The Correct Ferret Diet
A ferret’s diet is crucial for longevity. Without a proper diet they are at risk for serious health problems. Ferrets are meat eaters and require a lower-fiber high-protein diet.
Until mid-1980’s premium cat food was the only choice for feeding pet ferrets. High-quality cat foods are still acceptable, but there are numerous brands of ferret foods that provide the higher-quality fat needed, as well as lower carbohydrate content.
To achieve a maximum life span, ferrets need a combination of fat and lower carbohydrates. It is particularly important that a kit (baby) be fed this type of diet. The correct ferret diet will have at least 35- 40% protein and 18-30% fat, 2% fiber, need to contain 21 amino acids, less than 7% ash level, and good carbohydrate ingredients such as rice flower or brewer’s yeast.
Also, some ferret foods are made with frozen fish that has been poorly processed, and your ferret will not eat it. Some are so finicky they will refuse food they don’t like to almost the point of starvation. High-quality ferret food is usually more expensive than comparable quality cat food, but ferrets eat much less food than an average cat. Ferrets do not need any dietary supplements if they are fed the right types of food.
A ferret has to eat at least twice a day in order to gain the calories needed to sustain a healthy life. Remember, they 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 that the food should be removed.
A dry pellet diet is also worth considering. A dry pellet diet can be left in the cage all day. Dry pellets also help to clean the teeth. Ferrets on dry diets must have fresh water all the time. They prefer water from a dish rather than a bottle, but if your pet has a water dish it should be changed several times a day.
Giving your ferret treats in not a necessity, but can be useful with housebreaking. Cooked eggs and meats are the best choices for a snack. Avoid fruits because they are high in sugar as well as candy, nuts and nut products, dairy products such as ice cream and milk; these products will cause nutritional problems.
Some health problems include malnutrition, obesity, tooth decay, diarrhea, intestinal blockage, insulinoma, and hypoglycemia. Use treats sparingly because they may cause your ferret to refuse to eat its normal daily diet. Vegetables or grains should be avoided at all cost because ferrets do not digest them well. Onions are toxic to ferrets.
The proper ferret diet is essential for it to to live a healthy life. It minimizes the risk of serious illnesses and also ensure your ferret is comfortable and happy. 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 pet is to reward them with a good diet.
