Almonds trees are one of the first trees that were grown by humans. Almonds serve as a source of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber; this is why almonds have many health benefits. They are also a good source of protein for people on a plant-based diet. Almonds can be taken into the body in different forms as they can be used as an ingredient when toasting light meals or making numerous dishes. They can also be ground into the powder form as flour, made into oil or butter, or even transformed into almond milk.
CAN HEDGEHOGS EAT ALMONDS?
Yes, hedgehogs can eat almonds. A hedgehog’s diet should be rich in protein, and almonds are a good source of protein; it is, therefore, recommendable to give almonds to hedgehogs. Although almonds are healthy for hedgehogs, they are hard to chew and will need a bit of the hedgehog’s strength if they are chewing. If almonds are not cut into smaller pieces, there will be a high risk of choking, so it is advisable to cut the almond into cubes before feeding them to hedgehogs to prevent the hedgehogs from choking and vomiting.
CAN HEDGEHOGS EAT NUTS?
Nuts are very healthy for human consumption, but not all nuts can be considered nutritious for hedgehogs. Almond is a drupe but is often mistaken for a nut. Nuts serve as a source of protein, vitamins, fiber, and minerals, but they also contain a lot of fat; thus, they are considered nutritious for a hedgehog’s health but can also be unhealthy if eaten frequently. This is because hedgehogs need a diet high in protein but low in fat. Nuts are only suggestively healthy if the hedgehog eats them in smaller amounts or as a light meal once in a while. It is also advisable to cut them into tiny bits to make them easy to chew; to prevent the hedgehog from choking.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FEEDING ALMONDS TO HEDGEHOGS?
As already established, it is healthy for hedgehogs to eat almonds. However, to know how they benefit a hedgehog, we should check the nutritional contents of almonds. The table below shows the nutrients contained in 100 grams of almond according to the USDA national nutrients database;
|
NUTRIENT |
QUANTITY |
|
Fiber |
13.3 g |
|
Protein |
23.33 g |
|
Energy |
567 kcal |
|
Carbohydrate |
16.67 g |
|
Sugar |
3.33 g |
|
Iron |
3.6 mg |
|
Calcium |
267 mg |
|
Fat |
50 g |
The following benefits of almonds have been obtained from the table above:
- Almonds contain a good amount of nutrients that help to keep hedgehogs healthy and active.
- Almonds are a source of antioxidants that helps to protect hedgehogs from stress which can lead to damaged molecules in their cells, inflammation, and aging diseases such as cancer.
- Almonds are high in Vitamin E, which helps to frame up the cell membranes in the body, thereby protecting body cells from future damage.
- Almonds help to control the blood sugar level of hedgehogs because they are low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fiber.
- Almonds help to lower blood pressure levels in hedgehogs.
- Almonds can reduce the cholesterol level in hedgehogs; this reduces their risk of heart disease.
- The consumption of almonds can reduce hunger because they are low in carbohydrates. If the hunger level of a hedgehog is scaled-down, it checks the number of calories that goes into its body.
- Almonds are very effective for weight loss because of the low number of calories they contain.
WHAT ELSE CAN HEDGEHOGS EAT?
Hedgehogs are omnivores, so they can have a meal plan that contains meats, vegetables, and a bunch of other types of food, moderately. They need a diet rich in protein with a low percentage of fat and fiber. They can also eat numerous fruits such as berries (blueberries, blackberries, cowberries, raspberries, acai berries, strawberries, goji berries, and currants), bananas, pears, cantaloupe, figs, kiwi, cherries, papaya, melon, avocado, nectarines, apples, watermelon, peaches, and mango.
It is important to note that fruits are high in sugar contents, and it is advisable not to make them the most of a hedgehog’s meal plan; this is why they should be given to hedgehogs in little amounts as treats from time to time. It is also advisable that vegetables such as tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, or fresh green beans be given to them occasionally but in small portions.
Generally, hedgehogs are animals that do not eat a particular food for so long. They try out the different food types in front of them, but it is advisable to measure the total amount of food they eat throughout the day using tablespoons. Therefore, it is commendable for any food item meant for hedgehogs as treats to be measured and served in little amounts.
Quality cat food is also one of the best kinds of food to give to hedgehogs. Cat foods might have to be processed differently, so it is commendable to check the nutritional facts of the cat food before feeding it to a hedgehog. Doing this will help ensure that the cat food has the essential nutrients that hedgehogs need. Hedgehogs have a long life span, but they need a healthy and balanced diet to live their lives to the fullest; if they eat only healthy meals, they will spend a very long period around you.
CONCLUSION
Hedgehogs are natural hunters because they scout food by themselves. They are also curious animals, which makes them try out most food items provided for them. Their primary diet should advisably consist of insects and other small animals; this means they naturally eat foods that are high in protein and low on fats most of the time.
Apart from their primary diet, they can have other food types as treats such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. However, it is advisable to keep their treats in smaller amounts because they often contain a lot of fat which is not essential in a hedgehog’s diet. Almonds can also be optional treats for hedgehogs, but they should be cut into cubes to prevent the hedgehog from choking or vomiting.
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