Can Hedgehogs Eat Fish?

Can Hedgehogs Eat Fish?



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Hedgehog

One of the world's healthiest foods is fish. Important nutrients like protein and vitamin D are abundant in fish. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for the body and brain, are also abundant in fish. Many people neglect fish as a food source. There are several fish species, each with a wide range of flavors and preparation methods to suit any palate. Eating fish instead of red meat is a terrific idea because it offers a variety of health advantages, including better heart health.

In almost every part of the world, humans catch a variety of fish species to use as food. Throughout human history, fish has been a crucial nutritional source of protein and other nutrients. There are several ways to cook fish, including smoking, marinating, and pickling. Additionally, you can bake, grill, fry, steam, or poach it.

CAN HEDGEHOGS EAT FISH?

Yes, hedgehogs can eat fish but only when it is cooked. Nothing should be added to the fish during preparation, including salt or oil. Giving seasoned fish to hedgehogs puts them at risk of stomach problems. Hedgehogs who are fed raw fish run the danger of contracting foodborne diseases. They could get infected with Salmonella. Additionally, hedgehogs should eat fish in moderation because when they eat too much at once, they may suffer indigestion.

Fish

BENEFITS OF FEEDING FISH TO HEDGEHOGS.

Fish is very rich in nutrients that hedgehogs need to stay healthy. Below is a table that shows the nutrients contained in 100 grams of tilapia fish.

NUTRIENTS

QUANTITY

Water

71.6 g

Energy

128 kcal

Protein

26.2 g

Fat

2.65 g

Carbohydrate

0 g

Fiber

0 g

Sugar

0 g

Calcium

14 mg

Iron

0.69 mg

Magnesium

34 mg

Phosphorus

204 mg

Potassium

380 mg

Sodium

56 mg

Zinc

0.41 mg

Copper

0.075 mg

Manganese

0.037 mg

Selenium

54.4 µg

Vitamin A

0 IU

Vitamin B6

0.123 mg

Vitamin B12

1.86 µg

Vitamin C

0 mg

Vitamin D

150 IU

Vitamin E

0.79 mg

Vitamin K

0.9 µg

Fatty acids

0.94 g

Cholesterol 

57 mg

 

Fish

Some of the benefits of feeding fish to hedgehogs include:

  • Good source of protein: Fish is a fantastic source of protein, which is essential for keeping strong muscles, organs, and blood vessels in hedgehogs. Protein supports hormone signaling and cell division. Every system in a hedgehog’s body uses protein in some capacity.
  • Fish is rich in iodine:  Iodine is a crucial mineral that the body cannot manufacture on its own but it is abundant in fish. The thyroid affects things like a hedgehog’s appetite and immune system, and iodine is essential for thyroid health. Thus, fish is an essential addition to a hedgehog’s diet.
  • Improved Brain Health: Omega-3 fatty acids, which are a form of fat, are abundant in fish. The health of the brain depends on these lipids. Low blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to memory loss and cognitive decline, two signs of accelerated brain aging. In actuality, aging-related brain shrinkage has been connected to these low levels of omega fatty acids. To keep a hedgehog’s brain active and healthy, fish should be offered to hedgehogs.
  • Lower Risk of Heart Disease: The Omega-3 fatty acids present in fish have also been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids seems to be linked to preventing and decreasing a hedgehog’s chances of encountering heart disease. These fatty acids also help to lessen blood pressure.
  • Rich in essential nutrients: Fish contains vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that can have a positive impact on a hedgehog’s health. Fish includes vitamin B12, which is essential for neurological function and the development of healthy red blood cells. Anemia and persistent fatigue are two conditions that are correlated with low vitamin B12 levels. However, the risk of dementia and heart disease in hedgehogs is lowered when there is adequate intake of vitamin B12, which fish provides. 

RISKS OF FEEDING FISH TO HEDGEHOGS.

Feeding fish to hedgehogs is not without potential dangers. However, once you are aware of these dangers, you ought to be able to protect your hedgehog from them. If you give your hedgehog fish, make sure you remove all the bones. If the bones are left in, your hedgehog could choke and suffocate. Additionally, the hedgehog could experience pain and infection if the bones pierce its gum. Hedgehogs may also be at risk of mercury toxicity, which affects many other animals. Diverse levels of mercury are present in a wide variety of fish. Therefore, if your hedgehog eats too much fish, it can suffer.

Some biological tissues, including the kidney and the brain, collect mercury. You could observe the following signs of mercury poisoning in hedgehogs: bloody urine, inability to urinate, convulsions, poor coordination, blindness, tremor, increased thirst, decreased appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. Get the hedgehog to a vet facility right away if you see any of the aforementioned signs because mercury poisoning will quickly result in death if left untreated.

Fish

CAN HEDGEHOGS EAT EVERY TYPE OF FISH?

No, hedgehogs cannot consume every type of fish. Hedgehogs can consume fish as a food supplement rather than as their primary source of protein. It is advisable to feed fish to hedgehogs only as a treat. Hedgehogs can safely consume a variety of fish, including tilapia, Atlantic mackerel, sardines, salmon, herrings, haddock, and Pollock. As a result of their low mercury content, these fish are beneficial for hedgehogs.

However, because they are more likely to have high mercury content, there are several fish kinds you shouldn't give your hedgehog. Fish including gem fish, swordfish, shark, barramundi, ling, cod, and southern Bluefin tuna may be poisonous to hedgehogs. These fish have significant mercury content, which can be harmful to hedgehogs. Heavy metal mercury can harm a hedgehog’s nervous system and result in various issues.

CONCLUSION.

Due to the nourishment it offers, fish is a safe supplement to a hedgehog's diet but hedgehogs should only consume cooked and deboned fish. You must thoroughly cook the fish before giving it to your hedgehog. The bacteria in raw fish has the potential to sicken a hedgehog. Also, avoid fish that contains too much salt such as canned tuna or shrimp. To avoid any potential stomach discomfort as with any new foods, it is advisable to introduce fish into a hedgehog's diet gradually.


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