Baby Cereal Question

[LovingHedgieMom]

I don't remember where I read about someone sprinkling baby food cereal on their hedgies food. I don't even remember the reason for doing so.

My question is: Would it be alright to use Cream of Wheat to sprinkle on their food or mix in with baby food?

Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[HedgePigLove]

Hi Jenn and Sleepy and Sophie and Daisy Lou! (Every time I say Daisy's name in my mind, I end-up modifying it to: Daily Lou Whooo.)

Anyway, My guess would be to avoid Cream of Wheat and similar cereals that "swell" when they're cooked/added to a liquid. I know that there's a problem with birds eating rice (thrown at weddings) and it swelling in their stomachs and killing them. I've no idea if something similar'd happen with Cream of Wheat or not, but I'd be a bit leary.

Just my thoughts at the moment *grin* Laura and Crew

[kaiteedyd]

Hi Jenn and Sleepy and Sophie and Daisy Lou! (Every time I say Daisy's name in my mind, I end-up modifying it to: Daily Lou Whooo.)

Anyway, My guess would be to avoid Cream of Wheat and similar cereals that "swell" when they're cooked/added to a liquid. I know that there's a problem with birds eating rice (thrown at weddings) and it swelling in their stomachs and killing them. I've no idea if something similar'd happen with Cream of Wheat or not, but I'd be a bit leary.

Just my thoughts at the moment *grin* Laura and Crew

I'm pretty sure that rice thing is an urban legend. I'm not an expert on hedgehog treat nutrition but I don't think cereal is neseccary. I imagine bugs would make better treats.

[PrettyHate]

I add some baby cereal onto Boscos food every second night. I do it mostly to help boost his fibre intake, but he really seems to love it as well!
I dont know about how suitable cream of wheat would be, but here are some suggestions of what you can use to up their fibre intake
-grape nuts
-bran cereal
-baby cereal- the one I use is Barley Cereal, Baby Meal, Step 1 by Milupa. I got it in the baby section at walmart.

Keep in mind that none of these have to be wetted, they can be sprinkled directly onto the food and then mixed in.

[LovingHedgieMom]

LOL -- I shortened it from Daisy Lou Who to Daisy Lou for the sake of this forum ... I call her Daisy Lou Who ALL the time - LOL

Great minds think alike!




Hi Jenn and Sleepy and Sophie and Daisy Lou! (Every time I say Daisy's name in my mind, I end-up modifying it to: Daily Lou Whooo.)

Anyway, My guess would be to avoid Cream of Wheat and similar cereals that "swell" when they're cooked/added to a liquid. I know that there's a problem with birds eating rice (thrown at weddings) and it swelling in their stomachs and killing them. I've no idea if something similar'd happen with Cream of Wheat or not, but I'd be a bit leary.

Just my thoughts at the moment *grin* Laura and Crew

[teela1342]

I add baby cereal for the "sticky" factor. Jake would rather eat anything other than his kibble, so I am afraid he is not getting enought nutrition. Like a kid eating dessert first!

I have used baby cereal and instant potato flakes. Haven't tried Cream of Wheat because I don't like it. :laugh: I add a little watery chicken broth (it is on hand because of the dog, don't ask) and wet the food a little and mix in the cereal so it sticks to the kibble and makes him want to eat it. It helps, but he'd still rather have a steak and loaded baked potato. :rolleyes:

[LovingHedgieMom]

I've been absent for a few days, but thankyou to those who replied so far. I was thinking of mixing the Cream of Wheat in with some baby food to make it a bit thicker. I wouldn't be doing that all the time, but would that be alright?

[teela1342]

I've been absent for a few days, but thankyou to those who replied so far. I was thinking of mixing the Cream of Wheat in with some baby food to make it a bit thicker. I wouldn't be doing that all the time, but would that be alright?

I really don't see why not. There is nothing to choke on, it is not spicy, doesn't have a lot of chemical additives. I think it should be okay. Let us know how the experiment goes.

[LovingHedgieMom]

It wasn't such a good idea. I mixed some Cream of Wheat in with some baby food. Daisy ate some, but she threw it up during the night. So, no more Cream of Wheat for them.

[shirleytx]

That doesn't sound like fun. Mental note, stay away from cream of wheat.