In recent years hedgehogs have sparked the interest of many exotic pet lovers. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about what these spiky little creatures can and cannot eat. Let’s set the record straight once and for all: can hedgehogs eat fish?
Hedgehogs can eat fish if it is properly prepared. Hedgehogs are omnivores, so their diet should consist of both plant and animal foods. Fish can be a supplement to their diet, but it should not be the main source of protein.
Also, hedgehogs should only eat cooked fish, as raw fish can contain harmful bacteria. Salmon and tilapia are good choices of fish for hedgehogs, as they are low in mercury.
But what they really need is a diet rich in protein and fat. This can be found in a variety of foods, such as insects.
That said, there’s a lot more to know when it comes to feeding your hedgehog a varied and nutritious diet.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about whether or not hedgehogs can eat fish.
We will also look at some other common misconceptions about these cute little creatures.
Keep reading to learn more!
Why can’t hedgehogs eat fish?
As a general rule, hedgehogs can eat fish. However, feeding hedgehogs mainly fish will result in smelling fishy poo. For this reason, it is not recommended to feed them fish as their main source of protein.
That being said, if you decide to feed your hedgehog fish once in a while, it is important to consider some key factors before feeding your hedgehog.
- Hedgehogs should only eat fish that has been cooked and deboned
- All fish must be thoroughly cooked before feeding to your hedgehog
- Raw fish can contain bacteria that can make your hedgie sick.
- Avoid fish high in salts like canned tuna or shrimp (or if you can’t cook your own fish, use those in moderation)
- Ultimately as with all new foods, introduce fish slowly into your hedgehog diet to avoid any potential stomach upset.
Hedgehogs are omnivorous animals, which means that they can eat both plants and animals.
In fact, in the wild, hedgehogs typically eat insects, earthworms, slugs, and snails.
They will also occasionally eat frogs, lizards, and small mammals. However, hedgehogs are not typically fed fish in the wild. This is because fish is not a natural part of their diet and can be difficult for them to digest.
Nevertheless, some hedgehogs enjoy eating fish as a treat. If you do choose to feed your hedgehog fish, it is important to only give them a small amount. Perhaps on special occasions such as their birthdays.
What fish is toxic to hedgehogs?
Generally speaking, most hedgehogs can be fed fish in moderation. There are a few reasons for this.
While most fish is not toxic to hedgehogs, it is important to use it as a food supplement to their diet and not as a main source of protein. Always use it as a treat or an occasional food.
Here are some of the fish that are safe to eat for hedgehogs:
- Atlantic mackerel
- Tilapia
- Salmon
- Herrings
- Sardines
- Pollock
- Haddock
These fish are actually good for hedgehogs because they are low in mercury.
However, there are a few types of fish that you should avoid feeding your hedgehog as they are more likely to contain high levels of mercury.
- Shark
- Ray
- Swordfish
- Barramundi
- Gemfish
- Orange roughy
- Ling
- Southern bluefin tuna
- Cod
These types of fish are high in mercury, which can be toxic to hedgehogs. Mercury is a heavy metal that can damage the nervous system and cause other problems.
Small note: Did you know that feeding your hedgehog fish can make their poop stink very badly? In fact that is the main reason why many hedgehogs owners prefer to avoid feeding their hedgehogs fish altogether.
Can hedgehogs eat tuna?
While hedgehogs are omnivores and can technically eat fish, it is not recommended to feed them tuna fish specifically. This is because tuna fish is high in mercury, which can be harmful to hedgehogs.
In addition, tuna does not contain the necessary nutrients that hedgehogs need in their diet.
So, while hedgehogs can technically eat tuna fish, it is not the best option for them.
For these reasons, it is best to stick to giving hedgehogs insects, fruits, and vegetables as part of their diet.
Can hedgehogs eat shrimps?
Hedgehogs can eat shrimps, but it is important to be aware that shrimp is high in salt.
So, while hedgehogs can technically eat shrimp, it is best to give them shrimp in moderation.
It is also important to make sure that the shrimp is thoroughly cooked before feeding it to your hedgehog.
Also, avoid giving your hedgehog defrosted shrimps as they are more likely to contain bacteria that can make your hedgehog sick.
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Can hedgehogs eat seafood?
Many people ask if hedgehogs can eat seafood, as they are often seen eating invertebrates such as insects and grubs. The answer is yes, hedgehogs can occasionally eat seafood, but it is not a staple part of their diet and there are some risks involved.
Hedgehogs have been known to eat fish, crab, shrimp, and other small seafood items. While they may enjoy the occasional piece of seafood, it is important to remember that hedgehogs are not carnivores – their digestive systems are not designed to process large amounts of meat.
In fact, too much protein in a hedgehog’s diet can lead to health problems such as liver disease. So if you’re going to give your hedgehog seafood, it is best to do so in moderation.
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Can hedgehogs eat fish flavored cat food
Hedgehogs can eat fish flavored cat food. However, they may not be keen to enjoy its strong smell.
If you are going to feed your hedgehog fish flavoured cat food, make sure that it is a high quality brand that does not contain any harmful ingredients.
It is also important to only give your hedgehog a small amount of fish flavored cat food as a treat, rather than making it a staple part of their diet.
In fact, if you notice that your hedgehogs enjoy the taste of fish flavored cat food, you can try adding a small amount of cooked fish to their regular diet. This will provide them with the necessary nutrients they need, without overfeeding them on protein.
However, it is important to note that not all types of fish flavored cat food are safe for hedgehogs to consume. Some brands of fish flavoured cat food contain ingredients that can be harmful to hedgehogs, so it is important to check the label before giving your hedgehog any type of fish flavored cat food.
Can hoglets hedgehogs eat fish?
While baby hedgehogs can technically eat fish, it is not recommended. This is because baby hedgehogs have delicate digestive systems that are not yet able to properly process fish.
In addition, hoglets hedgehogs are more susceptible to the harmful effects of mercury, which is found in fish. For these reasons, it is best to avoid feeding fish to baby hedgehogs altogether.
Does eating fish make hedgehogs poop smell?
Eating fish can make hedgehogs poop smell. Fish contain high levels of oils and fats, which, when eaten, makes the hedgehog’s stool very oily and smelly.
In fact, many hedgehog owners prefer to avoid feeding their hedgehog fish altogether to avoid smelly poop!
As you can see, there are a few reasons why you should avoid feeding fish to your hedgehog. While they may be able to eat it, there are some cons involved that you should be aware of.
Is fish poisonous to hedgehogs?
Fish are not poisonous to hedgehogs. In fact, hedgehogs love to fish! They can be found scavenging along the shores of ponds and streams for small fish to eat.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re going to feed your hedgehog fish. First, make sure that the fish is cooked thoroughly. Hedgehogs have sensitive digestive systems, and raw fish can contain bacteria that can make them sick.
Second, avoid feeding your hedgehog fish that contain bones. The small bones in fish can easily get stuck in a hedgehog’s digestive tract and cause health problems.
If you are thinking of getting a hedgehog, or perhaps you already have one, you might be interested to know if sibling hedgehogs can mate; if so, check out my recent article where I explore this topic in more detail.
Why can’t hedgehogs eat fish based cat food?
The main reason that hedgehogs shouldn’t eat fish based cat food is that it doesn’t contain the right nutrients that they need.
Fish based cat food is also often very high in mercury, which can be harmful to hedgehogs. Additionally, the bones in fish can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages.
So, what should you feed your hedgehog if you want to give them a nutritious diet? A good diet for a hedgehog includes a mix of proteins, fruits, vegetables, and insects. You can either purchase a commercially prepared diet or make your own.
If you choose to make your own hedgehog diet, be sure to include a variety of different foods to ensure that your pet gets all the nutrients they need.
Some good protein sources for hedgehogs include cooked chicken, and hard boiled eggs, although in moderation, as too much protein can lead to obesity.
Fruits and vegetables that are safe for hedgehogs to eat include:
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Carrots
- Spinach
And lastly, hedgehogs enjoy eating insects such as mealworms and crickets. You can purchase these at your local pet store or online.
By feeding your hedgehog a variety of different foods, you can be sure that they are getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.
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Conclusion
The main thing you should take away from this article is that you should not feed your hedgehog fish or at least give it as a treat only very occasionally.
While they may be able to eat it, there are some cons involved that you should be aware of.
These include the fact that fish can make hedgehog’s poop smell and that fish based cat food does not contain the right nutrients that hedgehogs need.
If you want to give your hedgehog a nutritious diet, you should include a mix of proteins, fruits, vegetables, and insects in your diet. You can either purchase a commercially prepared diet or make your own.
By feeding your hedgehog a variety of different foods, you can be sure that they are getting the nutrients they need to stay fit and happy.
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