Spring is here and hedgehogs are emerging from hibernation after months of sleeping – and experts say they need high-protein food to build their strength back up
Nicola Roy Multimedia content creator
12:49, 07 Apr 2026
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Even though winter is over, hedgehogs still benefit from feeding(Image: kmatija via Getty Images)
Spring has arrived, and that means more time spent outdoors enjoying the garden. While we invest a lot effort into making it a pleasant space for ourselves, it’s equally vital to ensure it’s a welcoming environment for wildlife too.
Hedgehogs are beginning to emerge from hibernation right about now, and after months of slumber, they’ll be hungry. Leaving out food and water can make a real difference in helping them regain their strength, and there’s one particular food they can’t resist that’ll have them returning time and again.
As nocturnal creatures, hedgehogs will be at their most active after dark during this period. Having shed a significant amount of body weight throughout hibernation, a protein-rich meal is essential to help them bounce back.
If you spot one during daylight hours, it may look unsteady or confused, so it’s best to leave it undisturbed. Instead, ensure you’ve left out fresh water and a bowl of cat or dog food nearby.
Those of us with pets will likely have some food to hand already. According to experts at BBC Gardeners World, meat-based cat or dog food — especially chicken flavour — is ideal for hedgehogs, reports the Express.
Hedgehogs love to eat dog food(Image: Getty)
However, placing a food bowl in the garden does carry certain risks. Cats, foxes or badgers that wander in are quite likely to eat the food before the hedgehogs even get a look-in.
A hedgehog house can help deter other animals and predators, while also providing a sheltered spot for hedgehogs to eat in peace. You can purchase one directly from the RSPB website, or if you fancy a DIY challenge, you can build your own. For a no-fuss alternative, a feeding station works just as well.
Even though winter is over, hedgehogs still benefit from feeding(Image: Getty)
How to make a hedgehog feeding station
According to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, making your own feeding station is simple. Take a plastic or wooden storage box, cut a 13cm square opening in one side, and place food inside as far from the entrance as possible.
A heavy stone or brick on top will keep it firmly in place, while positioning another around 13cm in front of the entrance will make it far harder for cats to steal the hedgehogs’ food.
Check the label to ensure meat appears first on the ingredients list, and keep all feeding bowls and areas thoroughly clean.
As well as food, leave water out in a shallow bowl for hedgehogs to drink from, topping it up as often as required. Opt for a sturdy, heavy bowl made from a material such as terracotta to prevent it tipping over, and place it somewhere shaded in your garden.