Ever wondered what hedgehogs actually eat? Some folks ask if frogs are on that list. Hedgehogs mainly munch on insects and other little critters, but honestly, they’re not picky when they’re hungry. Sometimes, hedgehogs will eat frogs, though it’s not really a staple in their diet.
Frogs don’t usually top their menu. Hedgehogs mostly chase after invertebrates—think beetles, worms, and slugs. But if a frog happens to cross their path, a hedgehog might just go for it.
If you want to help hedgehogs in your garden, knowing what they eat can make a difference.
Do Hedgehogs Eat Frogs?
Hedgehogs eat mostly insects, but every now and then, they’ll snack on a frog or another small animal. They just take what they can find. Frogs aren’t their main food, but hedgehogs don’t seem to mind adding them to the mix.
How Often Do Hedgehogs Eat Frogs?
In the wild, hedgehogs usually go for insects and other tiny creatures. Those are just easier to catch and pack more nutrition. Frogs only end up on the menu once in a while, mostly if insects are hard to find or a frog is just sitting there, easy pickings.
You won’t see hedgehogs eating frogs every day. It’s more of a random treat when they stumble across one during their nighttime wanderings.
Types of Frogs Eaten by Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs pick off small frogs they can actually catch. Bigger frogs or tough old toads? Not so much. Some types they might go for include:
- Common frogs
- Bullfrogs (just the little ones)
- Leopard frogs
- Water frogs
They stick with frogs that don’t put up much of a fight. Quick meals save them energy for the next hunt.
Risks or Benefits of Eating Frogs
Eating frogs gives hedgehogs some extra protein, but it shouldn’t make up most of what they eat. If they eat too many frogs, they might miss out on nutrients that insects offer.
Hedgehogs can handle a bit of frog toxin thanks to their strong immune systems. Some even spread toad toxins on their spines for protection.
The real problem? If a hedgehog fills up on frogs, it might skip out on healthier foods. Make sure hedgehogs get plenty of insects to keep them healthy.
If you’re curious, check out HedgehogsHub’s page on Do Hedgehogs Eat Frogs?
Understanding Hedgehog Diets Beyond Frogs
Hedgehogs mostly eat insects and other small creatures for their nutrition. You’ll notice their diets change depending on where they live or if they’re pets. Knowing what to feed a hedgehog—or what they find in the wild—helps you keep them healthy.
Primary Foods for Hedgehogs
Wild hedgehogs eat mostly invertebrates like worms, beetles, slugs, caterpillars, earwigs, and millipedes. These foods give them the protein and nutrients they need. Sometimes, they’ll eat fallen berries, a bit of fruit, bird eggs, or even small animals like baby rodents or frogs, but that’s not the norm.
Hedgehogs do most of their hunting at night. Chasing down insects and worms gives them a diet high in protein and low in sugar.
Hedgehog Diets in the Wild vs. Pets
Pet hedgehogs eat differently than wild ones because you pick their food. Wild hedgehogs have to hunt for every meal, but pet hedgehogs depend on you for things like special hedgehog food or good-quality cat or dog biscuits.
In the wild, hedgehogs sometimes compete with foxes or owls for insects. Pet hedgehogs don’t have that problem, but you still need to give them a balanced, protein-rich diet that’s not too fatty. Fruits and veggies are fine in small amounts, but skip the sugary or heavily processed snacks.
Suitable Foods for Pet Hedgehogs
If you want to keep your pet hedgehog healthy, try feeding a mix of specialist hedgehog food, meat-based pet food, and the occasional insect like a mealworm.
You might also toss in a few cooked veggies or berries for some variety.
Skip foods like milk, raw meat, or anything sugary. Baby hedgehogs—hoglets—usually need softer foods or special formulas until they’re ready to eat regular meals.
Make sure you set out fresh water every day, since hedgehogs don’t get much liquid from their food.
If you want to dig deeper, check out more about hedgehog diets in the wild and how to feed them.
