Hedgehogs are obscure little pets, and sometimes their diets can be tricky, especially when introducing new fresh foods. If you’re enjoying a nice bowl of fruit and want to share it with your hedgehog, you might first want to know if these creatures can eat grapes.
Unfortunately, hedgehogs cannot have grapes, as they are incredibly toxic to them. So, it’s important you know right away that you shouldn’t ever offer this little round fruit as a snack.
Grapes Are Toxic to Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are omnivores, but that doesn’t mean all plant matter is safe. Grapes might seem like they are harmless, but many animals can have adverse reactions to them—including your hedgehog. Both grapes and raisins are equally toxic, and either would require immediate vet attention if eaten.
In some animals, grapes and raisins cannot metabolize in the body, causing adverse reactions. Also, certain pesticides that are used on the grapes can have a big impact as well. Grapes can harm your hedgehog, especially in the kidneys.
Hedgehog-Safe Snacks
Wild vs Domesticated Hedgehog Diet
Hedgehogs are adorable little spiny creatures that live in Europe, Africa, and Asia. These little balls of needles have a protective layer of spines that deter predators.
However, unlike porcupines, hedgehogs’ spines do not come off in a predator. It is their way of defending themselves in the wild. However, they do shed their quills like we shed our hair.
Hedgehogs Diet in the Wild
In the wild, hedgehogs spend their time foraging for insects and plants. They live in areas with well-draining soil and lots of ground-dwelling insects. They are opportunistic eaters, picking away at edibles as they come along.
Usually, a hedgehog’s meals are plentiful since they know where all the good bug hangouts are. Unfortunately, they become food also to larger predators like badgers, foxes, snakes, mongooses, and weasels.
Hedgehogs Diet in Captivity
If you own a domesticated hedgehog, their diet will be a little different than their wild cousins. The staple of your hedgehog’s diet should be a well-balanced, species-specific food. You can find hedgehog feed in major pet stores and online.
In a premade hedgehog diet, you will find ingredients like chicken, flour, soy, and fortified vitamins and minerals. You can also give your hedgehog lots of fresh selections like live insects, fruits, and veggies.
Hedgehogs Love Fruit—Just Not Grapes
Just because hedgehogs can’t enjoy grapes doesn’t mean that they don’t love berries—they do. In a day, hedgehogs should get the proper percentages of both aspects of their diet and plenty of fresh water.
Even though these will be much-appreciated additives to their daily menu, you should go easy on portions. Fruit contains natural sugar. While it’s fine in moderation, too much too often can cause health issues, including obesity.
Also, if you offer your hedgehog dried fruits, make sure to cut them into small pieces. These fruits can be quite sticky, and they can be a choking hazard.
Other No-No Foods to Mention
Grapes aren’t the only fruit that’s frowned upon when it comes to your hedgehog. Here are some other food items to keep out of your hedgehog’s territory.
These items are toxic or otherwise unhealthy for hedgehogs. Stick with fresh foods you know will nourish your little prickly guy’s overall diet.
What To Do If Your Hedgehog Eats a Grape
If you’re too little too late and your hedgehog already ate a grape, act fast. It’s time to get them to your exotic vet of choice. If it’s after hours, you might have to call an emergency clinic.
Since treatments can be pricey and toxicity can be deadly, it’s best to avoid this scenario altogether. Just make sure to keep any risky foods away from their reach.
Final Thoughts
So, now you’ll always remember that grapes and raisins are toxic to hedgehogs. But no need to fret—there is always a plentiful list of things they can eat. Don’t be afraid to spruce up their menu with new things.
If your hedgehog has ingested a grape by mistake, you must take them to the vet right away.
