Beef also called red meat, is the meat of cattle. It can be roasted, fried, cooked in soups, used in pastries, or eaten as steak. It could also be processed into sausages or corned beef. Beef is richer in iron if compared to fish or chicken. It is also a great source of protein and other vitamins, therefore, eating beef moderately is a safe addition to a healthy diet. This article, however, centers on the benefits and risks of feeding beef to hedgehogs.
CAN HEDGEHOGS EAT BEEF?
Yes, hedgehogs can eat beef. Beef contains lots of nutrients that are beneficial to hedgehogs, which makes it a healthy addition to their diet. The bacteria in raw beef makes it unhealthy to serve it to hedgehogs thus, it is advisable to cook the beef before serving it to hedgehogs. Also, hedgehogs do not have a digestive system that is designed to digest raw beef, hence, feeding it to them can prove harmful. When cooking the beef to be eaten by a hedgehog, it is recommendable to cook it without seasonings and in small quantities to prevent them from falling sick.
BENEFITS OF FEEDING BEEF TO HEDGEHOGS?
Beef contains a lot of beneficial nutrients for hedgehogs. Below is a table showing the nutrients that 100 grams of beef contain, according to the USDA nutrients database:
|
NUTRIENTS |
QUANTITY |
|
Water |
61.9 g |
|
Energy |
254 kcal |
|
Protein |
17.2 g |
|
Fat |
20 g |
|
Carbohydrate |
0 g |
|
Fiber |
0 g |
|
Sugar |
0 g |
|
Calcium |
18 mg |
|
Iron |
1.94 mg |
|
Magnesium |
17 mg |
|
Phosphorus |
158 mg |
|
Potassium |
270 mg |
|
Sodium |
66 mg |
|
Zinc |
4.18 mg |
|
Copper |
0.061 mg |
|
Manganese |
0.01 mg |
|
Thiamin |
0.043 mg |
|
Riboflavin |
0.151 mg |
|
Niacin |
4,23 mg |
|
Cholesterol |
71 mg |
|
Vitamin A |
14 IU |
|
Vitamin B-6 |
0.323 mg |
|
Vitamin B-12 |
2.14 µg |
|
Vitamin D |
3 IU |
|
Vitamin E |
0.17 mg |
|
Vitamin K |
|
- It contains high amounts of protein:Generally, hedgehogs require a diet high in protein which is essential for the growth and maintenance of hedgehogs. The protein in beef helps to repair and build bones, muscle, skin, and cartilage. It also assists hedgehogs in maintaining a healthy digestive system.
- It helps to prevent mineral deficiency:Beef helps to prevent central mineral deficiencies in hedgehogs because it contains reasonable amounts of numerous minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous.
It contains vitamin C
Beef contains vitamin C, which is a healthy addition to a hedgehog’s diet because of the following functions it performs:
- Producing collagen that forms connective tissues in hedgehogs and heals wounds
- Developing and maintaining a healthy immune system for hedgehogs
- Assists in neutralizing free radicals, which decreases the risks of cancer in hedgehogs
- Protects hedgehogs from illnesses such as scurvy, which happens when they suffer a vitamin C deficiency.
Adequate amounts of vitamin A
Beef contains necessary amounts of vitamin A which is essential for hedgehogs because it performs the following functions:
- Improves their eye health
- Aids their development of a healthy immune system
- Supports the communication between cells
- Help body organs function properly.
It contains a reasonable level of vitamin K
Beef is a rich source of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and proper wound healing. Vitamin K also helps hedgehogs to develop good bone health.
It contains substantial amounts of other vitamins
Apart from vitamins A, C, and K, beef is also rich in other vitamins that perform numerous functions in hedgehogs. These include:
- Vitamin B6 aids their immune system in performing its function.
- Vitamin B12 promotes blood formation in hedgehogs.
Improves blood health
Beef is rich in iron which helps to improve the blood health of hedgehogs. Iron aids the production of hemoglobin in hedgehogs, which aids their blood to circulate oxygen from their lungs to the rest of their body. If hedgehogs do not consume enough iron, it could lead them to suffer from iron deficiency which is harmful to them.
It contains sufficient amounts of zinc
Beef is rich in zinc, which helps the damaged tissues in hedgehogs to recuperate. Zinc also aids the healthy growth of baby hedgehogs and supports their immune system to function well.
RISKS OF FEEDING BEEF TO HEDGEHOGS?
Although hedgehogs can consume beef, certain risks are attached to feeding them beef too often. Feeding beef to hedgehogs frequently can lead them to suffer from illnesses like heart disease, kidney problems, and digestive issues. This is a result of the saturated fat that beef contains.
The type of beef that hedgehogs consume can also put their health at risk. It is not healthy to feed them with processed beef such as hotdogs, corned beef, and sausages. Beef that has been processed often contains ingredients like preservatives, salt, and excess fat. Also, feeding hedgehogs with beef that has been roasted, smoked, or grilled, makes them prone to cancer because of the chemicals generated via these preparation methods.
CONCLUSION.
Beef is very much consumable by hedgehogs because it contains substantial amounts of nutrients such as protein, Iron, Zinc, and vitamins A, C, K, and B6. Beef performs many functions in hedgehogs including the building of strong and healthy bones, circulation of blood, and maintaining a healthy digestive system. However, before feeding hedgehogs beef it is advisable to cut it into tiny pieces and cook it without seasoning.
It is not recommendable to give beef to hedgehogs too often because serving them with beef regularly and in large portions can put their health at risk. Eating beef too often can cause hedgehogs to suffer from heart diseases and kidney problems while feeding them in large quantities can result in indigestion.
When beef is processed, it is done so with the addition of ingredients that might be harmful to hedgehogs; thus, consuming processed beef can put them at risk of cancer. When feeding hedgehogs with beef, it is healthier to serve them unprocessed or mildly cooked beef in tiny quantities. They can also consume other fruits and vegetables that help them to maintain a balanced diet and live a healthy life.
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