A Ferret’s Diet

A ferret’s diet is crucial for longevity, without a proper diet ferrets are at risk for serious health problems. Ferrets are meat eaters; therefore they cannot survive without a lower fiber high protein diet. Until the middle of the 1980’s, premium cat food was the only choice for feeding pet ferrets. High quality cat foods are still okay to feed ferrets, but presently there are numerous choices of ferret foods on the market that provide the higher quality fat needed, as well as lower content of carbohydrates. Ferrets need this combination of fat and lower carbohydrates in order to achieve a maximum life span. It is especially important that a baby ferret receive this type of diet. When purchasing, look for products that have at least 35- 40% protein and 18-30% fat, 2% fiber, need to contain 21 amino acids, less than 7.0 % ash level, and good carbohydrates, such as rice flower or brewer’s yeast.

Also, take into consideration some ferret foods are made with poorly processed frozen fish, and your ferret will not eat it. Some ferrets are so finicky they will refuse to the point of starvation. High quality ferret food is usually more expensive than higher quality cat food, but ferrets eat minimal amounts of the food, which brings down the overall cost. Ferrets that are feed with healthy diets do not need to take supplements. 

A ferret has to eat at least twice a day in order to gain the calories needed to sustain a healthy life. Remember ferrets are small animals so their portions should be small too. If a ferret is fed a moist diet the food is only good for about forty five minutes, soon after the food should be removed. You might also want to consider a dry pellet diet.  A dry pellet diet is longer lasting and can be left in the cage all day. Dry pellets also help to clean the ferret’s teeth. 

Ferrets on dry diets must have fresh water all the time.  Ferrets prefer to drink from a dish rather than a water bottle, but if water is given in a dish it should be changed a few times a day to ensure purity.  

Giving your ferret treats in not a necessity, but can be useful with housebreaking your ferret. Cooked eggs and meats are the best choice of snack. Avoid fruits they are high in sugar, candy, dairy products such as ice cream and milk, nuts and nut products; these products will cause nutritional problems.

Some health problems include malnutrition, obesity, tooth decay, diarrhea, intestinal blockage, insulinoma, and hypoglycemia. Treats may also cause your ferret to refuse its normal daily diet, so use treats sparingly. Ferrets do not digest vegetables or grains well, so those should be avoided at all cost. Onions are poisonous to ferrets.

Providing a ferret with the proper nutrition is essential for a healthy life. It will ensure your ferret is happy and comfortable; it also minimizes the risk for serious life-threatening illnesses.  Ferret owners have a reputation of showing an ample amount of love and affection towards these funny and frisky pets but, the best way to show love to your ferret is to reward them with a good diet.