All CategoriesWildlifeFeeding Wild Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are one of the UK’s most beloved wild animals, but their populations have been declining due to habitat loss, road traffic, and food shortages. One of the best ways we can support these prickly garden visitors is by offering them the right nutrition. However, misinformation about hedgehog diets is widespread, and feeding the wrong foods can do more harm than good.
In this guide, we’ll explore what hedgehogs should and shouldn’t eat, as well as the best food options available to keep them healthy and thriving.
What Do Wild Hedgehogs Eat?
Hedgehogs are insectivores with an omnivorous edge, meaning they primarily eat insects, worms, and small invertebrates, but they will also consume fruits, vegetation, and even carrion when food is scarce. In the wild, their diet includes:
✅ Beetles, caterpillars, earwigs, and other insects
✅ Earthworms and slugs (though slugs can carry parasites harmful to hedgehogs)
✅ Small amounts of fruit, seeds, and fungi
However, with habitat destruction and decreasing insect populations, hedgehogs often struggle to find enough natural food. That’s where supplemental feeding comes in!
The Best Foods to Feed Wild Hedgehogs
If you’d like to support your local hedgehogs, providing them with nutritious, balanced food is crucial. At Homefeeds, we recommend Spike’s Hedgehog Food and Brambles Hedgehog Food, as these are both specifically formulated to meet their dietary needs.
Spike’s Hedgehog Food
⭐ Spike’s Tasty Semi-Moist – A soft, moist food packed with essential nutrients that’s easy for hedgehogs to eat.
⭐ Spike’s Crunchy Dry – A dry kibble that helps to support dental health while providing a high-protein, balanced diet.
Brambles Hedgehog Food
⭐ Brambles Meaty Hedgehog Food – A high-protein, meat-based diet that mimics natural insect protein.
⭐ Brambles Crunchy Hedgehog Food – A nutritious, crunchy kibble that supports healthy teeth and digestion.
These foods provide a safe and nutritionally complete diet, ensuring hedgehogs get the protein, fibre, and essential vitamins they need without any harmful additives.
What NOT to Feed Hedgehogs
Many well-meaning people unknowingly offer hedgehogs food that can actually be harmful to their health. Here are some foods to avoid completely:
❌ Mealworms, Peanuts, and Sunflower Seeds – While hedgehogs enjoy them, these foods are high in phosphorus, which can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). This condition weakens their bones, causing pain and mobility issues.
❌ Milk & Dairy Products – Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, and consuming milk or cheese can cause diarrhoea and dehydration.
❌ Bread – Lacks nutritional value and can lead to digestive issues.
❌ Fish-Based Cat/Dog Food – Some people offer cat or dog food, but fish-based formulas can upset a hedgehog’s stomach. If offering cat food in emergencies, always choose a chicken-based grain-free variety.
When and How to Feed Hedgehogs
🦔 Best Time to Feed: Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so place food out at dusk and remove any leftovers in the morning to avoid attracting pests like rats.
🦔 Fresh Water is Essential: Always provide a shallow dish of fresh water, especially during dry weather when natural water sources are scarce. Never give hedgehogs milk!
🦔 Use a Feeding Station: To prevent larger animals (like foxes or cats) from eating the food, place it in a hedgehog feeding station. A simple plastic storage box with a small entrance hole works well.
Helping Hedgehogs Beyond Food
Providing the right food is a great start, but you can make an even bigger impact by making your garden hedgehog-friendly:
🌱 Create Hedgehog Highways – Cut small holes (13cm x 13cm) in garden fences to allow hedgehogs to roam freely.
🌿 Leave Wild Areas – Letting grass grow long and leaving log piles or compost heaps creates shelter and encourages insects for natural foraging.
🏡 Provide a Hedgehog House – Offering a safe, dry shelter can help hedgehogs rest, hibernate, or even raise young.
🚗 Check Before Strimming or Bonfires – Hedgehogs love nesting in leaf piles, so always check before gardening.
Wild hedgehogs need our help now more than ever, and feeding them the right food is one of the best ways to support them. By choosing high-quality options like Spike’s Hedgehog Food and Brambles Hedgehog Food, you can ensure these wonderful creatures stay healthy, strong, and well-fed.
Remember, avoid mealworms, peanuts, and dairy, always provide fresh water, and make your garden a safe space for them to thrive.
Want to get started? Visit us at Homefeeds for expert advice and the best hedgehog food to keep your spiky visitors happy and healthy! 🦔💚
Author – Jordan