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Can Hedgehogs Eat Broccoli?
The humble hedgehog is an adorable little creature that will steal your heart. They can make wonderful pets, and they have a reputation for being clean and easy to care for.
However, you should know how to properly feed a hedgehog to keep them healthy and happy. There are certain foods that you should not feed your hedgehog because they can cause harm. Let’s see if hedgehogs can bite broccoli.
What Are the Health Benefits of Eating Broccoli?
Broccoli is a vegetable that belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family, the same family as cabbage and kale. Broccoli is packed with many health benefits. It is rich in vitamin C and fiber, which are essential for good health. It is a food that some animals can eat and enjoy. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), broccoli contains antioxidants called flavonoids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Yes, Hedgehogs Can Eat Broccoli
Broccoli leaves and stems are safe for hedgehogs to eat, although they may not like the taste or texture of this vegetable at first. The thicker stems of the broccoli plant are also safe for hedgehogs to eat, although they are a bit tougher and may be less appealing to your pet.
Petkeen.com recommends that you avoid feeding your hedgehog raw broccoli, but boiled and steamed vegetables are perfectly okay. Do not put any spices on the broccoli that you give to your hedgehog, as it can cause them harm.
As omnivores, hedgehogs enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables. They also eat insects, making them both omnivores and insectivores. Therefore, hedgehogs can be happy with different foods, and this includes broccoli.
Chop It Up!
Please note that it is a good idea to chop fresh broccoli into small pieces, so that it is easier for your hedgehog to eat. Large pieces of broccoli can lodge in their throats and pose a choking hazard. One way to do this is to slice the broccoli before offering it to your pet to make it more manageable.
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One benefit of feeding your hedgehog fresh vegetables, such as broccoli, is that they are low in calories. Hedgehogs are prone to weight gain and obesity, and if they spend most of their time indoors, where they are less active, they can gain weight. Foods like broccoli, which have a low-calorie density, give a hedgehog something to nibble on, which can reduce the likelihood of gaining weight.
How about Frozen Broccoli for Your Hedgehog?
Hedgehogs can eat frozen broccoli, but be sure to let it thaw before giving it to your pet. Frozen broccoli has the added benefit of being chopped into smaller pieces. However, you may need to chop the pieces smaller to reduce the risk of choking.
Depending on your hedgehog’s taste buds, they may embrace broccoli or ignore it. But if you can feed them, you may be doing something beneficial for their health. Broccoli is not only rich in nutrients, but animal studies show that it may offer anti-cancer benefits. However, this is an area that needs more research.
Not All Vegetables Are Safe
Please note that not all vegetables are safe for hedgehogs. For example, you should never feed a hedgehog garlic, onions, avocados, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, mushrooms, or celery. Before feeding any fruit or vegetable to a hedgehog, do your research and make sure it’s safe by checking it out on reputable veterinary sites.
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Be aware that broccoli and many other vegetables are high in fiber. Hedgehogs, like people, can develop digestive upset and gas when they suddenly increase the fiber content of their diet. Therefore, give your hedgehog this snack only in moderation, and do not introduce it too quickly into their diet.
Also, make sure your hedgehog eats 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. So, make sure your hedgehog gets a balanced diet based on what your vet recommends.
It can be used as a snack or treat
Hedgehogs can snack on small pieces of broccoli and enjoy its crunchiness, although acceptance of broccoli in hedgehogs varies. It is low in calories and full of nutrients and fiber. However, don’t offer hedgehogs lots of fiber-rich vegetables, such as broccoli, on a regular basis because they can cause stomach upset or diarrhea if they eat too much. Introducing it slowly into their diet allows their digestive tract to adapt to the fiber in this cruciferous vegetable.
Sources
- “Broccoli, raw nutrition facts and analysis..” https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Broccoli%2C_raw_nutritional_value.html.
- “Broccoli 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.” 10 May. 2019, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/broccoli.
- “Hedgehogs – Feeding | VCA Animal Hospital.” https://vchahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hedgehogs—feeding.
- “Flavonoid Content of 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 intended to replace diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals showing signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
