Diets for Ferrets

Commercial Foods

• People sometimes feed ferrets a variety of foods that do not meet the animal's nutritional requirements. Foods such as commercial cat foods are often high in vegetable content and can lead to malnutrition if fed to a ferret on a regular basis. Dog foods should not be given to ferrets as they do not contain taurine, a nutrient that is necessary to maintain eye and cardiovascular health. Ferrets are carnivores and certain nutrients such as taurine are found only in meat sources. Specialized ferret foods or kibble can be purchased at most pet shops and may be found in some veterinarian offices. Although you may be feeding your ferret a high quality kibble, supplementing its diet with raw meat may be worth considering. Ferrets are high energy creatures, therefore they need a high energy diet. Ferrets should be fed at least twice daily.

Raw Food Diet

• Feeding your pet a raw food diet may seem preferable and more natural since it is adapted to it in the wild, but a raw meat diet also has the potential to cause internal parasites and illness. It may be best to consult with your veterinarian if you are considering a raw meat diet for your ferret. Some pet owners may choose to supplement its pet's diet with meat regularly or before switching to a raw food diet. If feeding your ferret bones, be certain to avoid small bones which may splinter and lodge in the throat or cause digestive distress. Bones can be a source of vitamins and minerals for your ferret so you may want to offer your pet large, thick bones that have been softened through boiling.

Treats

• Ferrets can be picky eaters. If they are fed one particular type of food on a regular basis, they may refuse other types of food. If you are feeding your ferret a type of specialized kibble, it may be best to vary the brands from time to time to entice your pet's palate. Moist foods can be more tasty but may spoil much quicker than dry foods. Dry kibble is also better for preventing and removing tartar from the teeth. If your ferret is only accustomed to eating a particular food, introduce a variety into the diet slowly by adding a small amount of new food to the normal food to avoid digestive upset. Although treats are not necessary, they can add variety for your pet's tastebuds. Give your ferret treats of organ meats like liver, cooked eggs and commercial meat-based treats such as those you purchase for cats. Avoid fruits and vegetables since these are not easily digested by ferrets. Dairy based products should be avoided as well to prevent digestive upset.

Water

• Water is an integral part of a ferret's balanced diet and proper care routine. Ferrets drink a lot of water especially if they are fed a diet primarily of dry kibble. It is important for your ferret to always have access to clean, fresh water. Ferrets like to dig and may inadvertently soil their water with food or litter so it should be emptied and changed often.