The 5 Best Wet Cat Food for Hedgehogs – Plus Treat Tips
Hedgehogs are a fun pet to have and they are known to be one of the most friendly and playful animals. But one of the biggest issues they face is getting enough to eat and finding good quality food.
A hedgehog eats about 60% of their weight in their diet each day. With that in mind, let’s look at the top-rated wet food choices for hedgehogs, as well as ways to keep them from becoming obese!
What Kind of Cat Food Should I Feed My Hedgehog?
Hedgehogs may eat either dry or wet cat food. Despite their higher protein content, dry foods rarely provide the same range of nutrients as their wet counterparts.
In addition, the flavor and aroma of wet food are lost in the preparation of dry food.
Important to remember is to stay away from anything with a fishy taste. The poor tiny hedgehogs get really sick from it, and I’ve gone into greater detail about why below. No, that’s not what any of us wants.
Hedgehogs are carnivores, therefore you should search for wet cat food with a protein content of at least 5%, and ideally between 10% and 15%.
And a meat flavor, because that’s the most like the components and flavors a hedgehog would obtain in its natural diet.
The best part is that Hedgehogs prefer moist over dry food. Your pets probably feel the same way about you, right?
Which brings me to my next point: the food you leave out for the hedgehogs needs to be secure from the neighboring cats and any inside cats you may have.
What Is a Hedgehogs Nutritional Requirements?
Hedgehogs will consume just about anything they can find, as they are both insectivores and omnivores. They eat just about anything, although their favorite foods are fruit, vegetables, and insects (especially mealworms).
They obtain a good variety of nutrients from these sorts of meals. Those who keep them as pets should strive for a diet with around 20% protein, 5%-15% fat, a solid amount of fiber, and some variety.
Hedgehogs in the wild require a somewhat different approach when it comes to food. Hopefully, they’ll be able to find much of the food they need in our yards and the surrounding area.
However, just a little quantity of nutritious, protein-rich food will go a long way toward easing their suffering.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Fish Cat Food?
Hedgehogs can and will eat fish-flavored cat food if you leave it out for them. Fish-based cat meals and wet foods with a fish taste are not recommended, as you may know from reading or hearing about this.
The primary reason for this is that eating fish can cause diarrhea in hogs. More likely than tastes derived from flesh, at least. Moreover, it produces extremely pungent feces, the last thing you need on your front step.
A forum conversation with a hedgehog fanatic yielded two more nuggets of information: one concerned the relationship between pigs and seafood, and the other concerned the latter.
To begin, it’s quite improbable that a hedgehog would encounter fish in its natural habitat, which is one reason why eating fish may make them sick to their stomach.
Second, they may become more attracted to streams and other water sources by fishy scents if they become accustomed to consuming fishy things. And that’s something that may be dangerous.
There are, as you can see, more than enough reasons to keep your hedgehog away from fish-flavored cat food. I beg of you, please don’t stray from the meaty taste profiles I described.
2 of The Best Wet Cat Foods for Hedgehogs
What follows are two food items that will make the hedgehogs in your yard extremely content. They are both available online; one is from Amazon and the other is from Chewy.com.
Friskies Gourmet Meat Variety Pack
Local pigs travelling through town will appreciate this massive value pack of 24 x 5.5 oz cans of wet cat food, and they may decide to stay there once they understand that this is what is being set out nightly.
There are three meaty tastes, but not a trace of fish. Each variety comes in a pack of 8 cans.
- High-End Barbecue
- Meat and Potatoes
- Stewed Beef in Gravy
After perusing the contents, I can say that they form a reasonable ratio that should be adequate for a pig. Keeping cats out will be the only problem you’ll have.
Friskies Poultry Variety Pack
These cans measure 5.5 ounces each, making this another massive 32-pack. Small 5.5 oz. cans are ideal since a full can or half a can is plenty for a single evening. You’ll also avoid the problem of an open can sitting around for days.
There are four varieties, but I went with this one because it has only beef and no fish. It’s yours;
- Sandwich with Turkey and Cheddar
- The Bird with the Gravy
- Chicken
- Tossed Chicken with Gravy
From a dietary sense, I won’t get into the nitty-gritty here. If you’re in the mood for some edgier fare, you should definitely give this place a try.
Reviews: Best Cat Food for Hedgehogs
1. Blue Buffalo Healthy Living Cat Food For Hedgehogs:
Food form: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
Due to its high protein level, vital supply of vitamins and antioxidants, and high-quality ingredients, we recommend Blue Buffalo Healthy Living as the finest cat food overall. Hedgehogs might also benefit from this dry cat food.
Blue Buffalo Healthy Living cat food has 34% crude protein, which is ideal for a hedgehog’s diet. Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and brown rice are stated as the first three components.
This dry adult cat food features a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for a healthy dose of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. The special LifeSource Bits can only be found in Blue Buffalo cat meals and include all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
There are few synthetic flavors and fillers. Due to the absence of chicken by-product meals, this cat food is a healthier alternative to commercial brands.
As an added bonus, the cost of a 15-pound bag is rather low. It’s important to keep an eye on your hedgehog because the extra fat in this food might lead to weight gain if left unchecked.
Pros
- Excellent protein content
- Authentic chicken and healthful grains are used in this recipe.
- Packed in nutrients; a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Comprises both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Cons
- Fat content is 18%
2. Chicken Soup for the Soul:
Food form: Dry
Flavor: Chicken, Brown Rice, & Pea
Young hedgehogs require a great deal of food and vitamins so that they can grow and establish a healthy immune system.
Chicken Soup for the Soul is the greatest option for them because of the excellent quality of its ingredients and the numerous health benefits they provide, including DHA for healthy vision and brain function.
Additionally, the 13.5-pound bag is offered at a very reasonable price in comparison to other manufacturers.
Hedgehogs may thrive on this dry kitten food since it’s easy to chew and includes all the protein, vitamins, and fat a developing hedgehog needs.
It’s made with nutritious components including white rice, poultry, chicken meal, turkey meal, and brown rice.
The omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in Chicken Soup for the Cat diet will help your hedgehog maintain supple, healthy skin.
The prebiotic fibers, probiotic bacteria, and antioxidants included in the cranberries, spinach, and other components all work together to improve your hedgehog’s digestion and immune system.
Nonetheless, compared to other kinds of cat food, the fishy aroma may be off-putting.
Pros
- Packs a nutritional punch thanks to its abundance of superfoods and antioxidants
- Constructed with only the finest materials
- Having a lot of protein
- Fatty acids Omega 3 and 6 are included.
Cons
- A repulsive fish odor
3. Wellness Complete Health:
Food form: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
Due to its moderate protein and fat level, low calorie count, and abundance of nutrients, Wellness Complete Health cat food is ideal for helping overweight hedgehogs shed excess weight.
This dish is grain-free and provides your hedgehog with protein, fruits, and veggies instead of fillers.
This dry cat food is made with deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal as its primary components. It’s free of any maize, wheat, by-products, soy, or artificial flavors.
In addition to offering a balanced diet to aid in weight loss, the many vitamins and minerals in this food will help your hedgehog maintain a healthy weight.
However, because it is produced at a facility that also handles grains, it is possible that some grains may have made their way into the final product.
Pros
- High-Quality, All-Natural Ingredients
- There is absolutely no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavoring in this product.
- Contains flaxseed, a source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Immunity and general health are boosted.
Cons
- Produced in a factory that treats grains
4. Halo Dry Cat Food:
Food form: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
For your lively hedgehog, the Halo Dry Cat Food is the best since it includes only actual whole meat, has low-calorie ingredients, and does not include any fillers or grains.
This kitty chow is great for your hedgehog’s eyes and heart, and it offers them the fuel they need to play and stay in shape.
Because of the focus on complete, natural components, this product is easily absorbed by the body. The produce is natural and non-genetically modified.
Halo takes great satisfaction in sourcing its products from responsible farms and suppliers rather than from industrial farms. Hedgehogs may enjoy the same great taste and crispy texture of this Halo dry cat food as well.
Chicken, chicken liver, dried egg product, dry peas, and dried chickpeas are the primary components. But it has soy protein concentrate, which many people are allergic to.
Pros
- include antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Produced with no compromise on ethics
- Not even corn or wheat
- Took no effort to absorb
Cons
- Non-genetically-modified soy protein concentrate is an allergy.
5. Blue Buffalo Weight Control:
Food form: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
When they get older, hedgehogs have a lower protein need to maintain their kidney function.
Micronutrient-rich, fiber-rich, and lower in protein, Blue Buffalo Weight Control Cat Food is ideal for senior hedgehogs.
Chicken debones and chicken meal meet the requirements for high-quality protein since they contain at least 30% crude protein and at most 10% crude fat.
Fatty acids omega 3 and 6 are present in this cat food to promote your hedgehog’s glossy coat and soft skin. Aside from using nutritious grains, Blue Buffalo also incorporates farm veggies and fruits into its recipes.
LifeSource Bits, a proprietary combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, are also incorporated into Blue Buffalo’s formula. This dry cat food, however, is more costly than some alternatives.
Pros
- Insufficient protein
- Using only pure and healthy substances
- Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are present.
- Contains vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits
Cons
- Compared to other brands, this one is pricier.
How Dry vs Wet Cat Hedgehog Food Differs
Hedgehogs need to be well hydrated, thus we only included dry cat foods on our list. However, moist cat food does include water. Water makes up around 80% of premium wet cat food.
Hedgehogs are able to get the extra protein, vitamins, and minerals they need from dry kibble since they drink water on their own.
Dry cat food has around 45% protein and 10% water, whereas wet cat food contains around 10% water and 45% protein.
Furthermore, the greater fat content of wet foods increases the risk of obesity and renal disease in the hedgehog. Hedgehogs of all ages, especially those that have access to a water dish in their home environment, do best on dry food.
Hedgehogs have been fed dry cat food for years to help them maintain healthy, clean teeth. As a result of its increased likelihood of becoming stuck between the teeth, wet food is a known cariogenic (tooth decay causing) culprit.
What to Look for in Food for Hedgehogs
It’s important to check the ingredient labels on cat food bags before deciding what to feed your spiky pet. Protein is the most important nutrient for hedgehogs, therefore check the protein content first.
You should feed your cat a meal that has a protein content of at least 30 percent.
The protein content of the items should be highlighted and listed first. Hedgehogs have an easier time digesting poultry like chicken and turkey. Hedgehogs need the amino acid L-carnitine, which is present in small amounts in chicken.
Hedgehogs, like cats, need cat food with a reduced fat level. Pick a cat food with crude fat levels of 5-15%.
Additionally, your cat will benefit from eating food with a fiber level of at least 5%. Adding insects to the kibble is a great way to increase the fiber content.
Basic Diet for Hedgehogs
The food of your pet hedgehog should mimic that of its natural ancestors as closely as possible. In the wild, they would eat things like mushrooms, roots, berries, and insects to meet their high protein needs.
Daily diets consisting of roughly 80% cat food is ideal for hedgehogs because it has a high concentration of the protein and vitamins they need.
If your hedgehog like additional items, you may include them in its diet. These might include insects, vegetables, fruits, and roots.
Experts propose feeding hedgehogs proteins containing the component L-carnitine because of their requirement for easily digested meals. Be careful to pick a cat food that’s loaded with healthy fiber.
Hedgehog Treats
Wet cat food may be a delightful and nutritious treat for hedgehogs since it is high in the protein they require. Eggs, whether boiled or cooked, make delicious snacks because they contain both protein and fat in just the perfect proportions.
Sometimes, hedgehogs will snack on silkworms, crickets, or wax worms. Commercial hedgehog food can also serve as treats on occasion, provided it is fed in moderation and contains nutritious, all-natural components.
If you feed them too many snacks, they won’t get enough of the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
What to Avoid Feeding Your Hedgehog
Hedgehogs shouldn’t be given foods like seeds, raisins, and dried vegetables and fruits since they might become lodged in the animal’s throat and cause it to suffocate.
Inadequate amounts of phosphorus or calcium in the diet, which can be caused by feeding your hedgehog peanuts, mealworms, or seeds, can lead to bone disease, especially in younger hedgehogs.
Hedgehogs shouldn’t be given any cat food that has “meat by-products” or “meat” on the ingredient list. Do not give them milk or bread, both of which are difficult for hedgehogs to digest and have little nutritional value.
Hedgehogs cannot digest the milk proteins, thus they must avoid drinking milk.
However much a hedgehog may like eating them, they should not consume a large number of live insects.
This is because consuming a diet consisting mostly of insects will leave them nutritionally deficient. Fruits and vegetables are still necessary to provide them the necessary nutrients.
Some more things that hedgehogs shouldn’t consume are:
Avocados, grapes, onions, tomatoes, nuts, chocolate, and raw flesh
Consult a veterinarian or an expert on unusual pets in your area if you have any further queries about what your hedgehog should eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hedgehogs eat cat food in gravy?
Hedgehogs who are too young or have damaged teeth may have trouble chewing dry cat food. To help them, you can mix in some water or animal-protein gravy.
Choose a low-fat gravy that is made with meat. Be sure your hedgehog can handle the gravy before offering it to them in larger quantities, and just give them a tiny quantity at first to test the waters.
How much cat food should I feed my hedgehog?
Your hedgehog’s dietary needs will vary according on his or her age, size, activity level, gender, and general health.
Hedgehogs require a daily diet of roughly 1–4 tablespoons of dry cat food. The typical daily intake for a non-pregnant adult hedgehog is 2 tablespoons.
Hedgehog babies and their moms need ready access to food at all times so that they may acquire the nutrients they need for healthy development and growth. Add in some extra berries, carrots, squash, and maybe even some crickets to the cat diet.
Can hedgehogs have cat treats?
Hedgehogs may safely consume most cat treats as long as they are made with all-natural components. Hedgehogs can consume cat treats with cooked fish, chicken, or turkey without harm.
However, if you want to make sure your pet is comfortable, you should never give them treats that include dairy.
Can hedgehogs eat wet cat food?
Most experts and breeders advise against giving hedgehogs wet cat food as a treat or a staple diet. This is because your hedgehog needs more protein and fiber than what you can get with wet cat chow.
However, the protein and fiber level of dry cat food is substantially higher, and your hedgehog needs both for proper digestion and good health.
Are hedgehogs good for the garden?
A hedgehog is a fantastic pet to have in the yard since it may help control pest populations by eating insects like snails, slugs, worms, and caterpillars.
However, if you want to keep your hedgehog in the garden, you should not apply insecticides or other bug poisons, since doing so might hurt your pet’s digestive system.
Nests made of wood, compost, or leaves can accommodate these creatures. Hedgehogs may find plenty of insects and other invertebrates to eat in this more natural section of the garden.
To keep your hedgehog healthy and happy and reduce the likelihood of disease, you should provide it with fresh food and water every day.
When should I put out my hedgehog food?
Nocturnal animals like hedgehogs are the most active as the sun goes down. After the sun goes down is when they start looking for food, therefore that’s when you should put it out.
Conclusion
The best wet cat food for hedgehogs is made from a combination of high-quality protein, fresh vegetables, vitamins and minerals, and a healthy blend of antioxidants and probiotics.
A good hedgehog diet consists of at least 20% fruit, vegetables, and other green foods, and between 5% and 10% dry foods, which are easily digested.
Make sure you feed your hedgehog treats from time to time, and make sure you clean their cage thoroughly.
source https://catshint.com/best-wet-cat-food-for-hedgehogs/
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