Ferret Food and Diet

Ferrets require a specific type of diet due to the way their bodies digest food and absorb nutrients, and without a complete diet composed of the right types of ferret food these small animals can quickly develop symptoms associated with poor nutrition.

Ferret Food and Digestion

Ferrets are obligate carnivores, and they have a very short digestive system which quickly processes and then eliminates food. As a result of their unique biology, ferrets require a diet which includes plenty of fats and protein from animal sources.

The Best Types of Ferret Food

The best types of ferret food include mice and rats fed in whole portions to the ferret. Pet owners who do not wish to feed this diet may also want to consider a commercial pet carnivore diet which contains raw assorted meats, tissue and bone.

Commercial Ferret Food

Commercial premixed and dried ferret food diets are available, but pet owners need to look at the labels to make sure they are feeding their ferret the right type of diet. Ideally, the premixed food should contain no less than 30% fat and no less than 15% crude proteins. The diet should also be free of dried vegetables or fruits and contain little to no carbohydrate fillers.

Foods to Avoid

Some pet owners may be tempted to feed their ferret less expensive dried dog or cat foods – but these foods do not meet the nutritional requirements of the ferret. Even worse, these foods can harm the digestive health of the ferret leaving the pet vulnerable to gastrointestinal illnesses. Pure raw carnivore feline diets may be used as a type of ferret food, but all other types of dog and cat foods should be avoided in the ferret’s diet.

Vegetable or fruit treats should not be fed to ferrets either. The digestive system of the ferret is not capable of handling these types of foods and there is always a risk that inappropriate foods can cause an obstruction in the intestines when they are not digested properly.

The ferret food menu should also be free of any processed human foods, junk food, candies and chocolates. If pet owners wish to give their ferret an occasional treat, they should give their ferret a small piece of tasty meat rich in natural fats.