Quick Answer: The 10 Best Hedgehog Treats
| # | Product | Type | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunseed Wigglers & Berries | Berry/Insect Mix | $15.99 | Best Overall |
| 2 | Exotic Nutrition Berries & Bugs | Insectivore Diet | $18.99 | Best Premium |
| 3 | Spikes Delicious Dry | Premium Staple | $15.99 | Best UK Import |
| 4 | Sunseed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food | Budget Staple | $10.39 | Best Budget |
| 5 | Exotic Nutrition Treat Variety Pack | Variety Sampler | $12.99 | Best Variety Pack |
| 6 | Exotic Nutrition Mango & Papaya | Fruit Treat | $7.99 | Best Fruit Treat |
| 7 | Mazuri Hedgehog Food | Vet-Recommended | $10.39 | Best Vet-Approved |
| 8 | Exotic Nutrition Dried Insect 3 Pack | Insect Variety | $15.99 | Best Insect Treat |
| 9 | Exotic Nutrition Veggie Blend | Veggie Treat | $5.99 | Best Veggie Treat |
| 10 | PureBites Chicken Breast | Protein Treat | $10.99 | Best Protein Treat |
What Are Hedgehog Treats?
Hedgehog treats are supplemental foods given alongside a staple diet to provide variety, bonding opportunities, and nutritional enrichment. Unlike dog or cat hedgehog treats, the ideal treat mimics a hedgehog’s natural insectivore diet — high protein, low sugar, with insect or meat as the primary ingredient. (VCA Animal Hospitals: “A pet hedgehog’s diet should mainly consist of high-quality hedgehog food mixed with high-quality, low-fat cat food.”)
Hedgehogs are insectivores by nature. Their ideal treat list looks nothing like what dogs, cats, or rabbits eat. Most new owners give the wrong hedgehog snacks or too many of them.
Fruit treats are popular but hedgehogs can only handle them 1-2 times per week due to sugar content. Wild insects carry parasites. Many commercial treats labeled “for small pets” are actually designed for rabbits or guinea pigs — not hedgehogs.
For a complete nutrition overview, see our hedgehog diet guide. For staple food recommendations, check out our best hedgehog food guide. This article is part of our treat cluster — see also our best hamster treats for cross-species comparison.
How We Selected These Hedgehog Treats
We evaluated 10 hedgehog treats using community consensus from the r/hedgehog subreddit and the Hedgehog Welfare Society, combined with ingredient analysis and real owner feedback.
Quick tip: Treats should never replace a quality staple diet. The best hedgehog treats make up no more than 10% of total daily food intake.
Each product here was scored on protein content, species-appropriate ingredients, hedgehog acceptance rate, and owner-reported negatives. We eliminated products labeled for rabbits, guinea pigs, or reptiles — common on Chewy’s hedgehog treat list but inappropriate for insectivores.
Hedgehog-Specific Treats — Made Just for Hedgies
These products are formulated specifically for hedgehogs or marketed primarily to hedgehog owners. They combine the protein hedgehogs need with flavors they actually enjoy.
1. Sunseed Wigglers & Berries — Best Overall
Sunseed Wigglers & Berries is the most widely purchased hedgehog-specific treat available It combines dried mealworms with berry pieces for a protein-meets-flavor mix that most hedgehogs accept eagerly.
The protein comes from dried mealworms, while the berry pieces provide the sweet flavor hedgehogs crave. Sunseed has decades of experience in small animal nutrition, giving this product a reliable formulation backbone.
Wigglers & Berries works best as a daily bonding treat — 1-2 pieces per day during handling time. Hedgehogs associate the treat with positive interaction, making nail trims and cage cleaning easier.
What we like: Widely purchased hedgehog-specific treat. High acceptance rate across picky and easy-going eaters. Combines protein and flavor in one convenient treat.
What could be better: Contains dried fruit — sugar content means max 1-2 pieces per day. At $15.99, it’s premium pricing for treats. Some picky hedgehogs pick out berries and leave mealworms behind. Multi-species labeling means it’s not exclusively formulated for hedgehogs.
2. Exotic Nutrition Berries & Bugs — Best Premium
Exotic Nutrition Berries & Bugs is the highest-rated hedgehog treat option. Exotic Nutrition is THE hedgehog specialist brand — they make more hedgehog-specific products than any other manufacturer.
The gut-loaded insects provide superior nutrition compared to standard dried insects. Gut-loading means the insects were fed nutrient-rich diets before processing, passing those nutrients to your hedgehog. (VCA Animal Hospitals: “Gut loading refers to feeding the insects a nutritious diet before feeding them to your hedgehog, so your hedgehog can benefit from the added nutrients.”) The 1.5 lb bag lasts weeks when used as a treat supplement.
What we like: Strong community endorsement among hedgehog treats. Gut-loaded insects offer better nutritional profile than standard dried bugs. 1.5 lb bag provides lasting value at $12.66 per pound.
What could be better: At $18.99, it’s the priciest option per bag. Marketed as “food” not “treat” — best used as supplement alongside a staple diet. Berry pieces crumble into fine dust during shipping. Some owners report strong insect odor when opening the bag.
3. Spikes Delicious Dry — Best UK Import
Spikes Delicious Dry is a dedicated hedgehog brand from the UK with a strong keeper following. Unlike multi-species products, Spikes makes food exclusively for hedgehogs — a rare commitment in the small pet market.
The European hedgehog community has trusted Spikes for years. It works as both a staple food and a treat — you can sprinkle a few pellets as a bonding reward or training incentive during handling sessions.
What we like: Dedicated hedgehog-only brand with European pedigree. Versatile as both food and treat — works for training rewards.
What could be better: UK import means occasional supply chain issues and stock-outs. The 650g bag (23 oz) feels small for $15.99 compared to US-made alternatives. Some hedgehogs prefer the crunchier texture of Exotic Nutrition pellets. Limited US distribution means fewer purchasing options.
4. Sunseed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food — Best Budget
Sunseed Vita Prima is the most affordable option at $10.39. The formula combines poultry, seafood, and mealworms for a high-protein blend at the lowest price point.
The larger bag size compared to Spikes makes this the budget-friendly choice for multi-hedgehog households. At roughly $0.10 per ounce, it’s the cheapest way to offer hedgehog-specific hedgehog snacks regularly.
What we like: Best budget option at $10.39. Strong community feedback among budget options. High-protein formula with three protein sources.
What could be better: Less discussed than Spikes or Exotic Nutrition. Not nutritionally complete enough as a sole diet for hedgehogs. Mixed protein sources may confuse picky eaters. The seafood ingredient produces noticeably stronger odor in waste — one of the most common owner complaints.
Insect Treats — The Natural Choice for Insectivores
Hedgehogs are insectivores — insects are their number one treat type by community consensus. Freeze-dried insects are safer than live insects (zero parasite risk) and more convenient than canned options. For a deeper dive on mealworm safety specifically, see our guide on whether hedgehogs can eat mealworms.
5. Exotic Nutrition Dried Insect 3 Pack — Best Insect Treat
Exotic Nutrition Dried Insect 3 Pack offers crickets, grasshoppers, and mealworms in one pack — three insect types for $15.99. This hedgehog treats freeze dried approach eliminates parasite risk while maintaining nutritional value.
Each pack contains a different insect species, giving your hedgehog dietary variety. Freeze-drying preserves protein content better than canned alternatives. This is the hedgehog treats insects category leader.
What we like: Three insect types in one pack for dietary variety. Freeze-dried means zero parasite risk from wild insects. Well-regarded insect variety pack.
What could be better: Less community feedback than single-species options. At $15.99 for three small packs, the per-ounce cost is higher than buying individual insect bags. Strong insect odor requires sealed storage. Multi-species packaging means it’s not hedgehog-specific.
Fruit and Vegetable Treats — Use Sparingly
⚠️ Vet Warning: Fruit treats are high in natural sugar. Veterinarians recommend limiting fruit to 1-2 times per week maximum. Vegetable treats are safer for daily use due to lower sugar content. Overfeeding fruit leads to obesity and digestive issues in hedgehogs.
Hedgehog treats fruit options are popular with owners but come with important caveats. For specific fruit safety guidance, see our article on whether hedgehogs can eat strawberries.
6. Exotic Nutrition Mango and Papaya — Best Fruit Treat
Exotic Nutrition Mango & Papaya offers dried tropical fruit in 4.5 oz bags at $7.99. Mango and papaya are community favorites — hedgehogs love the sweet flavor, making these effective bonding hedgehog snacks.
The natural drying process preserves nutrients while concentrating the sweet flavor. Each piece is bite-sized for hedgehog mouths. The 4.5 oz bag provides many small portions when limited to 1-2 pieces per week.
What we like: Mango and papaya are the most requested fruit treats in hedgehog communities. No artificial colors or preservatives. Bite-sized pieces are easy to portion for treat limits.
What could be better: Dried mango and papaya is roughly 70% natural sugar — this is the most important caveat. Vets recommend a strict maximum of 1-2 pieces per week. The sticky texture makes handling messy. Attracts ants if the bag isn’t sealed tightly after opening.
7. Exotic Nutrition Veggie Blend — Best Veggie Treat
Exotic Nutrition Veggie Blend combines sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas in a 3 oz bag for $5.99. Dried vegetables have significantly lower sugar than dried fruit, making this a safer daily hedgehog treat option.
All three vegetables are hedgehog-safe and vet-recommended. The low price point makes this one of the most affordable hedgehog snacks on the list. Vegetables are the healthiest treat category for daily use because they provide fiber and micronutrients without the sugar spike.
What we like: Lowest price at $5.99 with strong owner feedback. Vegetables have lower sugar than fruit — safer for daily feeding. Sweet potato, carrot, and pea combination covers key micronutrients.
What could be better: Limited long-term feedback. Same formula is sold for chinchillas, degus, and rabbits — not hedgehog-specific. Some hedgehogs prefer fresh vegetables from the fridge over dried versions. The 3 oz bag is small and runs out quickly with regular use.
Variety Packs and Protein Treats
8. Exotic Nutrition Hedgehog Treat Variety Pack — Best Variety Pack
Exotic Nutrition Hedgehog Treat Variety Pack includes mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, crickets, apples, and carrots in one package for $12.99. This hedgehog treat variety pack is the best way to discover what your hedgehog prefers.
The five-in-one sampler eliminates guesswork for new owners. Instead of buying five separate treat bags, you get small portions of each type. The hedgehog treats dried mealworms included in this pack are the most popular variety.
What we like: Five treat types in one pack — perfect for taste-testing. Great gift for new hedgehog owners. Exotic Nutrition hedgehog-specific formulation across all varieties.
What could be better: Less individually reviewed than standalone Exotic Nutrition products. Smaller quantity per treat type compared to buying separately. Some hedgehogs won’t accept all five varieties, meaning part of the pack may go unused. An owner reported their hedgehog refused the vegetable treats entirely and only ate the insects.
9. Mazuri Hedgehog Food — Best Vet-Approved
Mazuri Hedgehog Food comes from Purina’s veterinary nutrition subsidiary at $10.39 for an 8 oz bag. Mazuri carries the trust of zoo nutritionists and exotic pet breeders.
The small 8 oz bag size works well for portioning hedgehog snacks — you can portion out a few pellets without committing to a large food bag. Mazuri is nutritionally complete, so using it as a treat supplement adds balanced nutrition rather than empty calories.
What we like: Veterinary nutrition brand (Purina subsidiary) with professional credibility. Nutritionally complete formula works as both food and treat.
What could be better: The 8 oz bag is very small — at $1.30 per ounce, it’s expensive relative to larger bags. Some hedgehogs dislike the softer pellet texture and prefer crunchier alternatives. Limited availability compared to Exotic Nutrition — Mazuri hedgehog products sometimes go out of stock.
10. PureBites Chicken Breast — Best Protein Treat
PureBites Chicken Breast is 100% freeze-dried chicken breast at a $10.99 price tag. Though labeled for dogs and cats, this single-ingredient human-grade protein is vet-approved for hedgehogs and widely used in the hedgehog community.
The appeal is simple: pure protein, zero sugar, no additives. For hedgehogs that turn up their noses at insect treats, chicken breast is often the hedgehog snacks that work when nothing else does. It’s healthier than fruit treats and more convenient than cooking fresh meat.
What we like: A widely discussed product on this list. Single-ingredient chicken — no fillers, additives, or preservatives. Human-grade quality with zero sugar content.
What could be better: Not marketed for hedgehogs — dog and cat labeling means the nutritional info isn’t hedgehog-specific. Crumbles easily into powder during shipping, creating messy handling. The reviews include dog and cat owners, so hedgehog-specific feedback is diluted. Strong chicken smell when the bag is first opened.
Safe vs Toxic Treat List — What Hedgehogs Can and Cannot Eat
| ✅ Safe Treats | ⚠️ Limit to 1-2x/week | ❌ Toxic / Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Mealworms (freeze-dried) | Mango, papaya, banana | Grapes and raisins (TOXIC) |
| Crickets (freeze-dried) | Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) | Chocolate (TOXIC) |
| Black soldier fly larvae | Apples (no seeds) | Avocado (TOXIC) |
| Cooked unseasoned chicken, turkey, salmon | Bananas | Onions and garlic |
| Sweet potato (cooked) | Cantaloupe, honeydew | Citrus fruits |
| Carrots (cooked) | Corn and peas (excess phosphorus) | Raw meat (bacteria risk) |
| Blueberries | Yogurt (small amounts, debated) | Wild-caught insects (parasite risk) |
| Green beans, zucchini | Baby food (check for onion powder) | Milk and dairy (lactose intolerant) |
| Scrambled eggs (no oil/butter) | Nuts and seeds (choking hazard) | |
| Tofu (small amounts) | Bread and pasta (empty calories) |
Key rules for feeding treats: Introduce one new treat at a time and wait 48 hours before trying another. Remove uneaten moist food after 4 hours to prevent bacterial growth. (Hedgehog Headquarters: comprehensive treat guide covering one-new-food-at-a-time introduction, scatter feeding for environmental enrichment, and dropper feeding for sick hedgehogs.) Hedgehog treats dried mealworms should be limited to 1-2 per day. Fruit treats should not exceed 1-2 times per week.
Too many new owners lose their hedgehogs to avoidable dietary mistakes — grapes and raisins cause acute kidney failure, and chocolate’s theobromine is lethal at small doses. Always verify a food is safe before offering it.
How Often Should You Give Your Hedgehog Treats?
| Treat Type | Frequency | Max Per Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insect treats (mealworms, crickets, BSFL) | Daily | 1-3 pieces | Hedgehog treats insects are the most recommended daily treat |
| Vegetable treats | Daily | Small portion | Vet-recommended for daily use over fruit |
| Hedgehog-specific treats (Wigglers & Berries) | Daily | 1-2 pieces | Watch sugar from any dried fruit content |
| Premium food as treat (Spikes, Mazuri pellets) | Daily | 5-10 pellets | Can supplement staple diet safely |
| Fruit treats (mango, papaya, berries) | 1-2x/week | 1-2 small pieces | High sugar — obesity and digestive risk |
| Meat treats (chicken, salmon, eggs) | 2-3x/week | 1 tsp sized piece | Must be cooked, unseasoned |
| Variety pack items | Varies by type | Follow individual type rules | Check treat type above |
One-at-a-time rule: When introducing a new treat, wait 48 hours before trying another. If your hedgehog gets diarrhea or green stool, you’ll know exactly which treat caused the reaction.
Hedgehog Treat Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Safe Feeding Practices
- ✅ Choose insect-based treats as your primary option — Mealworms, crickets, and black soldier fly larvae match the hedgehog’s insectivore digestive system. Freeze-dried eliminates parasite risk. (VCA Animal Hospitals: “Gut-loaded insects, such as mealworms and crickets” as supplemental food)
- ✅ Limit treats to 10% of total daily diet — The staple diet should remain 90%+ of intake. Treats are for bonding, training, and enrichment only.
- ✅ Introduce one new treat at a time — Wait 48 hours between new treats. If diarrhea or green stool appears, you know exactly which treat caused it.
- ✅ Remove uneaten moist food after 4 hours — Bacterial growth in warm, humid hedgehog enclosures happens fast. (Hedgehog Headquarters)
- ✅ Offer gut-loaded insects over standard dried bugs — Gut-loaded insects pass more nutrients to your hedgehog. (VCA Animal Hospitals)
- ✅ Limit mealworms to 1-2 per day — High fat content means excess causes obesity.
❌ Dangerous Feeding Mistakes
- ❌ Feeding grapes or raisins — Can cause acute kidney failure. Even small amounts are dangerous.
- ❌ Offering chocolate in any form — Theobromine is lethal to hedgehogs at doses safe for larger animals. (VCA Animal Hospitals: “Do not feed avocados, as they are toxic”)
- ❌ Giving wild-caught insects — Wild insects carry parasites and disease. Always use store-bought or freeze-dried. (Olympia Veterinary Hospital)
- ❌ Feeding milk or dairy products — Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant. Milk causes diarrhea and intestinal upset. (VCA Animal Hospitals: “Hedgehogs are not able to digest milk”)
- ❌ Offering nuts or seeds — Choking hazard — pieces get stuck in the roof of the mouth. (VCA Animal Hospitals)
- ❌ Overfeeding fruit treats — Dried mango and papaya are roughly 70% natural sugar. Limit to 1-2 times per week to prevent obesity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best treats for hedgehogs?
Freeze-dried insects — mealworms, crickets, and black soldier fly larvae — are the best hedgehog treats overall. They match a hedgehog’s natural insectivore diet, are high in protein, and carry zero parasite risk when freeze-dried.
For a formulated product, Sunseed Wigglers & Berries is the best hedgehog-specific treat on the market. It combines insect protein with berry flavor in one convenient treat.
Can hedgehogs eat mealworms every day?
Yes, but limit to 1-2 mealworms per day. Mealworms are high in fat — they should supplement the staple diet, not replace it. Freeze-dried mealworms are safer than live ones because they carry no parasite risk.
Live mealworms from pet stores can carry parasites that harm hedgehogs. Always choose freeze-dried or commercially canned options.
What treats are toxic to hedgehogs?
Grapes, raisins, chocolate, avocado, onions, garlic, raw meat, wild-caught insects, milk, nuts, and seeds are all toxic or dangerous for hedgehogs. Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure even in small amounts.
Chocolate contains theobromine, which is lethal to hedgehogs at doses that wouldn’t affect larger animals. Avocado contains persin, which causes respiratory distress. Citrus fruits are too acidic and cause mouth irritation.
How many treats should a hedgehog have per day?
Hedgehogs should have 1-3 small treat pieces per day maximum. Treats should make up no more than 10% of the total daily diet. Fruit treats are limited to 1-2 times per week due to sugar content.
Overfeeding treats — especially fruit — leads to obesity, dental problems, and digestive issues. A healthy hedgehog diet is 90% staple food and 10% treats or less.
What human food can hedgehogs eat as treats?
Cooked unseasoned chicken, turkey, and salmon are all safe. Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs with no oil or butter are popular bonding treats. Small pieces of fresh apple (seeds removed), banana, blueberries, cooked sweet potato, and cooked carrots work well.
Avoid all processed, seasoned, or sugary human foods. Plain, unseasoned, and cooked is the rule for any human food offered as hedgehog treats.
Key Takeaways
- Insects first — Freeze-dried mealworms, crickets, and black soldier fly larvae are the healthiest hedgehog treats.
- Limit fruit to 1-2x weekly — Sugar content in dried fruit treats is a real obesity risk.
- Try a variety pack first — The Exotic Nutrition variety pack lets you discover your hedgehog’s preferences.
- One new treat at a time — Wait 48 hours between new treats to identify any digestive reactions.
- Check labels carefully — Many “small pet” treats are designed for rabbits or guinea pigs, not insectivores.