New Owner, Food Questions?

[Megan-Chantal]

Hello I'm getting a hedgehog this summer and I am super excited! But I need some more information on what they eat; I was so happy to find this forum! *No Links, Please. Just Answers.*

By the way, I live in Ontario Canada, so keep that in mind with stores.

1.) What Cat / Dog Food Should I Use? Is Iams okay?

2.) Do I ABSOLUTELY have to feed them meal worms? Can I use a supplement - one that was never alive?

3.) What treats can I feed them? Like fruits and veggies?

Thanks in advance, I really appreciate this forum!

 

[charlie]

Welcome to the forum!

1. In terms of cat/dog food, there are just so many options and this forum has some really great lists. Instead of copying and pasting, a link is much better because there is usually so much information to look at (sorry, but hopefully you won't mind when you see how much info there is and trust me, my paraphrasing is brutal).
http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=287
I personally use a belnd of Natural Balance and Royal Canin Calorie Control for my hedgies with a good weight and for the lightweight hog we put a little royal canin baby cat in (but this is because Roxy is quite underweight and has tummy issues).

2. Mealworms are a favorite around here, dried or live. Moderation is key (particularly with the dried ones as they can cause constipation). But if mealworms are a big no for you, and even if you do warm up to them, a supplement of unseasoned cooked chicken or salmon, other fruits and steamed veggies (as listed in the link unfortuantely) can help provide an appropriate diet.

3. Yup. Safe treats are listed best here (again, my paraphrasing is painful and Kalandra has made it very clear and easy to understand):
http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13961

Hoepfully this helps, sorry about the delayed reply.

 

[GreaseLightning]

The guidelines I was told for food was more than 30% protein, less than 10% fat, first ingredient chicken (NOT corn meal, or by-products or fish - it makes their poop smelly!)

I forget what brand I use now but it has like 12% fat (lowest I could find at my petstore) and like 35% protein and first ingredient chicken. Try not to get kitten food as it's far too high in fat and don't buy dog food, as it's not good for hedgies.

It is important, in my opinion, to supplement their diet with insects, either dead or alive. There is someone near where I live that breeds roaches. I haven't gotten the chance to try it yet but roaches are supposed to be very nutritious and easy to keep if you want to start your own colony. Otherwise, my pet store sells freeze-dried crickets, mealworms, and grasshoppers (although she doesn't care too much for grasshoppers). Crickets are generally considered healthier than mealies. Mealworms are somewhat high in fat and should be more of a treat than a diet supplement. Make sure if you ever buy live ones that they are not superworms, as those bite back and can harm your hedgie!

So my advice to you is to scout out your local pet store and see what they have in terms of cat food and freeze dried insects.

If your petstore does not have what you want, one brand of hedgehog food that is actually nutritious for them is Spike's Delight, which you can order online.