Each pet’s dietary preferences are as unique as their personalities. That’s why its important for pet owners to research what their pets can eat. Doing this is the only way to ensure your pet gets the nutrients they derive from their food. In our quest to unravel the mysteries of hedgehog nutrition, we turn our attention to the delightful apricot – a vibrant and succulent fruit that’s eaten worldwide. But can hedgehogs safely eat apricots or will there be repercussions if they do? Join us as we delve into the world of hedgehog dietary habits and explore whether apricots make a safe and suitable addition to their dining repertoire.
What Are Apricots?
Apricots are small, round or oval fruits that belong to the same family as peaches, plums, and cherries. They’re known for their sweet and slightly tangy taste, as well as their vibrant orangey-yellow to reddish-orange color when they’re ripe. Apricots are a popular fruit enjoyed both fresh and dried, and they’re often used in various dishes like jams, desserts, salads, and sauces.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Apricots?
Apricots can be included in a hedgehog’s diet, though in limited amounts due to the fruit’s high sugar content. So feel free to add apricots to your hedgehog’s diet list. Just remember that eating too many apricots can negatively affect a hedgehog’s health.
Health Benefits Of Apricots For Hedgehogs
These are the health benefits of apricots for hedgehogs.
Vitamin C – which maks wounds heal faster, and safeguards against colds.
Vitamin A – safeguards the visual health of hedgehogs, given their inherent weak eyesight.
Vitamin E – enables hedgehogs to maintain a vigorous fur and skin.
Potassium – enhances cardiac health in hedgehogs and safeguards the complete cardiovascular system.
Fiber – essential for a hedgehog’s gut health and also helps in getting rid of constipation and diarrhea.
Water – ensures hedgehogs remain suitably hydrated.
Antioxidants – aid in combating free radicals that assail the healthful cells of hedgehogs.
Health Risks Of Apricots For Hedgehogs
Considering the calcium and phosphorus content of a food is of utmost importance when incorporating it into your hedgehog’s diet. Hedgehogs necessitate a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in their food, ideally at 2:1 or 1:1. This indicates that the calcium quantity should at least match or surpass that of phosphorus. However, apricots contain a higher amount of phosphorus compared to calcium. As a result, apricots are better suited as an occasional treat for hedgehogs rather than a primary dietary component.
Additionally, the high sugar content of apricots can lead to diabetes and low blood sugar levels, while overindulgence can result in digestive issues like diarrhea. Additionally, the excess sugar can contribute to weight gain, affecting their mobility and balance. Feeding too many apricots might also lead to nutritional deficiencies if you don’t feed your hedgehog its regular food.
What Parts Of Apricots Can Hedgehogs Eat?
Let’s find out which parts of apricots hedgehogs can eat.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Apricot Flesh?
It’s safe for hedgehogs to enjoy small bits of the juicy apricot fruit. This sweet part of the apricot can add a bit of variety and natural sugars to their diet.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Apricot Seed?
Hedgehogs shouldnt be fed the inner seed or pit of an apricot. This part contains substances that can release a harmful chemical called cyanide when eaten. Cyanide is extremely dangerous for animals.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Apricot Skin?
The outer skin of apricots is not suitable for hedgehogs. The skin contains a lot of oxalates which could lead to kidney issues like stones or even kidney failure if hedgehogs eat too much of them.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Apricot Leaves?
Hedgehogs should steer clear of eating leaves from apricot trees. These leaves have a compound called amygdalin which when consumed and mixed with saliva and stomach acids, turns into a poisonous substance called cyanide.
What Types Of Apricots Can Hedgehogs Eat?
Can Hedgehogs Eat Ripe Apricot?
Hedgehogs can consume ripe fresh apricots. Fresh apricots provide essential nutrients and minerals that can be beneficial for your hedgehog’s health.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Canned Apricots
Canned apricots are not suitable for hedgehogs. They often contain preservatives, artificial colors, and added sugars, which can be harmful to their health. These additives may lead to various health issues in hedgehogs, including gastrointestinal problems and obesity.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Dried Apricots
Dried apricots should be avoided as well. They have a much higher concentration of sugar compared to fresh apricots, making them potentially dangerous for hedgehogs even in small amounts. Excessive sugar intake can lead to health problems such as obesity, dental issues, and diabetes in hedgehogs.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Unripe (Green) Apricots
Unripe apricots are not recommended for hedgehogs. Their sour taste and higher starch content can cause digestive disturbances for hedgehogs.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Frozen Apricots
Hedgehogs shouldn’t be allowed to eat frozen apricots except they are thawed to room temperature first. Feeding frozen apricots directly can lead to stomach upsets and other digestive problems.
How To Prepare Apricots For Hedgehogs
Make sure to wash the fruit well to get rid of any dirt or chemicals. Once it’s clean, cut the apricot into small pieces and take out the seed. Give your hedgehog just one slice.
Now you can offer the fruit slice to your hedgehogs. You can either hand-feed them or put them in their food bowl.
Lastly, don’t forget to take away any uneaten fruit and clean up once your hedgehog is done eating. Remember, keeping things clean is important for your hedgehogs’ health and safety.
How Often Can Hedgehogs Eat Apricots
Limit apricot servings to once a week for your hedgehogs. It’s important not to allow hedgehogs to eat apricots every day, as this could cause various health issues.
How To Store Apricots
Knowing how to store apricots is important, especially if you have them in bulk or want to keep the ones you have fresh.
How to Store Unripe Apricots At Room Temperature
- Select apricots that are slightly underripe. They should give a little when gently pressed and should not be overly soft.
- Place the underripe apricots in a bowl or on a countertop away from direct sunlight. Let them sit at room temperature to allow them to ripen naturally.
- Keep an eye on the apricots and monitor their ripening progress. This might take a few days.
- If you want to speed up the ripening process, consider placing the apricots in a paper bag. This can help trap the ethylene gas they naturally produce, promoting quicker ripening.
How to Store Ripe Apricots In A Fridge
- If your apricots are ripe and ready to eat, transfer them to the refrigerator.
- Place the ripe apricots in a single layer on a tray or a shallow container in the refrigerator.
- To prevent excess moisture buildup, cover the apricots with a paper towel.
- If your fridge has a crisper drawer with humidity settings, use the high humidity setting to maintain freshness.
- Don’t stack the apricots on top of each other to prevent bruising and spoilage.
- Store ripe apricots away from ethylene-producing fruits like bananas, apples, and tomatoes to avoid premature spoilage.
How to Store Ripe Apricots In A Freezer (for Both Unripe and Ripe)
- Wash, and slice the apricots.
- Place the prepared apricots in an airtight container or freezer bag if you have more than you can consume before they spoil.
Conclusion
Hedgehogs are free to eat apricots. However, ensure they don’t eat it often. Apricots do offer some benefits that can boost your hedgehog’s health. But don’t go overboard with it, as eating too much apricots can lead to health hiccups. So, make sure you’re not serving up apricots like an all-you-can-eat buffet—control how much and how often they snack on these. Being a caring pet parent means giving your little furball a diet that makes sense. And if you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to chat with your vet. Your hedgehog’s well-being is worth the extra effort!
