Giving hedgehogs some of our favorite foods comes naturally to many of us because of the commitment to sharing the best things in life with them. However, milk can be harmful to hedgehogs despite your best intentions because their gut is unable to digest it.

This article answers the question “What Happens If Hedgehogs Drink Milk?” by revealing the progression of milk through the hedgehog’s digestive tract. We also discuss healthier alternatives for cow milk in a hedgehog’s life and other vital information.

What Happens If Hedgehogs Drink Milk?

A hedgehog’s stomach cannot produce the right enzymes to break down the sugars in milk resulting in indigestion. Signs of distress like diarrhea and stomachache become apparent with side effects like discomfort and a high risk of dehydration that could turn fatal. Dairy products like cheese and ice cream should also be completely avoided.

Offering cow’s milk and other dairy products to the hedgehog could lead to discomfort and even death. You may love milk and want to share it with your beloved pet but your noble intentions could put the hedgehog’s life at risk.

Many folks put out a bowl of milk in their garden as a treat during the spring when hedgehog populations are spotted on their property. However, the results couldn’t be worse because the hedgehogs will happily drink the milk and suffer the unbearable ramifications later when their bodies attempt to digest component nutrients. (Source)

Can Hedgehogs Drink Lactose-Free Milk?

Hedgehogs should not drink lactose-free milk because of the vitamin and mineral content which can be excessive for their needs. While the idea of offering lactose-free milk to hedgehogs sounds laudable in theory, the reality is different because manufacturers infuse lots of additives into the milk during processing.

The result is exposure to multiple potentially harmful nutrients and chemicals that could pose problems. Almond milk, rice milk, or oat milk shouldn’t appear in the hedgehog’s food bowl because your pets could be exposed to vitamin toxicity.

Lactose-free milk varieties on the market are manufactured solely for the needs of humans and it is standard practice for them to be fortified with a range of artificial vitamins like A, B, D, and E as well as minerals including calcium and phosphorus.

Hedgehogs have delicate stomach systems that struggle to digest artificially formulated vitamins including A and D. These leftover minerals end up in their livers, resulting in consequences that could cause liver damage and eventually death.

Besides, hedgehogs require protein-heavy diets to thrive, and depending on their age, they may have to consume foods with up to 35 percent protein content. Unfortunately, lactose-free milk products typically contain negligible protein which can potentially result in malnourishment.

Can Hoglets Drink Lactose-Free Milk?

Hoglets may drink lactose-free milk such as goat milk when weaned off their mothers prematurely before developing the right teeth structure to eat solid foods like insects and kibble. Finding good replacement food for hoglets that have lost their mother can be challenging especially due to their underdeveloped teeth.

Lactose-free milk may be offered until the hoglet reaches 9 or 10 weeks old at which point they should be able to consume insect-based diets.

What Can Hedgehogs Drink?

Hedgehogs can drink plain, clean water devoid of contaminants and impurities that may cause health problems like diarrhea and stomachache. They do not need to be treated to special drinks and attempts at that could lead to food poisoning.

Water keeps the hedgehog’s body hydrated which promotes proper internal body temperature regulation and helps core organs function properly. Water should be filled into bottles or shallow dishes hedgehogs can access without the risk of dehydration or drowning.

Hedgehogs cannot drink coffee, fruit juices, or tea because each could be a source of potentially toxic substances resulting in a high probability of stomach discomfort. Hedgehogs may suffer alcohol poisoning which could turn fatal when exposed to alcoholic beverages.

Unsweetened cranberry juice could be an exception with UTI-saddled hedgehogs because it is a proven homemade remedy.

Can Hedgehogs Eat Cheese?

Hedgehogs cannot eat cheese due to the lactose component with a risk of painful side effects like tummy aches, diarrhea, and bloating. While hedgehogs may love the taste of cheese and happily eat it, the results could be devastating for their health.

Another reason why cheese could be a terrible option for hedgehogs is the high amount of preservatives. Cheese is a highly processed food source that undergoes various processes. It makes sense that manufacturers include enough preservatives to boost longevity.

While these preservatives may have minimal to no effect on the digestive systems of humans, the opposite could be true for hedgehogs. The result is stomach cramps, aches, and discomfort after consumption.

If you must feed cheese to hedgehogs at all costs, cottage cheese may offer the best way out due to its minimal lactose levels. But seek the green light from your vet first and look out for signs of distress after allowing your hedgehog to consume negligible cottage cheese quantities.

If your hedgehog accidentally eats cheese, offer lots of drinking water and monitor its situation for a couple of hours. Do not hesitate to visit your local vet if there are no signs of improvement before the situation escalates.

Can Hedgehogs Eat Ice Cream?

Hedgehogs should not eat ice cream because it is a dairy product that contains lactose which can cause stomach problems such as diarrhea, cramps, and dehydration. Ice cream also comprises excessive amounts of calories which may lead to your hedgehog piling on unhealthy pounds.

Besides the high sugar content is another potential source of stomach upsets in hedgehogs since their digestive tracts suffer to break them down. Sugar can also expose hedgehogs to diabetes with side effects that may affect their life quality negatively.

Even though dairy products like ice cream could be a rich source of calcium, the side effects might be numerous.

Conclusion: What Happens If Hedgehogs Drink Milk?

Hedgehogs cannot drink milk because of the natural inability to break down the lactose component. Milk consumption typically results in side effects like diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dehydration which could turn fatal when sufficient amounts are consumed.

Hedgehogs should only drink plain healthy water for maximum health benefits. Avoid sugary and dairy treats like cheese and ice cream because they can do more harm than good. Restrict the hedgehog’s diet to staples like dry and wet cat food as well as healthy fruits and vegetables.