Feeding Mealworms to Hedgehogs: A Nutritious and Fun Treat

jwalkerbidoxnard
May 6
2 min read

We love Hedgehogs, this is Frieda who got us started with our Mealworm obsession.

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Hedgehogs are curious, insect-loving animals, and mealworms can be a nutritious and enriching part of their diet when fed in moderation. Whether you're a new hedgehog owner or looking to fine-tune your pet’s feeding routine, this guide will walk you through the benefits, best practices, and recommended quantities for feeding live mealworms to your prickly friend.

Why Hedgehogs Love Mealworms

In the wild, hedgehogs are opportunistic insectivores. That means their natural diet is full of beetles, worms, and other creepy crawlies. Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) closely mimic the insects hedgehogs would find in nature and provide:

🥩 High-quality protein
🌿 Essential fats for energy and coat health
🍽️ Enrichment through hunting behavior

Mealworms can also encourage natural foraging instincts—just drop a few in their enclosure and watch your hedgehog go!

How Many Mealworms Should You Feed?

While mealworms are nutritious, they should be considered a treat or supplement, not a staple food. Too many can lead to obesity or nutritional imbalance due to their high fat content.

A safe and healthy feeding routine for an average-sized hedgehog:

✅ 5–10 live mealworms per feeding
✅ Twice a day (morning and evening)
✅ Always alongside a balanced staple food

This means you’ll go through about 300–600 mealworms per month per hedgehog, depending on your feeding habits.

Live vs. Dried Mealworms

Dried mealworms are convenient but lack the moisture and interactive value of live ones. Live mealworms:

🐛 Stimulate natural hunting instincts
💧 Provide hydration
🥇 Are more palatable for picky eaters

Tips for Feeding Mealworms to Hedgehogs

Keep mealworms in a cool, dry container with bran or oats as bedding and food.
Use feeding tongs or offer them in a shallow dish to avoid substrate ingestion.
Always supervise the first few feedings to ensure your hedgehog chews properly.

🛒 Get the Perfect Supply for Your Hedgehog

Skip the pet store trips and keep your hedgehog happy with a monthly subscription of live mealworms shipped directly from Solvang Mealworm Company.

Our Hedgehog Plan: