Hedgehog Diet Calculator

Insectivorous Nutritional Requirements and Metabolic Energetics for Hedgehogs

African Pygmy Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) are specialized insectivores/omnivores. In the wild, their natural diet consists predominantly of beetles, caterpillars, termites, worms, slugs, bird eggs, and occasional fallen fruits and roots.

In captivity, hedgehogs have a slow basal metabolic rate and a high propensity toward obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) when fed low-quality commercial feeds or fatty table treats.

Daily Caloric Target = 70 × (Body Weight in kg)^0.75 × Activity Multiplier (Approx. 40–70 kcal/day)
Target Crude Protein = 30% to 35% (High biological value animal protein)
Target Crude Fat = 10% to 15% Maximum (Under 12% for overweight hedgehogs)
Target Crude Fiber = 4% to 9% (Chitin from insect exoskeletons)

Formulating the Core Hedgehog Diet

1. High-Quality Cat Kibble Base (70%–80% of Diet): Because commercial hedgehog feeds are often filled with cheap corn fillers and low-grade ash, veterinary exotic specialists recommend feeding a premium high-protein, low-fat dry cat kibble (such as Chicken Soup for the Soul Adult Cat, Blue Buffalo Basics, or Halo Holistic). The first ingredient must be named animal meat (e.g., deboned chicken, turkey, or lamb), never corn gluten meal, by-product meal, or rendered animal fat.
2. Live / Gut-Loaded Feeder Insects (15%–20% of Diet): Essential for providing natural chitin (insoluble insect fiber), which maintains healthy intestinal motility and dental wear.
   • Staple Insects: Gut-loaded Dubia roaches (high protein, excellent calcium:phosphorus balance), black soldier fly larvae (Calci-worms), and crickets.
   • Treat Insects (Feed Sparingly): Mealworms, superworms, and waxworms are very high in fat and low in calcium; feed only 2 to 3 mealworms 1–2× weekly.
3. Fresh Produce & Cooked Protein (5% of Diet): Small teaspoon-sized portions of cooked plain chicken, scrambled egg (no salt/butter), steamed broccoli, pure pumpkin puree, or tiny pieces of apple/banana.

Strictly Prohibited and Lethal Foods

• Milk & Dairy: Hedgehogs are severely lactose intolerant; dairy causes severe diarrhea.
• Grapes & Raisins: Highly toxic; causes acute, fatal renal failure.
• Avocado: Contains the cardiotoxic chemical persin.
• Nuts, Seeds & Hard Raw Carrots: Major choking hazards that lodge in the roof of the mouth or cause intestinal blockages.
• Insects Caught in the Garden: Carry toxic pesticides and dangerous internal parasites.

Calculate exercise energy expenditure with our Hedgehog Wheel Size Calculator and review clinical guidelines at the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.