Do you want to know where you can get hedgehog food?
This is one of the most critical studies for a new hedgehog owner. I remember the first time I wanted to feed my hedgehog pet, I was fortunate because I got my hedgehog from a breeder. He was able to enlighten me on the best food for my hedgehog, which I would like to share with you, and I also recommend you read my post What Fruits Can /Can’t Hedgehog Pet Eat, which is an eye-opener because not all fruits are good for your hedgehog.
Let us get started,
Places To Get Hedgehog Foods
There are numerous sites to acquire hedgehog food, but for this essay, I will only suggest three.
1. Pet Stores
Visit pet stores that specialize in exotic pets or carry a wide range of small animal supplies. Here are some popular pet store chains where you may be able to find hedgehog food
Petco: A large pet retail chain that sells hedgehog food and supplies is Petco.
PetSmart: Another well-known network of pet stores with locations around the nation is PetSmart.
They provide grooming services, training programs, and pet adoption services in addition to a large selection of pet goods, such as food, toys, and beds.
Independent Pet Stores: Many independent pet businesses cater to a wide range of pets and may have hedgehog food. Check with your neighborhood pet store.
It’s critical to take into account several aspects when selecting a pet store, including product availability, cost, customer service, cleanliness of the store, and the company’s dedication to the welfare of the animals they sell or house.
You may determine whether a specific pet store is good for your needs by reading customer reviews and, if possible, going in person to the stores.
2.Online Vendors Specializing In Unusual Pet Supplies.
Online merchants like Chewy, Amazon, and Exotic Nutrition sell hedgehog food, which can be purchased and delivered to your door.
Chewy: Chewy is a well-known internet shop, but it has a variety of pet supplies and simple delivery options.
For a variety of pets, such as dogs, cats, small animals, birds, fish, and reptiles, and exotic pets like hedgehogs, they provide a large selection of products.
Amazon: While Amazon is a major online marketplace with a diverse offering of products including pet supplies, it is not recognized for specializing in unique pet supplies.
However, because of the large product range, you can get some uncommon pet items through third-party vendors in their marketplace.
It’s crucial to note that checking product descriptions, reviews, and seller ratings carefully to ensure the quality and compatibility of the things you are interested in.
Exotic Nutrition: Providing supplies for exotic pets is the main emphasis of this internet shop. They have a large selection of items for birds, reptiles, tiny mammals, and other unusual pets
Specialty food, cages, toys, bedding, and other unusual products made specifically for exotic animal requirements are all part of their assortment.
1. Breeders
Hedgehog breeders prefer to sell hedgehogs as pets rather than provide nourishment.
To assist novice hedgehog owners, some reputable breeders may offer starting kits or care packages that contain a modest amount of hedgehog food.
When contacting breeders, it’s crucial to ask about their breeding practices, the care they give to their hedgehogs, and whether they provide any health assurances or after-sales assistance.
Reputable breeders should prioritize animal welfare and be informed about hedgehog care.
Hedgehog breeders can be found through online directories such as Hedgehog Breeders Alliance and Hedgehog Central, as well as hedgehog associations and clubs that connect you with reputable breeders such as the International Hedgehog Association and online forums and communities where you can interact with other hedgehog owners.
What Is The Best Food For Hedgehogs
Because the hedgehog is an insectivorous mammal, the daily meal should include foods high in protein, and carbs, and low in fat. Insects and tiny rodents are great foods.
Insects
Only insects that have been intentionally grown are acceptable for feeding the hedgehog. Eating cockroaches, flies, dragonflies, grasshoppers, and other wild critters can be dangerous because there can be the presence of toxic compounds like insecticides, parasites, and germs.
Pet retailers sell specially produced food insects Their primary need is a strong chitnous coat. The following species are good for hedgehog feeding.
Silkworm has a high fat content and should be consumed twice a week, no more than two pieces.
Because of its high fat and chitin content, mealworm is advised once every 2-3 weeks. Usually, they provide a dessert spoon for the treat.
Crickets (banana, house, and two-spotted) are good for you since they provide 40% protein, 30% fat, and some calcium.
Cockroaches contain chitin, which cleanses the bowels, keeps skin and fur healthy, and stimulates needle development.
For everyday intake, grasshoppers and locusts are okay.
Meat And Seafood
The hedgehog enjoys meat and fish. Furthermore, it can be either live, newly born rodents – mice, rats, hamsters – or lean meat from animals. Prickly pets’ diets often comprise Rat pups, mice, and hamsters that are all naked (newborn). At the same time, you must buy them in a store to avoid infecting the hedgehog. Breeders advocate just offering 1-2 animals as a treat once a week. This sort of food is high in vitamins and minerals and helps to boost the immune system.
Turkey, duck, and chicken (ideally day-old chicks). Meat that has been boiled or steamed is minced (finely chopped/passed through a meat grinder or blender). When cooking, avoid using salt or spices. 1 tablespoon l. twice a week (no more).
Hedgehogs enjoy eating byproducts like chicken hearts that have been cooked or steamed.
Fish (ideally fillet) is cooked in the same manner as meat. Salmon, tuna, and tilapia are my favorite fish. The major ailment is a lack of bones. It should be done no more than once a week.
Meat or fish can be paired with high-fiber cereals such as rice or muesli. 0.5 teaspoon for this. Combine boiling cereal with minced meat/fish.
Hedgehogs enjoy eating chicken/quail eggs. Quail eggs may be eaten uncooked but chicken eggs must be hard-boiled. Contrary to common perception, milk and goods derived from it are toxic to these animals.
What Is A Good Substitute For Hedgehog Food
There are hedgehog alternatives or additions to their diet that they can employ. Any adjustments to your hedgehog’s food should be made gradually, and consultation with a veterinarian expert in hedgehog care is suggested. Here are a few alternatives to hedgehog food:
Dry Cat Food of High Quality: Look for cat food brands with high protein content and few fillers or artificial ingredients. Select cat food with meat as the principal element and avoid those high in carbohydrates or sugars. It is recommended to use cat chow designed for all life stages or adult cats. Avoid cat food brands that have fish as a key ingredient since they may be toxic to hedgehogs.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: As occasional treats or supplements, small portions of fresh fruits and vegetables can be provided. Apples, bananas, grapes, carrots, and leafy greens like spinach or kale are all good bets. Fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, should only make up a modest amount of a hedgehog’s diet.
Conclusion
It is critical to feed your hedgehog a balanced diet that includes a mix of proper commercial hedgehog food, high-quality cat food, insects, and restricted fruits and vegetables.
Foods that are harmful to hedgehogs, such as chocolate, onions, grapes, and raisins, should be avoided.
To know more about the foods appropriate for your buddy and long life, kindly read my post What Do Hedgehog Pets Eat And Drink and How Long Pet Hedgehog Lives
Remember that each hedgehog has different nutritional requirements, so contact a veterinarian to verify you’re providing a portion of suitable and balanced food for your pet