Although hedgehogs are able to consume practically any meal, they should steer clear of dairy products and other foods that contain lactose. Because they are lactose intolerant, consuming dairy products will result in excruciating stomach issues for them. There are further items that, if consumed, could potentially hurt them.
Hedgehogs will consume anything that tastes good to them because they have no way of knowing whether or not it will be harmful to them.
Not only is lactose present in dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, but it is also present in a variety of other meals.
Because chocolate frequently contains milk, it almost always contains some lactose as well. Even while this might not seem like a lot, you should never give chocolate to a hedgehog no matter how little there is. In addition to that, it contains a lot of sugar and fat, both of which can contribute to a variety of health issues.
Since lactose will be present due to the presence of milk, which is one of the bread’s constituents. It’s not the lactose that’s the problem when it comes to preventing hedgehogs from eating bread. Bread has almost no nutritional value to them, which is problematic given that they require a diet rich in protein. All that does is make them feel full, making it less likely that they will go out and hunt for the nutrients they require.
Cereals for breakfast typically contain grains, thus many people view them as a nutritious food option. Grains, on the other hand, do not have the appropriate nutritional content for a hedgehog, which is why they are not an excellent choice of food for this animal. Because they also contain a trace quantity of lactose, you should steer clear of consuming them.
Although avoiding dairy products is a good first step in providing the proper nutrition for your hedgehogs, there are other things you should stay away from as well.
Nuts Although nuts may provide protein, many people choose to avoid eating them because they are high in fat and may potentially pose a health risk. Hedgehogs are susceptible to choking when they consume nut bits that are too small.
Oranges / lemons
Fruit is not dangerous to hedgehogs when consumed in moderation, and these animals do enjoy eating it. Because the majority of fruits contain sugar, you should always limit your consumption of them as a sweet.
Hedgehogs are sensitive to the toxicity of certain foods, particularly citrus fruits. Because they contain citric acid, oranges, lemons, and pineapples should be avoided.
Foods that are high in fat
The food of hedgehogs should be low in fat and high in protein. If they are provided with an excessive amount of fat, their bodies will be unable to burn it off, which will lead to a variety of health issues that are comparable to those experienced by people and other animals.
If you do decide to offer them meat, consider poultry that is low in fat and salt, such as turkey or chicken.
Onions
In moderation, hedgehogs do enjoy crunching on veggies, but you should avoid giving them onions and garlic. Hedgehogs should not consume them.
