Can Hedgehogs Eat Broccoli?

The humble hedgehog is an adorable little creature that will steal your heart. They are great pets and have a reputation for being clean and easy to care for.

However, to keep your hedgehog healthy and happy, you need to know how to feed it properly. There are some foods that you should never give your hedgehog because they can be harmful. See if hedgehogs can nibble on broccoli.

What are the health benefits of eating broccoli?

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable like cabbage and kale. Broccoli is packed with many health benefits. Rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, which are essential for good health. It is a food that some animals can eat and enjoy. Broccoli contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

yes hedgehogs can eat broccoli

Broccoli leaves and stems are safe for hedgehogs, but they may not like the taste or texture of this vegetable at first. Thick stalks of broccoli are also safe for hedgehogs to eat, but they are a bit tough and may not be very appealing to pets.

petkeen.com recommends not feeding hedgehogs raw broccoli, but boiled or steamed vegetables are perfectly fine. Do not season the broccoli you feed your hedgehog, as it can be harmful.

Hedgehogs, being omnivores, can enjoy a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. They also eat insects, so they are both omnivores and insectivores. Therefore, hedgehogs can happily eat a wide variety of foods, including broccoli.

Chop it up!

Chop fresh broccoli into small pieces to make it easier for hedgehogs to eat. Large pieces of broccoli can get stuck in your throat and pose a choking hazard. One method is to dice the broccoli before giving it to your pet to make it easier to handle.

One of the benefits of feeding hedgehogs fresh vegetables such as broccoli is that they are low in calories. Hedgehogs gain weight and are prone to obesity, so spending most of their time indoors and not too active can lead to weight gain. Low-calorie foods like broccoli give hedgehogs something to eat and reduce their chances of gaining weight.

What about frozen broccoli for hedgehogs?

Hedgehogs can also eat frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw it before giving it to your pet. Frozen broccoli has the added benefit of being already chopped small. However, you may need to cut it even smaller to reduce the choking hazard.

Depending on your hedgehog’s preferences, they may prefer broccoli or ignore it. But if you can get them to eat it, you may be doing something beneficial for their health. Broccoli is not only rich in nutrients, but it has been shown in animal studies to have potential anti-cancer properties. However, this is an area that needs further research.

Not all vegetables are safe

Please note that Not all vegetables are safe for hedgehogs. For example, garlic, onions, avocados, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, mushrooms and celery should never be fed to hedgehogs. Before giving your hedgehog fruits and vegetables, check with a reputable veterinary site to make sure they are safe.

Keep in mind that broccoli and many other vegetables are rich in fiber. Hedgehogs, like humans, can experience indigestion and gas when suddenly increasing the fiber content in their diet. Therefore, limit the amount of treats you give your hedgehogs and don’t add too much to their diet too quickly.

Also, make sure your hedgehog is eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods. Hedgehogs don’t need vegetables like broccoli to survive, but they do need high-quality protein. Therefore, feed your hedgehog a balanced diet as recommended by your veterinarian.

Can be used as a snack or snack

Hedgehogs can pick up small pieces of broccoli and enjoy the texture, but acceptance of broccoli varies among hedgehogs. It is low in calories and rich in nutrients and dietary fiber. However, don’t feed hedgehogs regularly and in large quantities with fiber-rich vegetables such as broccoli. Eating too much can cause stomach pain and diarrhea. Incorporating it slowly into your diet allows your digestive tract to adapt to the fiber in this cruciferous vegetable.

References

• “Broccoli, Raw Nutrition Facts and Analysis..” https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Broccoli%2C_raw_nutritional_value.html.
• “Broccoli 101: Nutrients and Health Benefits.” 10 May. 2019, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/broccoli.
• “Hedgehog – Feeding | VCA Animal Hospital” https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hedgehogs— feeding.
• “Flavonoid Content in Vegetables – Agricultural Research Service” https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/80400525/Articles/AICR03_VegFlav.pdf.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not a substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or formal, individualized advice from a veterinarian. Animals showing signs or symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.