List of Foods That Are Bad for Ferrets

Initially domesticated and bred as exterminators of mice and other small game, ferrets have quickly become a common household pet. They are intelligent and playful, and when well cared for they can live up to eight years. Ferrets should consume a strictly carnivorous diet; nonmeat foods can cause health problems. Veterinarians recommend feeding special ferret foods only.

  1. Onions

    • Anything containing onions is extremely harmful to a ferret's system. This includes onion juice and onion powder. Onions can cause a disorder where the ferret's body produces antibodies that attack its red blood cells. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is potentially fatal because red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's organs and tissues.

    Garlic

    • Garlic should be avoided in a ferret's diet. Ferret owners should inspect food labels carefully and avoid any that contain garlic, garlic salt or garlic juice. Ingestion of garlic can cause renal failure in a ferret.

    Raisins and Simple Sugars

    • Some ferret owners give their ferrets raisins as a special treat. Raisins are full of simple sugars that are not recommended for a ferret's diet. Foods such as this can cause insulinoma, which is the over-production of insulin and can lead to hypoglycemia. Raisins can prove fatal, even when given in small amounts. Ferrets do not crave treats -- this is a human emotional response -- so treats should be kept to a minimum.

    Other Fruits and Vegetables

    • A ferret's digestive system is acclimated to a strictly carnivorous diet. Fruits, vegetables and even corn filler should be avoided. Carefully inspect the ingredients on any food packaging and if fruits, vegetables or corn filler appear in the first five ingredients, do not give it to ferrets. These types of foods can cause severe blockages in the animal's digestive tract and can even cause death.

    Fiber

    • Eliminate any foods that contain fiber when feeding a ferret. Ferrets' digestive systems cannot break down fiber, so they are unable to digest these foods properly. Ingestion of fiber can lead to blockages, diarrhea and other intestinal issues.