Foods You Should Never Leave Out for Hedgehogs This Autumn

Brits are being reminded not to leave certain foods out for hedgehogs this autumn to avoid causing them harm.

The wildlife team at GardeningExpress.co.uk have shared a list of foods that offer no nutritional value and can be a potential choking hazard for hedgehogs if left out in the garden in the coming months.

Autumn is here and hedgehogs will now be preparing for hibernation until November by eating and drinking as much as possible to build fat reserves. 

This helps them survive the cold, winter months when food is scarce and their bodies slow down to conserve energy.

Wildlife lovers will be keen to help out these animals by leaving out food for them over the coming weeks but there are some common misconceptions about what we should be giving them.

The experts have shared what foods should be avoided when trying to help out hedgehogs as well as some alternative suggestions. 

Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “It’s that time of year again, when hedgehogs are gearing up for hibernation and looking for food to build their fat reserves.

“Leaving out food for hedgehogs is a simple and effective way to support local wildlife, but it’s important to offer the right foods.

“Some items, such as bread, provide no nutritional benefit and can even pose a choking hazard.

“Instead, offer plain, unseasoned foods like chicken and nuts. Serve them in small quantities, cutting them into pieces that are easy for hedgehogs to digest.”

Five foods you should never give to hedgehogs: 

Bread

People assume bread is suitable for hedgehogs because it’s soft, but the truth is it can be hard for hedgehogs to digest. Not only can it cause blockages but it also offers them no nutritional value.

Cheese and dairy products 

Cheese is high in protein and fats so it may seem like it’s a nice treat but hedgehogs are actually lactose intolerant. Avoid leaving out cheese and other dairy products like milk as these can dehydrate hedgehogs and give them diarrhea.

If you want to leave high protein food out, hedgehogs will appreciate plain and unseasoned chicken, turkey or beef cut into small pieces. Avoid processed meats with high salt content such as bacon and ham.

Mealworms

Although hedgehogs do love mealworms, they don’t provide many nutritional benefits and too much can weaken the bones. You can leave them out as a sweet treat as part of other food but avoid giving them to hedgehogs in large quantities.

Nuts

While nuts can be left out for hedgehogs you should avoid any that are salty, spicy and covered in flavouring. If leaving out nuts for hedgehogs do so in small amounts and make sure they are plain.

Grapes and sweet fruits 

A common mistake people make is leaving sweet and sugary fruits out such as grapes. These are far too high in sugar and can even be toxic for hedgehogs. If you want to leave out fruit, opt for apples and pears without seeds or berries. Make sure these are cut into small pieces and give them in moderation.

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