Hedgehogs are known for their penchant for eating anything they can get into their mouth. This makes hedgehogs relatively simple to feed in a home where there are varieties of food available. However, many types of foods are inappropriate for hedgehogs due to a myriad of reasons. As such, it’s best to confirm which food can be fed to hedgehogs, so you don’t get them sick unknowingly when you feed them. However, It would be reasonable to conclude that hedgehogs can eat pineapple since it is a nutrient-rich fruit that is widely consumed by millions of people worldwide.
But is pineapple really good enough to be fed to hedgehogs, or should the fruit be taken far away from their food tray?
What Is Pineapple?
Pineapple is a sweet tropical fruit that originates from South America. Pineapple’s exterior is hard and prickly, while the interior is sweet and juicy. The edible flesh of pineapple, which could be either yellow or orange, is widely regarded as sweet and nourishing. Pineapple is also rich in multiple nutrients and vitamins, making it a staple food worldwide.
Pineapple is also quite popular since it is widely accessible worldwide. It is usually readily available for sale in various grocery stores, supermarkets, and local markets in the urban and rural parts of the world.
The popularity of pineapple also makes it one of the most economically significant plants in the Bromeliaceae family, which is quite a feat since the Bromeliaceae family contains about 3700 known species. Pineapple is also grown commercially on numerous tropical plantations and greenhouses worldwide.
There are five botanical variations of pineapple, and they can all be eaten in various ways. They can be eaten fresh, used to create unique, tasty recipes, such as pizza toppings and fruit salad, or used to create pineapple juice, smoothies, and lots more.
The Nutritional Composition Of Pineapple
| Name | Pineapple’s Quantity |
| Energy | 60 kilocalories |
| Water | 85 grams |
| Protein | 0.46 grams |
| Fat | 0.21 grams |
| Carbohydrate | 14.1 grams |
| Fiber | 0.9 grams |
| Sugars | 11.4 grams |
| Citric Acid | 685 milligrams |
| Malic Acid | 264 milligrams |
| Oxalic Acid | <40 milligrams |
| Pyruvic Acid | <40 milligrams |
| Quinic Acid | <40 milligrams |
NOTE: This Table Includes Only The Most Relevant Information.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Pineapple?
Hedgehogs should not be fed pineapple due to the acidic content in the fruit. Pineapple rank between 3 and 4 on the pH scale, which makes it very acidic and disastrous to animals and, sometimes, even humans since it can also cause heart burns and acid reflux. The fruit is also sugary, which makes it less than ideal for hedgehogs.
Pineapple contains a substantial amount of citric and malic acids and a smaller amount of oxalic, pyruvic, and quinic acids. Citric acid is responsible for the low pH level of pineapple while malic acid gives pineapple its sour flavor. Pineapple also contains a lot of fiber, minerals, and vitamins that a hedgehog needs. However, It’s best not to feed it to hedgehogs since there are other beneficial foods, that are neither acidic nor sugary, that hedgehogs can eat instead of pineapple.
In essence, we can’t advise you to feed a hedgehog some pineapple due to these reasons. Feeding a hedgehog some pineapple in tiny quantities might be safe, but it’s best not to do so at all. Instead, it would be best to feed your hedgehog a diet that mainly consists of premium hedgehog food, edible fresh fruits, and nutritious feeder insects and worms.
Health Risks Of Pineapple For Hedgehogs
Firstly, hedgehogs should not be fed any acidic foods, which include pineapple, since these foods may upset the hedgehog’s digestive system. Symptoms of a hedgehog suffering from digestive issues include
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Dehydration
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
Secondly, hedgehogs should also not be fed some pineapple because consuming too much sugary food can cause a hedgehog to develop dental issues, an upset stomach, and become obese.
Thirdly, hedgehogs should also not be fed a pineapple’s spiky outer rind. It can easily get trapped in their mouths or digestive tracts when they eat it. They might find it challenging to eat and poop if this happens.
Can Hedgehogs Eat Pineapple-Based Foods?
It’s also important to note that pineapple-based foods should also not be consumed by hedgehogs. For example, canned pineapple is even more acidic than fresh pineapple since its pH level is between 3.30 and 3.60. Most pineapple-based foods including pineapple juice, beverages, jam, jelly, syrup, candy, and many more are also created with sugar and other additives which are not healthy for hedgehogs.
How Much Pineapple Is Safe For Hedgehogs To Eat?
Feeding a hedgehog little pieces of pineapple might be safe, but it’s best not to do so. A little bit of pineapple, about a quarter of a teaspoon, will not adversely affect a hedgehog’s health. However, it would be best to feed your hedgehog a diet that mainly consists of premium hedgehog food, edible fresh fruits, and nutritious feeder insects and worms.
What To Do If Your Hedgehog Eats Pineapple?
It’s best to contact a veterinary doctor as soon as possible if you believe your hedgehog has eaten some pineapple. It’s also not a good idea to wait to see if the hedgehog exhibits any of these symptoms first. It might be too late then.
This rule should also be applied if a hedgehog eats the outer rind of a pineapple since doing so can lead to impaction. Ensure you also call the animal hotline in your area if your veterinary doctor is unavailable. You can also try a nearby veterinary hospital if you don’t have a veterinary doctor on call yet.
It is also best to take the pineapple or a piece of it with you when going to see the veterinary doctor. The veterinary doctor might just need it to understand its effect on your hedgehog.
Conclusion
Hedgehogs shouldn’t eat pineapple due to the acidic and sugary content of the fruit. Pineapple contains a healthy dose of nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial to hedgehogs but there’s really no reason to risk feeding pineapple to a hedgehog since there are thousands of fruits out there that are safe, nutritious, and edible for hedgehogs.
It’s extremely important to call a veterinary doctor as soon as possible If you find out your hedgehog has eaten some pineapple. Wasting too much time might be detrimental, so it’s always best if you act fast.
References
Feeding Behavior and Nutrition of the African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). Science Direct.
Pineapple, Raw. U.S. Department Of Agriculture.
Pineapple. Purdue University, Center for New Crops & Plant Products.
World Pineapple Production: An Overview. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development.
The Pineapple: Botany, Production, and Uses. Google Books.
