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Feeding and Nutrition

General Nutrition

choclatechip

User

Posts: 6

What should I feed my hedgehog - 2007/06/06 16:15 I know that this is a very simple question but I need to know what type of food I should feed my hedgehog. I have heard from someone who is supposed to know about hedgehogs that kitten food is bad and should never be fed and that only cat food should be used as the base. I know that most hedgehog foods are actually bad for hedgehogs and that you are supposed to feed cat food. Should you feed a mixture? If so, what? I don't want to have to buy like 4 different types of food to mix I think three would be the max preferably 2. Would this be okay, only mixing 2 foods? I would really appreciate if people could tell me what they know about this subject, what brands I should use and how much to feed. What should I look for when it comes to protein and fat, like what percentages? What type of food/food mixtures do you use?

If anybody who knows any of these answers could call me back that would be fantastic!! I'm sorry for all my questions but I just want to feed my hedgehog the right thing.

P.S. I don't have a hedgehog (but hopefully I will soon). I am asking these questions so that I know what to feed in case I do get a hedgehog! *fingers crossed* ~*Hedgehog love will never fail*~

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aislinsadia

User

Posts: 509

Re:What should I feed my hedgehog - 2007/06/07 06:00 My breeder who is also a vet has the baby hedgies on a kitten mix until they are about 6 months of age, and then slowly she begins giving them cat food mix. I have never heard that kitten food is bad for younger hedgies, but it might contribute to a weight problem with older hedgies who do not need as much fat or the same nutrient content as the younger hedgies do. I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts on this... *~*Steph*~*
Cotton, Noodles & Cocoa (hedgehogs), Kuruku & Kimiko (kittehs), Sushi & Lily (Ryukin Goldfish), Rosy & Ruby (beagle sisters), and Archie & Rocky (African Dwarf Frogs).

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CThogs

Admin

Posts: 1574

Re:What should I feed my hedgehog - 2007/06/07 06:35 There are a few good reasons for feeding a mix. First, there is no one food that is perfect to feed hedgehogs at the moment. By feeding a mix you can try to get a better balance of foods. Second, some hedgehogs can be really picky eaters and most can get upset stomachs by quick food changes. Pet food companies change their formulas and stores sell out of products sometimes. If your hedgehog is used to 2 or 3 different foods. this would not be as much of a problem for you.

A mix of 2 or 3 foods would be fine. See what the hedgehog is being fed now and that would be a possible starting point. Look at what is available in your local stores and in what sizes. Around 30% protein/12% or less fat is a general guideline. You also have to look at the actual ingredients. Just because it is higher priced does not always mean a food is better.

As far as kitten food goes, I have purina kitten chow as part of a mix of 5 or 6 foods. It is really not that high in fat-only 12.5%. Ann
Connecticut Hedgehogs

We had a great time at Hedgehog Fest 2008!!!

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choclatechip

User

Posts: 6

Re:What should I feed my hedgehog - 2007/06/07 11:51 Yes, I agree that kitten food should only be fed to young hedgehogs. But could cause an older hedgehog to be overweight. So to get this straight: I should mix 2 or 3 foods together and then also feed them additional treats every now and then like mealworms, crickets, fruit, etc. I should feed cat food to older hedgehogs and they should have those percentages (that were listed earlier in the forum) of fat and protein.

Are there any specific brands that anybody suggests, what do you use? What are your mixes consisted of?

Any other information on this topic or any info that you think would be useful on the topic of food for hedgehogs.

~*Hedgehog love will never fail*~

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CThogs

Admin

Posts: 1574

Re:What should I feed my hedgehog - 2007/06/07 12:07 Are there any specific brands that anybody suggests, what do you use? What are your mixes consisted of?

Read the other threads in food brands. A lot of different ones have been discussed pro and con.

It's easier to pick out food once you actually have a hedgehog 'cause they do have their food preferences just like we do. A food mix is no good if they do not eat it

Ann
Connecticut Hedgehogs

We had a great time at Hedgehog Fest 2008!!!

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