a kitchen scale and track the trend
Limit high-fat treats — mealworms and waxworms are the biggest culprits
Ensure the wheel is available — most hedgehogs run 3-8 miles per night
Measure food portions — don't free-feed if your hedgehog overeats
Choose low-fat kibble — stay under 15% fat content

If your hedgehog is already overweight, consult an exotic vet for a safe weight-loss plan. Sudden dietary changes can cause digestive upset.

Water

Always provide fresh, clean water. Most owners use either:

Water bottle: Less messy, but some hedgehogs struggle with the sipper
Shallow water dish: More natural drinking position, but can tip or get dirty

Many owners provide both options. Change water daily and clean the bottle or dish thoroughly each week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hedgehogs eat cat food?▾

Yes, high-quality dry cat food is actually one of the best staple diet options for hedgehogs. Choose a brand with chicken or poultry as the first ingredient, at least 30% protein, under 15% fat, and high fiber content. Avoid fish-based formulas as they can cause smelly droppings.

How often should I feed my hedgehog?▾

Most hedgehog owners feed once daily in the evening when the hedgehog wakes up. Offer 1-2 tablespoons of dry food as the staple. Remove uneaten fresh foods (insects, fruits, vegetables) the next morning to prevent spoilage. Fresh water should be available at all times.

Can hedgehogs eat mealworms every day?▾

Mealworms should be given as treats, not daily staples, due to their high fat content. Offer 3-5 mealworms 2-3 times per week. Live mealworms are preferred over dried for better nutrition and enrichment. Overfeeding mealworms is a leading cause of obesity in pet hedgehogs.

What foods are toxic to hedgehogs?▾

Toxic and dangerous foods include grapes, raisins, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, raw meat, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, and any dairy products. Also avoid processed human foods, seasoned foods, and anything sticky or hard that could be a choking hazard.