6 Best Cat Foods That Are Safe and Healthy for Hedgehogs in 2025

Imagine your hedgehog enthusiastically exploring a bowl filled with vibrant, nutritious kibble designed just for them. Choosing the right food means more than just picking any cat food off the shelf—it requires understanding their unique dietary needs.

With so many options claiming to be safe and healthy, how do you know which ones truly support your pet’s well-being? Let’s explore six top choices that stand out in 2025 and why they might be the perfect fit.

Mazuri | Nutritionally Complete Hedgehog Food | 8 Ounce (8 oz) Bag

Mazuri Nutritionally Complete Hedgehog Food offers a well-balanced diet designed to meet the needs of hedgehogs at all life stages. Its insectivorous formula supports healthy growth and overall wellness with essential vitamins like vitamin E and fatty acids. This food provides a reliable way to ensure your pet receives proper nutrition daily.

The extruded pellets are about 1/8 inch in size, making them easy for hedgehogs to eat without causing unnecessary mess or waste. Packaged in an 8-ounce resealable bag, it helps maintain freshness between servings. Simply store the bag at room temperature and monitor your pet’s intake to avoid spoilage.

This food is formulated for small breeds and hedgehogs of all ages, making it a versatile choice for owners who want one product to cover multiple needs. While the portion size is convenient, the smaller bag means you may need to repurchase more frequently if you have multiple pets.

Mazuri’s design focuses on nutritional completeness and ease of feeding, providing a practical solution for hedgehog owners. Regular use supports your pet’s health without added complexity in feeding routines, making it a dependable dietary option.

Best for: Hedgehog owners seeking a complete, balanced insectivorous diet suitable for all life stages and small breeds.

What We Like:

• Balanced formula with essential vitamins and fatty acids for health and growth
• Small, extruded pellets reduce waste and ease feeding
• Convenient resealable 8-ounce bag to maintain freshness
• Suitable for hedgehogs of all ages and small breeds

Specification:

Feature	Details
Manufacturer	Mazuri
Weight	8 ounces (0.5 lbs)
Pellet Size	Approximately 1/8 inch
Storage	Room temperature
Intended Use	Complete diet for hedgehogs

Berries & Bugs High Protein High Fiber Food for Insectivores (1.5 lb)

Berries & Bugs High Protein High Fiber Food for Insectivores offers a natural, nutrient-rich solution tailored for insect-eating pets. This formula supports the unique dietary needs of hedgehogs, skunks, sugar gliders, and other insectivorous mammals by combining essential nutrients in one convenient food. It helps maintain balanced nutrition and promotes digestive health with its high fiber content.

The food contains 100% natural ingredients, free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This ensures that your pet receives wholesome nourishment without unnecessary additives. Its inclusion of fruits and gut-loaded insects provides a diverse diet that mimics natural feeding habits, improving your pet’s overall well-being.

Packaged in a heavy-duty, resealable bag, the product stays fresh and easy to store. This design helps maintain the quality of the food over time, reducing waste and saving you effort. You can feed it alone or mix it with fresh insects and fruits to customize your pet’s meals.

While it offers a balanced diet, some insectivorous species may require additional supplementation. The 1.5 lb size is ideal for single or small groups of pets but may need frequent repurchasing for larger collections.

Best for: insectivorous pets such as hedgehogs, skunks, sugar gliders, and certain insect-eating birds needing a natural, high-protein, high-fiber diet.

What We Like:

• 100% natural ingredients without artificial additives
• Balanced nutrition with high protein, fiber, fruits, and gut-loaded insects
• Heavy-duty resealable bag for freshness and easy storage
• Suitable for feeding alone or mixed with fresh insects and fruits

Specification:

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Berries & Bugs
Weight	1.5 lb (0.68 kg)
Ingredients	Natural fruits, gut-loaded insects, protein, fiber
Packaging	Heavy-duty resealable bag
Intended Use	Insectivorous mammals and certain birds

Exotic Nutrition Hedgehog Essential Chicken Kibble with Mealworms (1.75 Pound)

Exotic Nutrition Hedgehog Essential Chicken Kibble with Mealworms offers a high-protein, natural diet that meets the unique nutritional needs of hedgehogs. This carefully formulated food combines quality chicken and dried mealworms to deliver essential vitamins, minerals, and Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. It addresses common feeding challenges by appealing to picky eaters and providing balanced nutrition that supports overall health.

The kibble’s bite-sized, crunchy pieces are designed to encourage chewing, which helps maintain dental hygiene by naturally reducing plaque buildup. Made in the USA, this product is 100% natural and free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, ensuring a clean and safe diet for your pet. Regular feeding supports vitality and prevents common dietary deficiencies.

Maintaining your hedgehog’s diet with this product is simple—store the kibble in a cool, dry place to preserve freshness. The 1.75-pound size suits individual pet owners or small households but may require more frequent repurchase for multiple pets. While the price may be higher than generic options, the quality ingredients and nutritional benefits provide good value for health-conscious owners.

Exotic Nutrition Hedgehog Essential Chicken Kibble is specifically tailored to meet the dietary and dental care needs of hedgehogs, making it an excellent choice for responsible pet owners who want to improve their pet’s well-being through natural, effective nutrition.

Best for: Hedgehog owners seeking a nutritious, all-natural diet that supports dental health and satisfies selective eaters.

What We Like:

• High-quality chicken and dried mealworms provide essential nutrients and fatty acids
• 100% natural, free from artificial additives, made in the USA
• Crunchy kibble supports dental hygiene and encourages chewing
• Suitable for picky hedgehogs, promoting consistent eating habits

Specification:

Feature	Details
Manufacturer	Exotic Nutrition
Weight	1.75 lb (0.79 kg)
Main Ingredients	Chicken, Mealworms
Nutritional Focus	Vitamins, Minerals, Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
Origin	Made in the USA

Vitakraft Vita Smart Fortified Nutrition Hedgehog Food, 25 oz

Give your hedgehog the nutrition it deserves with Vitakraft Vita Smart Fortified Nutrition Hedgehog Food. This thoughtfully crafted formula addresses common concerns like dull coats and lackluster skin by providing a high-protein, insect-based diet enriched with omega fatty acids. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a shiny, healthy coat and overall vitality.

The inclusion of flax seed further supports skin health and promotes a glossy appearance, making this food a practical choice for pet owners aiming to improve their hedgehog’s wellbeing. Its balanced nutrient profile encourages healthy eating habits, which can prevent common dietary issues.

Designed for daily use, this 25 oz package offers a convenient supply that fits easily into your pet care routine. The food’s formulation ensures it remains fresh and appealing, though initial acceptance may require some patience as your hedgehog adjusts to the insect-based ingredients.

Made in the USA, Vitakraft Vita Smart guarantees quality and safety standards, giving you confidence in every serving. While it may be pricier than some alternatives and less available in certain regions, the benefits to your pet’s health make it a valuable investment.

Best for: Hedgehog owners seeking a nutrient-rich, high-protein diet that supports skin and coat health.

What We Like:

• High-protein insect formula with omega fatty acids
• Contains flax seed to enhance coat shine and skin condition
• Made in the USA with strict quality controls
• Supports healthy eating habits and overall wellness

Specification:

Feature	Details
Manufacturer	Vitakraft
Weight	25 oz (709 g)
Main Ingredients	Insect protein, flax seed, natural oils
Intended Use	Daily hedgehog nutrition
Origin	USA

Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Dry Cat Food for Adult Cats, Weight Control Recipe (7 lb)

Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Dry Cat Food, Weight Control Recipe, is designed to help adult cats maintain a healthy weight without sacrificing nutrition. This formula tackles common weight management challenges by providing a high-protein diet with real deboned chicken and sweet potatoes. These ingredients support lean muscle maintenance and steady energy levels, essential for active cats.

The inclusion of L-carnitine helps naturally boost metabolism, assisting cats in burning fat more efficiently. Antioxidants in the recipe support the immune system, promoting overall health and vitality. Additionally, Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids nourish the skin and coat, keeping your cat looking and feeling their best.

Crafted in the USA with natural ingredients, this grain-free dry food avoids artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Its clean formula supports digestion and reduces the risk of food sensitivities. While it’s specifically tailored to adult cats, the balanced nutrition and weight control benefits make it an excellent option for those needing to manage their pet’s weight responsibly.

This product is easy to store and maintain, ensuring your cat’s diet remains fresh and flavorful. Regular feeding supports consistent weight management and long-term health. However, it is not suitable for kittens or senior cats with different dietary needs.

Best for: Adult cats requiring effective weight control through a balanced, grain-free dry food.

What We Like:

• Real deboned chicken and sweet potatoes for high-quality protein
• L-carnitine enhances metabolism for better weight management
• Antioxidants support immune health and vitality
• Omega fatty acids maintain healthy skin and coat
• Grain-free formula with no artificial additives

Specification:

Feature	Details
Manufacturer	Merrick
Weight	7 lb (3.18 kg)
Intended Use	Adult cats, weight control
Key Ingredients	Deboned chicken, sweet potatoes
Dietary Type	Grain-free dry cat food
Made In	USA

Mazuri | Nutritionally Complete Food for Ferrets| 5 Pound (5 lb.) Bag

Mazuri Ferret Food in a 5-pound bag offers a nutritionally complete diet designed to meet the needs of carnivorous pets. Its formula is rich in multiple animal proteins and includes fish oil to provide essential Omega-3 fatty acids. This combination supports the overall health and vitality of ferrets, and it can also be a safe, protein-rich choice for hedgehogs.

The food’s high-density formula means your pet consumes less volume while getting all the necessary nutrients. This results in less waste and easier maintenance of your pet’s living area. The moderate starch content is balanced to suit carnivores, helping to support proper digestion.

Made by Purina Animal Nutrition, this product is suitable for all life stages of ferrets, ensuring your pet gets consistent nutrition from youth to adulthood. While primarily developed for ferrets, its rich protein profile makes it a versatile option for similar small carnivorous animals.

The packaging size of 5 pounds is ideal for multi-pet households or frequent feeders, though it may be less convenient for owners with a single pet or those preferring smaller portions. This product strikes a balance between quality and practicality in pet nutrition.

Best for: Owners of ferrets or hedgehogs seeking a reliable, protein-rich diet that supports carnivorous dietary needs with minimal waste.

What We Like:

• Multiple animal proteins and fish oil provide essential nutrients.
• High-density formula reduces stool volume.
• Suitable for all life stages of ferrets.
• Supports healthy digestion with moderate starch content.
• Made by a trusted manufacturer, Purina Animal Nutrition.

Specification:

Attribute	Details
Manufacturer	Purina Animal Nutrition
Weight	5 lb (2.27 kg)
Intended Use	Ferrets (also suitable for hedgehogs)
Key Ingredients	Animal proteins, fish oil
Packaging	Resealable bag

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cat Food for Hedgehogs

When selecting cat food for your hedgehog, you’ll want to focus on nutritional requirements and ingredient quality to keep them healthy. Pay close attention to protein content and feeding frequency to match their dietary needs.

Also, consider the food texture to make sure it’s easy for your hedgehog to eat and enjoy.

Nutritional Requirements

Because hedgehogs thrive on a protein-rich diet, you’ll want to choose cat foods that contain at least 30-40% animal protein to meet their active, insectivorous needs. Look for foods with essential fatty acids like Omega 3 and Omega 6, which support healthy skin, coat, and brain function.

You’ll also need to guarantee the diet includes crucial vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E and calcium, for overall health and strong bones. Keep carbohydrate levels moderate since hedgehogs’ digestive systems aren’t designed for high grain content.

Additionally, a proper amount of fiber is important to maintain healthy digestion and prevent obesity—a common issue in pet hedgehogs. Balancing these nutritional elements will help you provide a diet that supports your hedgehog’s well-being and longevity.

Ingredient Quality

Choosing high-quality cat food for your hedgehog means prioritizing real meat or fish as the main ingredient to guarantee a protein-rich diet. You’ll want to avoid foods containing artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives since they can pose health risks. Check the ingredient list for essential nutrients like omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that support your hedgehog’s overall well-being.

Be cautious of cat foods loaded with fillers such as corn or soy, as these offer little nutritional value and may cause digestive problems or obesity. Instead, opt for products that meet natural and complete nutrition standards. This way, you ensure your hedgehog gets all the necessary nutrients for a healthy, balanced diet without harmful additives or unnecessary fillers.

Protein Content

Protein content plays a crucial role in meeting your hedgehog’s dietary needs, with at least 12-15% required to support their active metabolism and muscle maintenance. Since hedgehogs are insectivores, their diets naturally demand higher protein levels, often between 20-30%, to mimic what they eat in the wild.

When choosing cat food for your hedgehog, focus on products that offer animal-based proteins, like insects, poultry, or fish, as these provide better nutrient absorption. Avoid foods with protein content exceeding 30%, as that can strain their kidneys unless your vet says otherwise.

Always check the product label to ensure protein levels fall within this safe range, helping you provide balanced nutrition without risking health issues for your spiky little friend.

Feeding Frequency

Feeding your hedgehog once or twice a day helps keep their energy steady and prevents issues like obesity or malnutrition. You’ll want to modify the frequency based on your hedgehog’s age, activity level, and health. Younger or more active hedgehogs may need two meals, while adults often do well with one.

Stick to a consistent feeding routine to support digestion and easily spot any changes in appetite that could signal health problems. Always provide fresh food daily and remove any leftovers to avoid spoilage.

Food Texture

Texture plays a essential role in how well your hedgehog enjoys and digests its food. You want to offer small, bite-sized pieces that are easy to chew and swallow to prevent choking. Many hedgehog diets use extruded pellets with a firm texture, which not only aid digestion but also promote dental health by gently cleaning their teeth.

Avoid soft or mushy foods, as they can be hard for your hedgehog to eat comfortably and may lead to waste or spoilage. Crunchy foods provide mental stimulation and help maintain strong jaw muscles. Ideally, choose food that mimics the texture of natural insect prey, balancing firmness with ease of ingestion to keep your hedgehog happy and healthy.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cat food for your hedgehog is like finding the perfect key to *unlock* their health and happiness. With options like Mazuri and Berries & Bugs, you’re giving your spiky friend a nutrient-packed feast that fuels their lively spirit and shiny coat.

Remember, a well-fed hedgehog is a joyful one, so pick wisely and watch them thrive with every crunchy bite you offer. Your care turns mealtime into magic!