Can Hedgehogs Eat Sausage? A Detailed Guide to Feeding Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are adorable little creatures that have spiked the interest of many gardeners and animal lovers. As more people install hedgehog houses and feeders in their backyard questions arise about what food is safe for hedgehogs to eat. One common question is can hedgehogs eat sausage?

An Overview of Hedgehog Dietary Needs

In the wild hedgehogs are insectivores meaning they primarily eat insects, slugs, snails, worms, centipedes, spiders, frogs, snakes, eggs, and even carrion. They have also been known to munch on berries, mushrooms, grass roots, and more.

When caring for a pet hedgehog or feeding wild hedgehogs in your garden, it’s important to try to mimic their natural diet as much as possible Here are some key things to keep in mind

• Insects: Mealworms, crickets, grasshoppers, and locusts are great natural treats for hedgehogs. They provide protein and fat.

• Meat: Lean meats like chicken, turkey, and beef are OK in moderation. Avoid seasoned meats.

• Fruits and Veggies: Some fruits and veggies are safe for hedgehogs like strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, carrots, and green beans. Avoid starchy options.

• Cat or Hedgehog Food: High-quality, hedgehog-specific dry food or cat food that is low in fat and rich in protein is essential.

• Treats: Healthy treats like cooked egg, plain cooked chicken, or plain cooked turkey can be given in small amounts.

• No-Nos: Avoid dairy, salty foods, sugary foods, processed meats, dry kibble, mealworms, and insects with poor calcium:phosphorus ratios.

Can Hedgehogs Eat Sausage?

Now that we’ve covered the basics of a hedgehog’s dietary needs, let’s get back to the original question: can hedgehogs eat sausage?

The short answer is no, sausage is not recommended for hedgehogs. Here are a few reasons why:

• High in Fat: Most sausages are very high in fat, which can lead to obesity and liver problems in hedgehogs. Their small bodies can’t handle fatty foods well.

• Has Seasonings: Sausage contains a lot of sodium, preservatives, added sugars, and seasonings like garlic and onion powder that are unhealthy for hedgehogs.

• Risk of Metabolic Bone Disease: Some sausages have an improper calcium:phosphorus ratio, which puts hedgehogs at risk for metabolic bone disease.

• Difficult to Digest: The high fat content and seasonings make sausage difficult for hedgehogs to properly digest. It may cause upset stomachs.

• Lack of Nutrition: Sausage lacks the nutrition from insects, fruits, veggies, and quality hedgehog food that hedgehogs need to thrive.

Healthy Meat Alternatives for Hedgehogs

While sausage itself should be avoided, hedgehogs can eat some types of meat in moderation. Here are a few healthier meat options:

• Lean Chicken or Turkey: Skinless, plain chicken or turkey that is cooked has less fat and seasonings. Offer no more than 1-2 teaspoons per day.

• Crickets or Mealworms: These provide natural protein while mimicking their wild diet. Avoid mealworms long-term due to poor calcium content.

• Wet Cat Food: High-quality canned cat food with a named meat source like chicken or turkey works too. Choose options low in fat.

• Pinkies or Chicks: Frozen pinky mice or frozen day-old chicks from pet stores provide nutrition and fat better than sausage. Offer as a treat only.

When feeding any meat, be sure to only provide small pieces and monitor hedgehog weight and health. Excessive protein or fat can cause issues. Lean meats should only complement their main diet of insects and quality cat or hedgehog kibble.

Other Human Foods to Avoid for Hedgehogs

While this article has focused on sausage, there are some other common human foods that should be avoided when feeding hedgehogs:

• Dairy products
• Chocolate
• Salt and seasonings
• Onions, leeks, garlic
• Citrus fruits
• Grapes and raisins
• Starchy vegetables like potatoes
• Sugary fruits like bananas
• Fatty meats like bacon or pepperoni
• Sugary cereals or sweets
• Bread or baked goods
• Hard kibble dog food

These foods may be tasty to humans, but can wreak havoc on little hedgehog bodies. Be sure to avoid them and focus on a balanced, natural diet instead.

Tips for Feeding Hedgehogs

To wrap up, here are some tips to keep in mind when feeding pet or wild hedgehogs:

• Leave out fresh water daily in a shallow bowl.
• Offer a mix of high-quality dry hedgehog or cat food, live insects, small amounts of fruits and veggies, and the occasional meat treat.
• Remove uneaten wet food after 24 hours.
• Never feed hedgehogs after midnight to encourage foraging.
• Avoid mealworms as a staple due to poor calcium levels.
• Cook any meat or egg thoroughly before feeding.
• Start with small amounts of new foods to avoid upsetting their stomach.
• Don’t feed too many fatty, sugary, or salty human treats.
• Monitor weight and health frequently and adjust diet if needed.
• Never feed hedgehogs sausage or any other fatty, seasoned meat!

Following these tips will help ensure your hedgehogs stay happy and healthy. Avoid sausage, but feel free to offer some yummy chicken, crickets, or soft fruits after checking for safety. With a balanced diet, these little creatures will thrive under your care.