Can Hedgehogs Eat French Fries?

French fries are tasty and salty, but they are also one of the worst meals to overeat, especially if you're attempting to get in shape or live a healthier lifestyle. French fries are the only item that can transform a plain, simple potato into the fast food superstar that is a mainstay in most fast food meals by deep frying it. It is normal to want to feed pets with some of our food, however, it is imperative to first have an idea of how safe these foods are. This article discusses the possibility of feeding French fries to hedgehogs.

CAN HEDGEHOGS EAT FRENCH FRIES?

NUTRIENTS CONTAINED IN FRENCH FRIES.

Before determining if hedgehogs should eat any food, it is important to first be familiar with the nutrients contained in such food. The table below shows the nutrients that 100 grams of French fries contain.

NUTRIENTS	QUANTITY
Water	36.6 g
Energy	323 kcal
Protein	3.41 g
Fat	15.5 g
Carbohydrate	42.6 g
Fiber	3.9 g
Sugars	0.21 g
Starch	38.2 g
Calcium	19 mg
Iron	0.8 g
Magnesium	37 mg
Phosphorus	127 mg
Potassium	596 mg
Sodium	189 mg
Zinc	0.51 mg
Copper	0.114 mg
Manganese	0.249 mg
Vitamin A	0 IU
Vitamin B6	0.38 mg
Vitamin C	5.6 mg
Vitamin K	48.6 µg

RISKS OF FEEDING FRENCH FRIES TO HEDGEHOGS.

• 1. Upset stomach: Since fats are digested by the body more slowly than carbohydrates and proteins, as well as the fact that they have more calories due to the way they are cooked, french fries will likely stay in a hedgehog’s stomach for a lot longer than if they were filling up on healthier options. This will increase their risk of experiencing stomach discomfort and other adverse reactions including nausea, diarrhea, and bloating.
• 2. Their brain gets foggy: Because fries are deep-fried in hydrogenated oils, they include a lot of fat, which boosts bad cholesterol and lowers good cholesterol. This causes a hedgehog’s brain to become foggy. It will significantly increase a hedgehog’s risk of developing heart disease as a result of this. This is only one of the numerous reasons why french fries are not one of the foods consumable by hedgehogs.
• 3. Their immune system may be affected: A high-fat, greasy diet may be harming a hedgehog by promoting unhealthy bacteria and reducing its body's healthier bacteria. This exposes a hedgehog’s body to illness and disease which includes harming its immune system.
• 4. They could become overweight: hedgehogs are prone to obesity and should not consume foods that are high in calories. Foods that are fried in fat contain extra calories therefore, eating French fries is directly associated with incidences of obesity in hedgehogs.

WHAT CAN I DO IF MY HEDGEHOG EATS FRENCH FRIES?

It is recommended to keep an eye on hedgehogs and call a doctor as soon as you see any symptoms in your hedgehog that worry you. The less severe adverse effects that a hedgehog may experience after eating french fries are listed below. Consult your veterinarian if these symptoms persist for more than 12 hours after your hedgehog eats french fries or if they start to get worse: nausea, changes in urination, vomiting, upset stomach, increased thirst, or dehydration Some hedgehogs may experience more serious negative effects. It is crucial that you get in touch with your emergency veterinarian right away if you see any of the symptoms listed below since your hedgehog might be suffering from a life-threatening illness:

Anaphylaxis risk

If your hedgehog exhibits symptoms of swelling, or difficulty breathing, it may be experiencing a severe allergic response.

Illnesses

Small hedgehogs who consume a lot of salty fries are particularly in danger of developing illnesses. Confusion, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and coma are just a few of the symptoms.

Bloating

Gas buildup in the stomach of some hedgehogs might be brought on by the high-fat content of fries. The risk is greater for some hedgehogs. Stomach swelling, drooling, panting, pacing, and pain signals are a few symptoms.

WHAT ELSE CAN HEDGEHOGS EAT?

The majority of fast-food restaurants don't provide many fantastic options when it comes to sharing something healthier with your hedgehog in the drive-through. Even its ostensibly "healthier" selections, like fruit, may include extra sugar or have undergone herbicide and chemical treatments. If you're going to get fast food, it's probably best to leave your hedgehog at home. Having said that, you can feed your hedgehog a variety of nutritious human foods.

Hedgehogs can eat sweet potatoes, but regular potatoes aren't the best option. They are also able to consume a variety of veggies, including broccoli, carrots, green beans, and others. Bananas and blueberries are just a few of the fruits that are healthy for hedgehogs. But there are some items you should stay away from. Hedgehogs may be poisoned or not enjoy certain foods, including grapes, onions, and garlic. Before giving your hedgehog any meals from people, consult your veterinarian. Inappropriate portion sizes can make even good foods unhealthy, so ask your veterinarian for guidance.

CONCLUSION.

Hedgehogs can eat a variety of human food but are not to consume French fries. French fries are junk food for humans and are not healthy enough for hedgehogs to consume. They are extremely high in phosphorus and sodium, which could pose a great danger to a hedgehog’s health. Therefore, it is advisable to only feed them with food that has been recommended or certified by a veterinarian, to keep them from harm’s way.