Hedgehogs are wonderful animals who have specific dietary requirements. Hedgehogs are known as opportunistic eaters. You should be conscious of what are the most poisonous food items for hedgehogs. In this article, we are going to discuss on poisonous food items for hedgehogs. This article will help you to provide a healthy diet to your guinea pigs.
What are the most poisonous food items for hedgehogs?
Hedgehogs are naturally insect eaters. Their diet should consist of commercial foods and fresh natural supplements. In their diet, they consume a range of foods. Some foods can be harmful or even poisonous to hedgehogs. You can keep your hedgehogs safe and healthy by being conscious of these dangerous foods.
Avoid feeding poisonous food items to hedgehogs.
- Chocolate
Chocolate can be poisonous to hedgehogs. Chocolate contains a substance named theobromine. This element is toxic to hedgehogs. Even a small amount of chocolate can also be injurious to hedgehogs. Your furry friends may suffer from increased heart rate, muscle tremors, or even death. So, keep chocolate away from your furry friends.
- Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins contain a substance that is toxic to small animals like hedgehogs. These foods can cause kidney problems in hedgehogs. Your hedgehogs also may suffer from other health complications. So, don’t let your hedgehogs eat grapes and raisins.
- Onions and garlic
Onions and garlic are the members of allium family. Hedgehogs get damaged by specific food items. These foods can damage the red cells of hedgehogs. Your furry friends also may suffer from anemia. So, don’t allow your furry friends to take foods containing onions and garlic.
- Citrus fruits
Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits belong to the citrus fruits family. You should avoid feeding these fruits. Citrus fruits contain acid. These fruits can cause digestive problems. so, offer them other fruits instead of citrus fruits.
- Avocado
Most animals suffer from poisoning by avocados. These are also toxic to hedgehogs. A substance called persin is found in avocados. This substance can cause heart problems, and respiratory distress in hedgehogs. So, don’t allow your hedgehogs to take any part of avocado plants.
- Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds (almonds and peanuts) aren’t suitable for small animals like hedgehogs. These foods can cause choking hazards. Some nuts may contain toxins that are harmful to hedgehog’s health. So exclude nuts and seeds from your hedgehog’s diet.
- Dairy products
Lactose is a compound discovered in milk as well as various other milk items. Hedgehogs can’t tolerate lactose. So, they can’t properly digest lactose. If your hedgehogs eat dairy products, they will suffer from gastrointestinal problems. they may suffer from diarrhea. So, keep all dairy products away from your hedgehog’s reach.
- Mushrooms
Some mushroom species can be toxic to hedgehogs .It’s okay to eat some types of mushrooms. A few of them can possibly be dangerous. It’s not easy to differentiate between safe and toxic mushrooms. So, it’s a good idea to avoid feeding mushrooms to hedgehogs.
- Raw Meat and Eggs
Raw Meat and Eggs can contain some harmful bacteria such as salmonella. Cooked meat and eggs can be safe to them. Raw meat and eggs can cause digestive problems. your furry friend also may suffer from bacterial infections.
Conclusion
As hedgehogs have specific food requirements, it’s important to avoid feeding them toxic foods. You should keep these toxic or poisonous foods away from hedgehogs. But before adopting a hedgehog, you must have an idea on which are poisonous food items for hedgehogs. By providing a suitable and safe diet, you can keep your furry friends healthy.
FAQs
- Can hedgehogs eat chocolate?
Not.
- Are grapes and raisins safe for hedgehogs?
No.
- Can hedgehogs eat onions and garlic?
Not.
- Are citrus fruits safe for hedgehogs?
No.
- Can hedgehogs eat nuts and seeds?
Not.