Understanding Nutritional Needs
When it comes to caring for African pygmy hedgehogs in captivity, few things are as misunderstood, and as crucial, as their diet. These small, insectivorous mammals require more than just commercial kibble or occasional treats. To truly thrive, they need a diet that mimics their natural intake as closely as possible, both in content and variety. This lesson will guide you through the core principles of hedgehog nutrition, helping you to understand what their bodies truly need and why.
What Do Wild Hedgehogs Eat?
In their natural habitat, African pygmy hedgehogs are opportunistic insectivores. This means that while their primary diet consists of insects, they will also eat a range of other small creatures, plant matter, and carrion when available. Their diet is diverse, seasonal, and rich in protein and moisture. This natural foraging behavior shapes the digestive system and nutritional needs of the hedgehog you keep in your home.
Core Nutritional Requirements
Captive diets must reflect the hedgehog’s evolutionary adaptations. A balanced diet should meet the following macronutrient needs:
Protein
Protein is the foundation of a hedgehog’s diet. Insects like mealworms, crickets, and roaches provide essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth, immune function, and tissue repair. A healthy diet should consist of 32–40% protein, measured on a dry matter basis.
Fat
Fat is a critical energy source, but it’s also a common source of problems. Too much fat can lead to obesity, while too little may cause deficiencies. Hedgehogs need dietary fat to absorb fat-soluble vitamins and maintain healthy skin. A balanced level of 10–15% fat is recommended for healthy adults. This can vary slightly depending on life stage and health.
Fiber
While hedgehogs are not herbivores, a small amount of fiber is essential for digestive health. Insects with exoskeletons (like roaches) provide chitin, a natural source of insoluble fiber. Some fibrous plant matter can be offered occasionally, but should never dominate the diet.
Moisture
Most of the hedgehog’s hydration in the wild comes from their food. Live insects contain around 70–80% moisture. In captivity, hedgehogs rely more on drinking water, especially if they are fed dry food like kibble. That said, feeding moist foods or insects remains important for kidney health and hydration.
Why Variety Matters
Feeding a single type of kibble or insect may meet basic nutritional needs, but it does not stimulate a hedgehog’s natural foraging behavior or provide the spectrum of nutrients their body requires. Introducing a variety of safe insects, occasional cooked meats, vegetables, and fruits (in small amounts) helps mimic their natural intake and supports:
- Gut microbiome health
- Mental stimulation
- Better nutrient absorption
- Healthier coat/quils and energy levels
A varied diet also reduces the risk of nutritional imbalances that can arise from over-reliance on processed food alone.
The Myth of “One Perfect Food”
There is no single commercial food that fully meets every need of every hedgehog. Even the best-researched kibble benefits from being part of a broader, thoughtfully planned diet. Rotation, diversity, and portion control are key.
You are not just feeding a pet. You are nourishing a small creature with a complex biology rooted in the wild.
Sources
Corl, A. & Reeve, A. (2015). Nutritional Requirements of Exotic Small Mammals. Exotic DVM Magazine, 17(3), 34–39.
Donoghue, S. & Langenberg, J. (2007). Hedgehog Nutrition. In: Manual of Exotic Pet Practice. Saunders Elsevier.
Graesser, D. (2010). African Pygmy Hedgehogs: Nutrition and Natural History. Small Mammal Journal, 9(2), 88–94.
Routh, A. (2002). The Care and Husbandry of the African Pygmy Hedgehog. British Hedgehog Care Standards, Veterinary Proceedings.
Vietmeyer, N. D. (1984). The Nutritional Ecology of Hedgehogs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Mammalian Biology, 49(2), 122–131.
National Research Council (NRC). (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Laboratory Animals: Fourth Revised Edition. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
The Hedgehog Welfare Society (2022). Feeding Basics: Building a Balanced Diet. Retrieved from: www.hedgehogwelfare.org
International Hedgehog Association (IHA). (2023). Hedgehog Nutrition and Feeding Guidelines.
