If you have a hedgehog and you are not sure that you can feed your pet grapes or not, this article is for you. Hedgehogs are unusual pets and challenging to manage. But you don’t have to worry because we are here to help you out.
Hedgehogs cannot eat grapes. Grapes are poisonous to hedgehogs and can ultimately result in their death. It would be best if you did not feed grapes to your hedgehogs.
What Will Happen if You Feed Grapes to Your Hedgehog?
If you accidentally feed grapes to your hedgehog, it can cause kidney failure and organ failure. Immediately take your hedgehog to the veterinarian for help.
There is no proper research to indicate what exact part of the grape causes harm to hedgehogs. But in some trials, it has been observed that grapes have adverse effects on the hedgehogs. Some experts argue that it might be the skin of grapes that causes problems.
The skin of grapes isn’t properly digested in hedgehogs. It can accumulate in the kidneys of hedgehogs ultimately leading to renal failure.
In some instances, the seeds of grapes can also get stuck in the throat of the hedgehog, making them a choking hazard.
Due to reasons like poisoning, organ damage, and choking hazard, grapes are not suitable for hedgehogs.
Though you cannot feed grapes to your hedgehog, there are tons of other foods your hedgehog can eat.
We understand that hedgehogs aren’t your standard household pets, and it is challenging to take care of them. That is why we are here for you.
You might think that grapes are innocuous for your sweet little hedgehog. But the truth is that a grape can seriously harm your hedgehog.
Fruits Which Are Safe for Hedgehogs
Though grapes are harmful to hedgehogs, other fruits can be eaten safely.
You can feed the following fruits to your hedgehog:
| Fruit | Nutrients |
| Melon | High water and mineral content |
| Apples | Vitamins and Phytochemicals |
| Pear | Fiber and minerals |
| Berries | Antioxidants |
| Banana | Folate, Manganese, Potassium, Vitamin C and B6 |
Melon
In an appropriate amount and small pieces, melon is good for hedgehogs. Melons have a high water content which is very beneficial for the body in the summer.
Strawberries
Strawberries don’t have a lot of sugar content. Unlike other fruits, which have to be monitored because of their high sugar level, strawberries are a safer option for a hedgehog. These fruits can be given to them in a high amount without any worry.
Apples
Apples have a high content of vitamins and phytochemicals. It is safe for a hedgehog to consume an apple for 3 or 4 days.
If the consummation of apples increases, there is a risk of high-level sugar intake, which can cause problems for your pet, such as obesity.
Pears
Pears contain fiber and minerals. These nutrients are important for the healthy functioning of the body.
Remember to remove the skin of pears before giving them to your hedgehog. Cut the pear into small pieces so the hedgehog can devour it.
Berries (Blueberries and Raspberries)
Berries have antioxidants that provide protection against aging and diseases. To make sure that your berries are not covered in any chemical spray, wash the berries carefully and remove their skin (blueberries) before giving them to your hedgehog.
Bananas
Bananas can cause high sugar levels in hedgehogs. But it is safe to give it to them in small amounts. Bananas are rich in folate, manganese, potassium, vitamin C, and B6. These help in strengthening the immune system and blood regulation.
How to Prepare Fruit for the Hedgehog:
You have to cut each fruit into very small pieces for your hedgehog. Big pieces are a choking hazard for the hedgehog so you ought to be careful.
Bananas:
Mash the bananas so the hedgehog can eat them easily.
Pears and apples:
Remove the skin of pears and apples. Wash them properly. Then cut them into small pieces for your hedgehog.
Berries:
Removing the skin of berries is a difficult task. You can boil the berries and once they cool down, remove the skin gently.
The Guidelines on Feeding Fruit to Hedgehogs:
Fruits, if fed in the wrong way, can kill your hedgehog. Here are some guidelines on how to feed fruits to your hedgehog properly:
- Wash the fruits properly with an adequate amount of water.
- Once you have washed, remove the skin of the fruit carefully.
- Cut the fruit into many small pieces so the hedgehog can ingest it quickly.
- Make sure you give a moderate amount of fruit to the hedgehog because more than necessary fruit can cause obesity.
What Are Foods Hedgehogs Shouldn’t Eat?
There are some foods you should avoid giving to your hedgehog. The following is a list of foods you should not provide them:
- Junk food
- Bread
- Raw meat
- Raw egg yolk
- Onion
- Spicy food
- Raisins
- Milk
- Avocado
- Nuts & seeds
- Chocolate
Raisins and nuts have proven to be dangerous for hedgehogs because they can choke on them. The nuts can get stuck on their mouth’s roof hence becoming a choking hazard.
There are some vegetables and fruits as well, which can cause harm to a hedgehog.
- Potatoes
- Celery
- Grapes
- Citrus fruits
- Pineapple
The grapes can be toxic for your hedgehog. The raw potatoes are also harmful to the little pet.
Hedgehogs are prone to obesity. Potatoes contain rich starch content; hence they should be avoided.
Obesity in Hedgehogs
You might wonder how such a small animal can become obese. Hedgehogs can develop obesity very quickly. It is a common hazard for them.
The obese hedgehogs can have chubby legs, pockets of fats in the top of their body and armpits.
These pockets of fats are called subcutaneous fat and develop in the body over time due to overeating. The overconsumption of sugars can cause obesity in hedgehogs.
Obese hedgehogs develop a ton of problems. Their bones become weak and brittle, which might lead to fractures. Calcium deficiency in bones is also a side effect of obesity.
There are several ways you can make sure that your hedgehog doesn’t become obese:
- Keep an eye on the diet of your hedgehog. Do not overfeed it.
- Install an exercising wheel in the cage of the hedgehog. This will motivate them to move around and maintain an average weight.
- Encourage your hedgehog to run from one place to another.
- If you think your cute pet is on its way to obesity, you should limit your hedgehog’s sugar intake.
Conclusion:
You can feed a huge variety of food to your hedgehog, but moderation and safety are the keys. Grapes and raisins, along with any food which might be a choking hazard, should be avoided at all costs. Before changing the diet of your hedgehog, remember to consult your veterinarian.
Resources
- https://www.hedgehogworld.com/what-do-hedgehogs-eat/
- https://africanpygmyhedgehogs.com/2019/09/07/what-fruit-can-pygmy-hedgehogs-eat/
- https://www.hedgehogworld.com/what-do-hedgehogs-eat
- https://www.petmd.com/exotic/complete-guide-hedgehogs
- https://yarmouthvetcenter.com/hedgehog-nutrition-and-feeding.pml
- https://pocketpetsforever.com/hedgehogs-eat-grapes
- https://www.smallpetjournal.com/fruits-and-vegetables-for-hedgehogs/