Hedgehogs in the wild prefer diets of small animals, worms, snails, fruits, vegetables and insects. Commercially produced foods for domestic hedgehogs typically contain chitin, which is made from insect exoskeletons.
Beetles are rich in fiber and chitin, so they are a popular part of the hedgehog diet. Dry cat food high in fiber and protein can be substituted for commercial hedgehog food if it is not available. Both wild and domestic hedgehogs typically enjoy crickets, mealworms and earthworms, but portions should be limited for pets to avoid obesity. Hedgehogs should not eat onions, grapes, raisins, potatoes, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, dried fruits or bugs that have already died.