Ferret Diet? They"re Carnivores, Dummy!
Ferrets are built to eat only certain types of foods.
Due to a small digestive track, they're bodies need to absorb their nutrients quick.
And this comes in the form of fats and meat based proteins.
This means they have difficulties digesting fibrous foods, such as veggies and grains and all of their energy comes from fat and protein.
Ferrets sleep for the most part of the day, but they do tend to eat in smaller portions multiple times a day.
This means, that there should be fresh food and water available at all times.
And since ferrets are carnivores - a high protein, high fat, diet is healthy for their mind state.
For simplicity sake, I'm going to assume that you're looking into purchasing a dry pellet food.
We can discuss raw whole foods (which you should look into) at another time.
This is what you should look for when purchasing food.
If it's anything besides a high-quality ferret food, then a high-quality cat food should do it contains this: - 30% Protein - 20% Fat The protein should come from a meat-based product.
Watch out for meat "by products".
These may be tough for digestion in ferrets.
Also watch for vegetable based proteins like corn, soy, and rice, again this doesn't go well with a ferret's digestive system.
Ferrets can be picky eaters.
You should train your ferret from an early age to be familiar with different types of brands and mixing dry and moist types of foods.
Doing this will make things easier for you in the future.
Mix cat foods, ferret foods, cat and ferret foods, different brands etc.
Always keep things fresh and moving.
I haven't seen too many fat ferrets.
Even with access to food all day and a lot of sleeping, a fast metabolism keeps their weight in check.
An adult usually won't eat more than half a cup a day.
Remember, to use a low heavy bowl for food and water, even better, use a food dispenser and water drip.
If your ferret is still gaining weight, there might be some underlying health issues you should have a vet check out.
Snacks and treats should be used only for training purposes.
Don't let your ferret get used to it though.
If you follow the guidelines above, well fed ferrets, have all the vitamins and nutrients they need.
There are too many foods out there that are just plain bad for ferrets to eat.
Fruits, veggies, candy or bread can be bad for your ferret's digestive tract and might spoil your ferret's palate.
Remember - small digestive tract - so stick with the fats and proteins.
If you must reward them, then stick to cooked eggs, chicken or ferret vitamin treats specifically made for ferrets.
Food is a good tool for socializing.
If you have just adopted a ferret, you should feed your ferret bits of food by hand.
Slowly graduate to petting while feeding and carrying while feeding - all done with patience of course.
If you have a young ferret, 10 weeks or younger, make sure to soak the food in water for a few minutes before feeding.
Due to a small digestive track, they're bodies need to absorb their nutrients quick.
And this comes in the form of fats and meat based proteins.
This means they have difficulties digesting fibrous foods, such as veggies and grains and all of their energy comes from fat and protein.
Ferrets sleep for the most part of the day, but they do tend to eat in smaller portions multiple times a day.
This means, that there should be fresh food and water available at all times.
And since ferrets are carnivores - a high protein, high fat, diet is healthy for their mind state.
For simplicity sake, I'm going to assume that you're looking into purchasing a dry pellet food.
We can discuss raw whole foods (which you should look into) at another time.
This is what you should look for when purchasing food.
If it's anything besides a high-quality ferret food, then a high-quality cat food should do it contains this: - 30% Protein - 20% Fat The protein should come from a meat-based product.
Watch out for meat "by products".
These may be tough for digestion in ferrets.
Also watch for vegetable based proteins like corn, soy, and rice, again this doesn't go well with a ferret's digestive system.
Ferrets can be picky eaters.
You should train your ferret from an early age to be familiar with different types of brands and mixing dry and moist types of foods.
Doing this will make things easier for you in the future.
Mix cat foods, ferret foods, cat and ferret foods, different brands etc.
Always keep things fresh and moving.
I haven't seen too many fat ferrets.
Even with access to food all day and a lot of sleeping, a fast metabolism keeps their weight in check.
An adult usually won't eat more than half a cup a day.
Remember, to use a low heavy bowl for food and water, even better, use a food dispenser and water drip.
If your ferret is still gaining weight, there might be some underlying health issues you should have a vet check out.
Snacks and treats should be used only for training purposes.
Don't let your ferret get used to it though.
If you follow the guidelines above, well fed ferrets, have all the vitamins and nutrients they need.
There are too many foods out there that are just plain bad for ferrets to eat.
Fruits, veggies, candy or bread can be bad for your ferret's digestive tract and might spoil your ferret's palate.
Remember - small digestive tract - so stick with the fats and proteins.
If you must reward them, then stick to cooked eggs, chicken or ferret vitamin treats specifically made for ferrets.
Food is a good tool for socializing.
If you have just adopted a ferret, you should feed your ferret bits of food by hand.
Slowly graduate to petting while feeding and carrying while feeding - all done with patience of course.
If you have a young ferret, 10 weeks or younger, make sure to soak the food in water for a few minutes before feeding.
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