Best Cat Food for Hedgehogs – Top 10 Vet-Approved Picks for 2025

I still remember the day I brought my first hedgehog home. I had the enclosure set up perfectly, the wheel was ready to spin, and a tiny, spiky ball of curiosity was exploring its new space. Then, a wave of panic hit me. Standing in my kitchen, staring at a bag of specialized hedgehog food, I wondered, “Is this really the best option? What if it’s not good enough?” A friend had mentioned they used cat food, and I found myself asking the same question so many new owners do: “Can I feed my hedgehog cat food?”

If you’re reading this, you’ve likely had a similar thought. The world of hedgehog nutrition can feel confusing and overwhelming. You want to provide the absolute best for your pet, but finding clear, reliable information is a challenge. Many hedgehog owners struggle to find a diet that is safe, nutritionally complete, and readily available.

You’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using cat food as a staple for your hedgehog’s diet. We’ll cover the essential nutrients your hedgehog needs, how to evaluate both wet and dry cat food, and my top product recommendations based on extensive research and experience. We’ll also cover advanced feeding tips to ensure your prickly friend thrives.

Foundation Knowledge: Understanding Your Hedgehog’s Diet

Before we dive into specific brands, it’s crucial to understand why choosing the right food is so important. Using cat food for hedgehogs is a common practice, but it must be done with care and knowledge.

What is “Cat Food for Hedgehogs” and Why Does It Matter?

In the wild, hedgehogs are primarily insectivores, meaning they feast on beetles, worms, and other invertebrates. They also act as omnivores, occasionally eating small vertebrates, eggs, and plant matter. This natural diet is high in protein and fiber (from insect exoskeletons, called chitin) and relatively low in fat.

The problem is that many commercially available “hedgehog-specific” foods don’t accurately replicate this profile. Some are filled with low-quality ingredients or miss the mark on nutritional balance. As a result, many experienced owners and veterinarians turn to high-quality cat food as a more reliable and accessible alternative.

When we talk about “hedgehog cat food,” we are referring to specific cat food formulas that meet the unique dietary requirements of a hedgehog.

• Best dry cat food for hedgehogs: This is the most common choice, offering a crunchy texture that helps with dental health and a stable formula that won’t spoil quickly.
  
• Best wet cat food for hedgehogs: This can be a useful supplement for hydration or for hedgehogs with dental issues, but it should be used judiciously.

Common Misconceptions Debunked

Navigating online forums can lead to a lot of conflicting advice. Let’s clear up a few common myths.

Misconception: “Any cat food will do for hedgehogs.”
This is dangerously incorrect. The average cat food can be too high in fat, leading to obesity and fatty liver disease in hedgehogs. Others may be too low in protein or filled with inappropriate ingredients like peas and corn, which hedgehogs struggle to digest and can disrupt their crucial calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

Misconception: “Wet cat food is always better.”
While wet food provides excellent hydration, it shouldn’t be the sole component of a hedgehog’s diet. It lacks the abrasive texture needed to clean teeth, can spoil quickly when left out, and often doesn’t provide the same nutrient density as a quality dry kibble.

Misconception: “Hedgehog-specific food is always the best choice.”
Surprisingly, this isn’t always true. Some brands marketed for hedgehogs contain questionable fillers, artificial dyes, and improper nutritional profiles. It’s essential to read the ingredient label on any food, whether it’s for a cat or a hedgehog, rather than trusting the marketing on the front of the bag.

Nutritional & Veterinary Insights

To choose the right food, you need to know the numbers. Based on veterinary guidance and the hedgehog’s natural diet, here are the key targets for a dry cat food:

• Protein: 28-35%
• Fat: 10-15%
• Fiber: As high as possible (though cat food fiber is different from insect-based chitin)

The source of that protein is critical. Look for high-quality animal proteins like chicken or turkey listed as the first ingredient. Just as important is what you don’t see. A balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is vital for bone health, and ingredients like peas and pea fiber are high in phosphorus, which can throw this balance off.

Through my own experience and consultation with exotic pet vets, I’ve learned that a combination of a carefully selected dry cat food supplemented with insects is the gold standard for pet hedgehogs.

Deep Dive Analysis: Selecting the Right Cat Food

Now that you have the foundational knowledge, let’s get into the specifics of how to evaluate a bag of cat food for your hedgehog.

Key Factors to Consider

When you’re at the pet store or browsing online, here’s your checklist:

1. Protein Percentage and Source: Aim for that 28-35% range. The first ingredient should be a named meat, like “chicken,” “deboned chicken,” or “turkey meal,” not a generic term like “meat by-products” or a plant-based filler.
   
2. Fat Content: Too much fat is a primary cause of obesity in captive hedgehogs, which puts strain on their tiny organs. Stick to the 10-15% range. Avoid kitten formulas unless specifically recommended by a vet for an underweight or growing hoglet, as they are often very high in fat.
   
3. Fiber Content: While cat food won’t contain chitin, a higher fiber content is still beneficial for digestion. The hard, crunchy texture of dry kibble is also essential for scraping plaque off your hedgehog’s teeth.
   
4. The Ingredient List: This is non-negotiable. Avoid foods where peas, lentils, potatoes, or corn are listed among the first few ingredients. These are starchy fillers that offer little nutritional value and, in the case of peas, can disrupt mineral absorption.
   
5. Dry vs. Wet: For most hedgehogs, a high-quality dry kibble should be the dietary staple. It’s convenient, promotes dental health, and is nutritionally dense. Wet food can be a great treat or a necessary modification for a senior hedgehog with weak teeth, but it shouldn’t be the main course.

Red Flags & Professional Recommendations

Be on the lookout for these warning signs on an ingredient panel:

• Red Flag: The ingredient list is heavy on peas, legumes, or other plant fillers.
• Red Flag: The fat content is over 18%, especially for an adult, sedentary hedgehog.
• Red Flag: The formula contains artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.

Veterinarians specializing in exotic pets offer this advice:

• Transition slowly. When switching foods, mix the new food with the old over 7-10 days, gradually increasing the proportion of the new kibble to avoid digestive upset.
• Monitor their weight and droppings. These are the two best indicators of how well a food is being tolerated.
• Don’t forget the insects! A cat-food-based diet must be supplemented with live or freeze-dried insects (like mealworms or dubia roaches) 2-3 times a week to provide chitin and enrichment.

Real-World Application: A Feeding Guide

Let’s put this all into practice. Here is a step-by-step guide to feeding your hedgehog using cat food.

Step 1: Choose the Right Food
Using the criteria above, select a high-quality dry cat food from our recommended list below or one you have vetted yourself. Ensure the kibble size is small enough for your hedgehog to chew easily.

Step 2: Create a Transition Plan
For the next 7-10 days, mix the new food with their current food.

• Days 1-3: 75% old food, 25% new food.
• Days 4-6: 50% old food, 50% new food.
• Days 7-9: 25% old food, 75% new food.
• Day 10: 100% new food.

Step 3: Determine Portion Size
A typical adult hedgehog (300-500 grams) will eat about 1-2 tablespoons of dry kibble per day. This is just a starting point. Adjust the amount based on your hedgehog’s activity level and body condition. It’s best to feed them in the evening when they are most active.

Step 4: Supplement with Insects
Offer a few insects (like 3-5 mealworms or 1-2 dubia roaches) a few times per week. This provides essential chitin for their “spines” and digestive health and mimics their natural foraging behavior.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Feeding kibble that is too large: This can be a choking hazard or difficult for them to eat. If a food is nutritionally perfect but the kibble is too big, you can break it up with a spoon.
  
• Feeding only wet food: This leads to poor dental health and can spoil in the cage. Use it as a treat or for specific medical needs only.
  
• Forgetting the insects: A cat food diet is incomplete without the fiber and chitin from insects.

A quick note for owners in warmer U.S. climates: dry food is a much safer option for daily feeding. Wet food can spoil and attract pests within hours in a hot and humid environment. Always provide plenty of fresh water, especially when feeding a dry diet.

Product Comparison & Recommendations

After countless hours of research, comparing nutritional labels, and gathering feedback from the hedgehog community, I’ve compiled a list of the best cat food for hedgehogs.

Disclaimer: This section contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This support helps me continue creating helpful content like this.

🐾 Top 10 Cat Foods for Hedgehogs: Dry & Wet Options

🥇 Top Dry Cat Foods for Hedgehogs

1. Royal Canin Fit Adult Cat Dry Food

• Key Features: Excellent balance of 32% protein and 15% fat. The small, triangular kibble is perfect for tiny mouths. It’s a veterinarian-backed formula known for quality.
• Best For: Adult hedgehogs needing a reliable, well-balanced daily diet.

2. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Cat Food

• Key Features: At around 33% protein and 14% fat, this formula is designed for less active indoor pets, making it great for hedgehogs. It has added fiber for digestive health.
• Best For: Hedgehogs with a more sedentary lifestyle.

3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free High-Protein Dry Cat Food

• Key Features: A protein-packed option (around 45%) with high-quality meat sources. This is for very active hedgehogs and should be monitored for weight gain.
• Best For: Active, young adult hedgehogs who need more energy.

4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High-Protein, Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

• Key Features: High in protein (40%) and free from grains, corn, and soy. The chicken recipe is a community favorite. The kibble is small and easy for hedgehogs to manage.
• Best For: Owners seeking a nutrient-dense, grain-free option.

5. ACANA Indoor Entrée Dry Cat Food – Chicken, Turkey, Herring & Rabbit

• Key Features: High-protein, grain-free, multiple animal protein sources. Supports lean muscles, healthy skin, and overall wellness.
• Best For: Hedgehogs needing a nutrient-rich dry cat food with varied protein sources. Ideal for owners who want a U.S.-available, premium cat food.

6. Orijen Original Dry Cat Food

• Key Features: A premium, “biologically appropriate” food packed with various animal protein sources (40% protein, 20% fat). This is a very rich food and best used for highly active hogs or rotated with a leaner food.
• Best For: A premium diet that closely mimics a natural, varied prey model.

7. Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Cat Food – Salmon & Salmon Meal

Key Features: Crafted with real salmon as the #1 ingredient, this natural formula supports lean muscle, heart health, and a shiny coat. Contains wholesome grains for balanced energy and omega fatty acids for healthy skin.

Best For: Hedgehogs that thrive on moderate-fat, high-quality protein diets with balanced nutrients. Great for indoor and outdoor hedgehogs.

8. Purrfeto Chicken & Rice Adult Cat Dry Food

• Key Features: An affordable yet solid choice. With approximately 28% protein and 12% fat, it meets the basic requirements without harmful fillers.
• Best For: Budget-conscious owners who still want a quality food.

🥈 Top Wet Cat Foods for Hedgehogs (For Supplemental Feeding)

9. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Cat Food Wet Gravy – Beef & Carrots Entrée

• Key Features: High in protein with tender beef chunks and real carrots in gravy. Supports lean muscles, adds hydration, and provides a balanced texture that’s easy for hedgehogs to eat.
• Best For: Hedgehogs needing more moisture or variety in their diet. Excellent as an occasional supplement to dry cat food.

10 .Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Pâté

• Key Features: A very high-quality pâté with cage-free chicken as the first ingredient. It’s grain-free and has a simple ingredient list.
• Best For: A premium soft food option for seniors or as a special treat.

Comparison Summary

Final Verdict

• Best Overall: Royal Canin Fit Adult Cat Dry Food — Reliable, well-balanced, and perfect for hedgehogs needing a high-quality all-round diet.
• Best Value: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Cat Food — Offers solid nutrition and U.S.-availability at an accessible price point.
• Premium Grain-Free Choice: ACANA Indoor Entrée Dry Cat Food — Excellent for hedgehogs with sensitivities or owners wanting a premium, high-protein, grain-free option.
• Best Wet Food Treat: Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Pâté — High-quality, hydrating, and flavorful, ideal as an occasional supplement or treat.

Advanced Tips & Expert Insights

Once you have the basics down, you can fine-tune your hedgehog’s diet for optimal health.

• Rotate Foods: To prevent dietary boredom and ensure a wider range of nutrients, consider rotating between two different high-quality dry foods every few months.
• Age Considerations: Young, growing hedgehogs (hoglets) may benefit from a slightly higher protein and fat content, but be careful not to overdo it. Senior or overweight hedgehogs need a leaner diet (closer to 10-12% fat) and controlled portions.
• Watch for Warning Signs: Your hedgehog’s body will tell you if the diet is working. Watch for sudden weight gain or loss, dull or frequently breaking quills, lethargy, or dental issues. These can all be signs that a dietary change is needed.
• Consult an Exotic Vet: For long-term health, it’s wise to have your hedgehog’s health checked annually by a vet experienced with exotic pets. They can provide tailored advice and may recommend bloodwork to ensure the diet is meeting all their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can hedgehogs eat cat food every day?
Yes, a high-quality cat food that meets the nutritional guidelines (28-35% protein, 10-15% fat, no harmful fillers) can serve as the staple of their daily diet, as long as it is supplemented with insects for chitin.

Is wet or dry cat food better for hedgehogs?
Dry cat food is better for the majority of a hedgehog’s diet. Its crunchy texture is vital for dental health, and it is nutritionally dense and stable. Wet food is best used as a supplemental treat for hydration or for hedgehogs with special needs.

What ingredients should I avoid in hedgehog cat food?
The biggest ones to avoid are peas, pea fiber, lentils, and other legumes, as they are high in phosphorus and can disrupt calcium absorption. Also, avoid foods with corn, wheat, or soy as primary ingredients, as well as artificial colors and preservatives.

How much cat food should a hedgehog eat daily?
Most adult hedgehogs eat 1-2 tablespoons of kibble per day. This is an estimate; you should adjust the portion based on your pet’s age, weight, and activity level to maintain a healthy body condition.

Can baby hedgehogs eat cat food?
Yes, but they may need a formula with slightly higher protein and fat, like a quality kitten food. The kibble must be very small. Always consult with a vet before starting a hoglet on any new diet.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Choosing the best cat food for hedgehogs doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By focusing on the key nutritional benchmarks—high protein, moderate fat, and quality, meat-based ingredients—you can provide a fantastic foundation for your pet’s health. Remember to avoid harmful fillers like peas, ensure the kibble is an appropriate size, and always supplement their diet with insects.

Your hedgehog’s well-being is in your hands, and providing a proper diet is one of the most important things you can do for them.

Your Action Steps:

1. Choose a Food: Select one of the recommended products from our list that best fits your hedgehog’s needs and your budget.
2. Start the Transition: Order your chosen food and begin the 7-10 day transition plan as soon as it arrives.
3. Schedule Feeding: Establish a routine of feeding a measured portion of kibble in the evening and supplementing with insects a few times a week.

I hope this guide has empowered you to make confident and healthy choices for your prickly companion. Feel free to check the latest prices on Amazon for our recommendations, and share this article with other hedgehog owners to help spread accurate, helpful information!