Although there are hedgehog foods available in stores, it typically doesn't have good ingredients. When choosing food look for ingredients that start with a solid protein (example: "Chicken" vs. "Chicken Meal.") Protein should be 30-35%, fat under 15% and a minimum fiber of 4%. Typically high quality, indoor adult dry cat food formulas have these percentages.
SECT Hedgehogs uses a dry kibble with the main ingredient being insects, the main protein is black soldier fly larvae. This food is available to our customers to purchase at pickup, and can be purchased for shipping on www.TheHedgehogStore.com. This food cannot be purchased in a store.
Whatever food you choose can be supplemented by a variety of other foods such as mealworms and crickets, cooked meats. Hedgehogs can have up to 15 bugs per day in their diet. Fruits and vegetables should be given sparingly. Most hedgehogs prefer protein based food and treats.
When switching foods mix 1/2 of the old food with 1/2 of the new food until old food is gone. Diarrhea is normal as your hedgehog adjusts to the new food.
Dry Cat Food Recommendations: Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul (Indoor Hairball), Performatrin (Healthy Weight), Natural Balance (Indoor Ultra Rabbit & Salmon), Wellness Complete Health (Indoor Health), Natural Balance (Green Pea & Duck), 4Health (Indoor Cat Formula), Holistic Select (Indoor Health / Weight Control), Blue Buffalo Grain Free Freedom (Indoor, Chicken Recipe).
Acceptable Treats & Supplements
Unseasoned, cooked meats, unseasoned eggs: scrambled or hard boiled.
Insects: mealworms, crickets, earthworms, wax worms, silk worms, phoenix worms, horn worms, hissing roaches, dubia roaches.
People tend to want to offer fruits and veggies to their pet hedgehogs. Many aren't going to eat them, and honestly, they're not good for hedgehogs. But if you insist, some safe ones include: Fruits: apple, banana, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherry, cranberry, honeydew, kiwi, papaya, peach, pear, plum, pumpkin, raspberry, squash, strawberry, watermelon.
Veggies: asparagus bell peppers, broccoli, carrot, celery, cilantro, corn, cucumber, green beans, green pepper, peas, spinach, sprouts, sweet potato, turnip, zucchini, leafy greens.
Unacceptable Treats
Freeze dried insects should only be offered in moderation: live is best. Avoid citrus or dried fruits, grapes/raisins, avocado, onion, rhubarb leaves, peanuts, pits and seeds, human junk food, chocolate.