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Insects
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While hedgehogs are in fact omnivores, they are considered insectivores because insects make up the bulk of their diet when living in a natural environment. Although perhaps not as convenient as other food choices, live insects are a good dietary choice for hedgehogs, who will dine with enthusiasm when presented with a dish of meal worms. To add some variety into the hedgehog's diet, provide it with live crickets or snails as well.
Plant Matter
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Hedgehogs will munch on a variety of plants and vegetables. Small portions of various raw vegetables can be fed including a few kernels of corn, a baby carrot, peas or even some green beans. Pieces of fruit such as grapes and apples are also suitable. Head lettuce is a good snack because it provides plenty of bulk without adding excess energy to the diet.
Cat Food
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If hedgehog-specific commercial diets are not available, cat food can be substituted. The food should be high-protein combined with low-fat to fulfill the hedgehog's dietary needs. The size of the food nuggets should be small enough so that the hedgehog can easily chew and swallow them.
Water
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Like other pets, hedgehogs require clean, fresh water available at all times. Because most pet hedgehogs are typically kept caged with bedding made from fine wood chips or paper, water should be provided from a bottle attached to the side of the cage, to prevent the animal from mixing the bedding in with the water and encouraging bacterial growth and illness.
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What Do Pet Hedgehogs Eat?
Hedgehogs are prickly pets that can offer an entertaining and conversation-provoking alternative to the average hamster. Because hedgehogs are sometimes considered exotic pets, finding commercial food produced specifically for them can be a challenge. In the wild, hedgehogs dine on both plant and animal matter. In captivity, they should enjoy a similarly diverse diet. Obesity in captive hedgehogs can occur, so care should be taken to ensure that the hedgehog receives sufficient exercise and is not overfed.