Food Additives to Help Dry Skin

Last Updated on November 1, 2022.

• 

  Some hedgehog owners have found that food additives or supplements may also help improve skin quality.

• We suggest using food additives or supplements only under veterinary supervision.
• The following information is a summary of products used by other hedgehog enthusiasts but we cannot personally recommend any of the following products from our own experience.

Flax Seed Oil

• Flax Seed Oil is reported to help dry skin, aid in digestion, and is beneficial for overall good health.
• It can be purchased at any health food store.
• It should be refrigerated.
• Many breeders will buy flaxseed oil caplets from their local drugstore.
• These convenient capsules can be punctured on one to allow a small amount of oil to come out.
• If your hedgehog’s food does not already contain flaxseed oil, you can also add a few drops to your hedgehog’s food.
• The kibble will readily absorb the flaxseed oil. This can be repeated daily.
• Too much flax seed oil can cause diarrhea.

Flax Seed Rinse 

Flax Seed for Dry Skin

Fish Oil Concentrate with Omega 3 Fatty Acids

• One drop added to the food two or three times a week is a typical recommended dose.
• It will most likely take about one month to show improvement.
• The fish oil is also good for the heart.
• Fish oil does contain high levels of Vitamin A and D  (both of which are fat-soluble) which means the level taken must be highly monitored as toxic effects can occur with overdoses of A and D.
• Fish oil may cause the hedgehog’s stool to have a stronger odor.
• It must be kept refrigerated and tightly sealed or it will go rancid.

Contributors:  Gail Smith, Melissa Ramos