Your Ferret’s Diet
A ferret’s diet is important to insure a long life. Lacking a proper diet, ferrets are at risk for a number of serious health problems. Ferrets are carnivores; therefore they cannot survive without a proper diet low in fiber and high in protein. In the past, premium cat food was the only choice for feeding pet ferrets. Although high quality cat foods are still acceptable to feed ferrets, there are currently numerous choices of ferret foods on the market that provide the necessary blend of higher-quality fat as well as lower quantity of carbohydrates. Ferrets depend upon this combination of fat and reduced carbohydrates in order to extend their life spans. It is critical that a baby ferret receive this type of diet.
A guideline for purchasing food is to look for products that have:
- at least 35- 40% protein
- 18-30% fat
- 2% fiber
- contains 21 amino acid
- less than 7.0 % ash level
- good carbohydrate ingredients such as rice flower or brewer’s yeast.
Please take note that some ferret foods are made with poorly processed frozen fish, and your ferret will not eat it. Ferrets can be particular about their food even to the point of refusing to the point of starvation.
High quality ferret food, as a rule, costs more than higher quality cat food, but ferrets do not eat massive amounts of the food, which brings down the overall cost. Ferrets that are fed with healthy diets do not need to take supplements.
Ferrets need to eat at least twice a day. This insures that they can gain the calories needed to sustain a healthy life. Ferrets, being small animals, require only small portions of food. When putting moist food out for your ferret it is good for only about 30-45 minutes and then should be removed. As an alternative, you might also want to consider feeding your ferrets a dry pellet diet. Dry pellets last longer, so they can be left in the cage all day. They also help to clean the ferret’s teeth. Be sure if you are feeding your ferret a dry diet that he has fresh water available at all times. Ferrets prefer to drink from a dish rather than a water bottle. The water, whether in a dish or a water bottle, should be refreshed a few times per day to ensure purity.
Feeding your ferret treats, although not necessary, can be useful when you are teaching him new skills such as housebreaking. The best treats are cooked eggs and meats. Stay away from: fruits (as they are high in sugar), candy, dairy products (ice cream and milk), nuts and nut products. Nutritional problems such as malnutrition, obesity, tooth decay, diarrhea, intestinal blockage, insulinoma, and hypoglycemia are related to these bad snacks and can thus be avoided. Be reasonable in the number of treats you feed your ferret as too many may cause him to refuse his normal diet. Ferrets have difficulty digesting vegetables or grains, so steer clear of these. Warning: Onions are poisonous to ferrets.
Proper nutrition leads to a healthy life for your ferret. Your ferret will be happy and comfortable; and will have a reduced risk for serious and life-threatening illnesses.
Ferret owners as a group are known to shower a great amount of love and affection upon these furry friends. One of the best ways to show your ferret love is to provide them with a good and healthy diet.
