About feeding a hedgehog
Pet African pygmy hedgehogs are insectivore-leaning omnivores with a strong tendency to obesity in captivity — they love fatty foods and don't get the exercise their wild cousins do. A moderate-fat, protein-forward diet plus a running wheel is the healthy formula.
How much should a hedgehog eat?
Calorie needs use the veterinary formula 70 × weight(kg)0.75 (the Resting Energy Requirement), multiplied by a lifestyle factor of ×1.4 for a typical hedgehog at the life stage shown. Enter your own animal's details in the calculator for an exact figure.
| Body weight | Daily calories | High-quality hedgehog kibble ~3,200 kcal/kg |
|---|---|---|
| 300 g | 40 kcal | 12 g |
| 357 g | 45 kcal | 14 g |
| 414 g | 51 kcal | 16 g |
| 471 g | 56 kcal | 17 g |
| 529 g | 61 kcal | 19 g |
| 586 g | 66 kcal | 21 g |
| 643 g | 70 kcal | 22 g |
| 700 g | 75 kcal | 23 g |
What to feed
Hedgehogs do well on a base of high-quality, moderate-fat cat food or a formulated hedgehog diet, supplemented with gut-loaded insects (mealworms, crickets) and small amounts of cooked meat or vegetables. Fat should be moderate to prevent obesity and fatty liver.
How often to feed
Hedgehogs are nocturnal and are usually fed in the evening. Offer a measured portion nightly and provide a wheel — obesity is very common without exercise.
Common feeding mistakes
- Overfeeding fatty foods and too many mealworms (which are high-fat).
- Poor-quality cat food high in fillers.
- No exercise wheel, leading to obesity.
- Sugary or dairy foods, which hedgehogs digest poorly.
Weight & health
Obesity and fatty liver disease are the leading diet-related problems in pet hedgehogs. Keep fat moderate, treat mealworms as an occasional snack, and ensure nightly wheel exercise.
Frequently asked questions
What do hedgehogs eat?
A base of quality moderate-fat cat food or a formulated hedgehog diet, plus gut-loaded insects like mealworms and crickets, and small amounts of cooked meat or vegetables.
Can hedgehogs eat mealworms?
Yes, but as a treat, not a staple — mealworms are high in fat, and overfeeding them contributes to the obesity hedgehogs are so prone to.
Why is my hedgehog getting fat?
Pet hedgehogs love calorie-dense foods and often lack exercise. Cut fatty treats, feed a measured moderate-fat diet, and provide a running wheel.
How much should I feed a hedgehog?
A measured portion of a moderate-fat diet each evening — commonly a couple of tablespoons of quality food plus a few insects — adjusted to keep a lean body condition.