Our Hedgehog’s Diet

We have been working to transition our hedgehogs to a diet with a majority of unprocessed foods. Hedgehog Precision, mixed with one of our recommended cat food, is what our hedgehogs enjoy eating. The cat food is always blended up into smaller pieces. We use the Standard Formula for most of our hedgehogs, while pregnant and nursing mothers are given the High Calorie formula when available. We highly recommend this food because of its perfect kibble size for hedgehogs, its main ingredient, Black Soldier Fly larvae, and the exceptional customer service. You can find it here: Hedgehog Precision.

Recommended Cat Foods:

• Nulo: Nulo Cat Food
• Farmina N+D: Farmina N&D Cat Food
• Instinct: Instinct Pet Food

Please Avoid:

• Science Diet
• Friskies
• Fancy Feast
• Meowmix
• Any other low-quality cat foods

Bugs:

We also offer a variety of live insects, which are part of our hedgehog’s diet. These include:

• Mealworms
• Superworms
• Dubia Roaches
• Madagascar Hissing Roaches
• Hornworms
• Crickets

Because Long Eared Hedgehogs require a more diverse diet, we’ve incorporated their needs into our feeding program for African Pygmy Hedgehogs and Lesser Tenrecs as well.

MASH INGREDIENTS

Our mash recipe may vary slightly with each batch, and availability of certain ingredients may depend on your location. Here’s a look at the ingredients we typically use:

Base:

• Chicken Hearts
• Chicken Gizzards
• Chicken or Beef Liver
• Rabbit, Quail, or Day-Old Chicks

Supplements:

• Cricket Powder
• Collagen
• Calcium with Vitamin D
• Flax Meal
• BeneBac

Add-ins:

• Quail Eggs (with shell)
• Chicken Eggs (without shell)
• Bone Broth (liquid or powder)
• Dandelion Leaves/Flowers
• Dehydrated Bugs
• Berries
• Carrots/ yam
• Kibble

This feeding program has been carefully crafted to ensure our hedgehogs receive a balanced, nutrient-dense diet that supports their health and well-being.

Where to Purchase Insects

Online Reptile or Pet Stores: Many online pet stores specializing in reptiles or exotic pets offer high-quality live food, such as mealworms, crickets, and other insects suitable for hedgehogs.

Petco

Rodent Pro

Specialized Insect Suppliers: Look for companies that specialize in providing live insects for pet feeding.

Who we use:

Fluker’s Farms

Rainbow Mealworms

Dubia

Local Pet Stores: Many pet stores sell live insects, which can be a convenient option if you want to get them in person.

Where we shop:

Kementari Creatures- Bellingham, Wa

Reptiles ETC.- Burlington, Wa

HOMEMADE MASH RECIPE

Making homemade Reptilinks (a type of frozen food for exotic pets) is a great way to provide your pets with a nutritious, species-appropriate diet. Here’s a simple guide to help you make your own reptilinks at home:

Equipment:

• Blender or food processor
• Ice cube tray or silicone molds (to freeze the links)
• A large mixing bowl
• A spatula or piping bag

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly. If using leafy greens, chop them into smaller pieces for easier blending.
   • If using whole insects, either crush them or blend them with the other ingredients.
   • Cut or grind your chosen meats into small pieces. If using ground meat, it can be added directly to the blend.
2. Blend the Mixture:
   • In a blender or food processor, combine the ground meat, vegetables, fruits (if using), and insects.
   • Add a small amount of water or chicken broth to help the mixture blend smoothly.
   • Blend until you achieve a paste-like consistency. If the mixture is too thick, you can add more liquid to thin it out slightly.
3. Add Supplements:
   • Once the mixture is well-blended, add calcium powder and any other necessary supplements according to the recommended dosage for your specific species.
   • Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the supplements.
4. Shape and Freeze:
   • Add the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds, pressing it down gently to eliminate air pockets.
   • Freeze the mixture for at least 4 hours, or until fully frozen.
5. Store:
   • Once frozen, remove the mash from the trays and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
   • Label the container with the date so you can track freshness. This homemade mash can be stored in the freezer for several months.
6. Serve:
   • To serve, simply remove a frozen mash cube and thaw it for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before offering it to your hedgehog or tenrec
   • Ensure the mash cube is not too cold when feeding it to avoid any digestive upset.

Tips:

• Always research the dietary needs of your specific species, as some may require different foods, supplements, or textures.
• If your pet has specific food allergies or sensitivities, adjust the ingredients accordingly.
• Make small batches if you’re trying a new recipe to see if your hedgehog or tenrec likes it before making large quantities.

Homemade mash is a great way to ensure your pet gets high-quality, fresh food, tailored to their needs!