Hedgehogs are beneficial garden inhabitants that help with natural pest control. But what exactly do they eat? If you want to create a hedgehog-friendly garden or support a hedgehog living nearby, it's important to know what food is suitable for them.
The natural diet of hedgehogs
In the wild, hedgehogs are primarily carnivores. They have a diverse diet that mainly consists of:
- Insects: Beetles, caterpillars, and other insects are essential sources of protein.
- Earthworms: These are particularly nutritious and easy to digest.
- Slugs and snails: Although hedgehogs eat them, they should only be a small part of their diet as they can carry parasites.
- Spiders and centipedes: These little critters are also on the menu.
Hedgehogs are valuable helpers in the garden because they feed on many pests that could harm plants.
What can you feed hedgehogs?
If you want to support a hedgehog, you can provide additional food—especially in autumn when they need to gain weight for hibernation or in spring when they are weak after waking up. Suitable foods include:
✔ Wet cat food (without gravy or jelly) – preferably with a high meat content
✔ Hedgehog food from Vivara – specially formulated for their needs
✔ Cooked, unseasoned chicken or scrambled eggs – a good source of protein
✔ Dried insects or mealworms in moderation – as an occasional treat
Foods to avoid:
✖ Milk – hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and can suffer from diarrhea
✖ Bread – lacks essential nutrients
✖ Salty or seasoned foods – unsuitable and unhealthy
How to feed a hedgehog?
- Place the food in a shallow dish.
- Provide a bowl of fresh water alongside (never milk!).
- Feed hedgehogs in the evening, as they are nocturnal animals.
- Keep the feeding area clean to avoid attracting rats.
Creating a hedgehog-friendly garden
In addition to food, hedgehogs need a safe habitat. Here’s how you can make your garden more hedgehog-friendly:
Let nature grow wild: Piles of leaves, hedges, and untamed corners provide shelter.
Set up hedgehog houses: Special shelters help hedgehogs hibernate.
Avoid hazards: Steer clear of pesticides, steep water features, and enclosed gardens without exit points.
If you find a weak or injured hedgehog, contact a local wildlife rescue center or vet before intervening.
Hedgehogs are carnivores that mainly eat insects, worms, and small invertebrates. If you want to support them, you can provide high-quality wet cat food or special hedgehog food. However, avoid milk and bread! By creating a natural garden environment, you can offer these helpful animals a safe and welcoming habitat.