Even if your pet is a ferret, it can be difficult to decide what food to give them. It is crucial to ensure that your pet lives a happy and healthy life. We have compiled a guide to the best ferret foods, so you don’t have to worry about whether you are buying your first pet or if you need more information.
Ferrets, like cats, are what’s called obligate carnivores. They must eat meat in order to survive. Their nutrition is derived from once-living animals. They require a diet high in protein, fat, and low in carbs and fiber. This does not include vegetables or fruits, but only meat.
You can catch food each day for your ferret. You’ll likely run out of time, so it’s important to have high-quality commercial ferret food!
We don’t want our ferrets to eat any food. We want our ferrets to be fed only the best food that meets all their nutritional needs. We set out to discover the best ferret food on the market and will share our findings with you in the eight reviews below.
It can be difficult to choose the right ferret food brand for your pet. This handy table is the result of our extensive research. It highlights key features of each brand so that you don’t need to spend too much time looking at labels or comparing prices in shops.
Ferrets can be a fun and cute alternative to traditional house pets. These adorable little animals, which were originally bred from European polecats and formerly used to hunt rabbits. Ferrets are now mainly kept as pets. They do require extra care because of their special needs.
You may be a new ferret owners and are unsure what to feed your pet. There are many commercial ferret food options that can be tailored to their needs. There are many brands still available. Let’s look at the pros and cons.
What are the dietary requirements for ferrets?
Ferrets have an extremely fast metabolism and a small digestive tract. They will need frequent, small meals. Ferrets can eat between 8 and 10 small meals of commercial pellet food per day. It is important to ensure that they have enough food on hand, due to their frequent feedings.
Look out for foods high in fat and protein.
- 30-40% protein content
- Animal-based proteins
- 20-30% fat content
- Low carbohydrate content
- Less than 3% fiber
Ferrets are predatory carnivores. Their diet should be high in animal-based proteins with no plant-based materials. In fact, some fruits like grapes (and raisins) are actually toxic to these furry little guys.
Here are our Top Picks for the BEST FERRET FOODS:
A Quick Comparison (updated in 2021)
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL | ![]() | Marshall Premium Ferret Food |
| CHECK PRICE |
BEST VALUE | ![]() | Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Ferret Food |
| CHECK PRICE |
PREMIUM CHOICE | ![]() | Wysong Epigen 90 Dry Ferret Food |
| CHECK PRICE |
![]() | Marshall Select Chicken Formula Ferret Food |
| CHECK PRICE | |
![]() | Kaytee Fortified Diet With Real Chicken Ferret Food |
| CHECK PRICE |
The 8 Best Ferret Foods
1.Marshall Premium Ferret Food – Best Overall
Ferrets need a lot of protein, which is why the Marshall Premium Ferret Food is guaranteed to have no less than 38% crude protein. There’s also at least 18% crude fat, providing the nutritional building blocks that your ferret needs to stay in good health.
For your convenience, this food is available in small and large quantities from seven pounds up to 35 pounds. Beware, it’s a bit expensive for the quantity and you can find other foods for cheaper, though they may not be as high-quality.
One thing we really liked about this food is that it’s great for ferrets of all ages, starting at six weeks. If you’re feeding it to young ferrets without full teeth yet, you can even mix this food with some water and turn it into a paste.
To ensure that your ferrets are getting all the nutrition they need, this formula is both vitamin and fat-enriched. Plus, our ferrets all seemed to enjoy it. There were other foods that they just weren’t interested in, so making sure they’ll actually eat a particular food is pretty important!
All in all, we think this is the best ferret food of 2021.
- Available in quantities from 7-35 pounds
- Vitamin and fat-enriched
- Made from fresh meats
- Can make into a paste for teething ferrets
- Good for all life stages
- Expensive for the amount you get
2.Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Ferret Food – Best Value
With a minimum of 35% crude protein and one of the lowest prices we’ve seen for ferret food, the Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Ferret Food might just be the best ferret food for the money. Aside from protein, it’s also packed with 20% crude fat, providing plenty of nutrition for your ferrets.
Of course, nutrition is about more than just fat and protein. That’s why the Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro food includes probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids. They’ll help ensure your ferrets’ coats stay healthy and luxurious while providing the nutrients they need for heart, eye, and brain health.
The biggest complaint we had about this food is that it only comes in a tiny three-pound bag. If you have just a single ferret, this might last you a little while. But if you have several, expect to be ordering more almost as soon as it arrives!
One important factor to always consider when purchasing pet food is whether or not your pets will actually eat it! Luckily, our ferrets did seem to enjoy this food. We weren’t sure because it’s so cheap, but it did pass the ferret taste test!
- Includes probiotics and omega-3
- Very affordable for what you get
- Ferrets seem to like the taste
- At least 35% crude protein
- Only comes in a 3-pound bag
3.Wysong Epigen 90 Dry Ferret Food – Premium Choice
When grain-free isn’t going far enough, the Wysong Epigen 90 Dry Ferret Food goes one step further with a completely starch-free ferret food. This is especially important because ferrets derive all of their nutrition from meat. For that reason, this food is made with an impressive 60% protein, providing the essential nutrition your ferrets need.
There’s no question, this is an expensive ferret food. But if you want to keep your ferrets at full health, then it’s a superior choice. It’s got far fewer carbohydrates than any of the other commercial ferret foods we’ve seen, providing enough protein and fat for proper nutrition.
Because it’s so high in protein and low in carbs, this food more closely resembles a ferret’s natural food regimen. Plus, it’s got 16% crude fat, ensuring that your ferrets are getting plenty of calories. But not just any calories — the right calories. That’s why it helps keep your ferrets so healthy; it mirrors their natural food intake.
Despite the high price, we think the Wysong Epigen 90 is one of the best commercial foods you could feed your ferret, which is why it’s our premium choice pick.
- Includes an impressive 60% protein
- Completely starch-free
- Fewer carbohydrates than other formulas
- Closely resembles a ferret’s natural food regimen
- It’s quite pricey
4.Marshall Select Chicken Formula Ferret Food
Did you know that ingredients are listed in order by the amount of each that’s in any given food? Since chicken is the first ingredient listed by the Marshall Select Chicken Formula Ferret Food, that means that it’s the most prevalent ingredient in the formula. You’re also guaranteed a minimum of 36% crude protein, ensuring that your ferrets are getting plenty of meat in their diet.
Some ferrets have a difficult time with hard foods. Others seem to just dislike them. But this ferret food is much softer and crumbles when you touch it. That makes it very easy for them to eat and it seemed to attract our ferrets.
Considering the small quantity you get in a bag, we think this food is overpriced. Several other brands offer similar nutrition content and ingredients for less. Plus, this mix is only available in a very small bag. If it were a bit more reasonably priced and came in larger quantities, the Marshall Select Chicken Formula Ferret Food might have cracked our top-three.
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Guaranteed 36% crude protein
- Soft and easy for ferrets to eat
- Expensive for the quantity
- Only comes in small bags
5.Kaytee Fortified Diet with Real Chicken Ferret Food
The Kayte Fortified Diet with Real Chicken Ferret Food is one of the cheapest choices we’ve seen. It’s only available in small-quantity bags, but it’s priced reasonably for the amount you get.
Of course, price takes a backseat to quality. Luckily, this food still has some great nutrition. It’s got a minimum of 42% protein and 20% fat, meaning that it’s providing plenty of animal-based nutrition for your ferret’s health. To that end, this formula is completely grain-free. It’s low in carbohydrates overall, which we always want to see in a ferret food.
We had just one serious complaint regarding this ferret food — some of our ferrets just didn’t like it! Granted, they can be picky eaters from time to time. Still, several of them made it clear that this food wasn’t something they preferred.
- Cheaper than other choices
- 42% protein
- 20% fat
- Completely grain-free
- Some of our ferrets weren’t interested in this food
- Only available in small quantities
6.ZuPreem Grain-Free Diet Ferret Food
This entirely Grain-Free Diet Ferret Food from ZuPreem is packed with probiotics for improved digestive health. But that’s just one benefit it can provide your ferrets. It’s also got a minimum of 40% crude protein and 20% crude fat.
Though it’s listed as grain-free, that doesn’t mean that this food is devoid of carbohydrates entirely. In fact, the second ingredient listed is sweet potatoes! That means that out of all the ingredients in this formula, sweet potatoes are prevalent in greater amounts than any other ingredient except chicken meal.
For the amount of food you’re getting, this product is overpriced. It doesn’t have any special ingredients and whole chicken isn’t even the first ingredient. And it only comes in small bags, so if you like to stock up on a lot at once or have multiple ferrets to feed, it’s probably not a great option.
- Minimum 40% crude protein
- 20% crude fat
- Entirely grain-free
- Contains probiotics for improved digestive health
- Only comes in small bags
- Expensive for the amount you get
- Sweet potatoes are listed as the second ingredient
- Related Read: Can Ferrets Eat Dog Food? Is Dog Food Safe for Ferrets?
7.Sheppard and Greene 100034302 Adult Ferret Food
Since the first ingredient in the Sheppard and Greene Adult Ferret Food is chicken, you can rest assured that your ferrets will be getting plenty of healthy animal-based food with this formula.
Thanks to the antioxidants and other essential nutrients that are packed into this food, it made a noticeable difference in our ferrets’ coats. They became fuller, softer, and all-around more luxurious. But that wasn’t even the best benefit.
After a few days on this food, our ferrets’ cage began to stink less. Their excrement wasn’t producing the same foul odor that we were used to from feeding them other foods. Plus, they seemed more consistent with less runny stools than what we’ve seen using other commercial ferret foods.
But those benefits don’t come cheap. This is one of the most expensive ferret foods we’ve seen. Despite the positive changes we saw with this food, it’s still got more carbohydrates than is healthy for ferrets. It’s also much lower in protein than some other formulas we’ve seen, which would be fine if it weren’t so expensive.
- Lists real chicken as the first ingredient
- Our ferrets’ excrement smells less on this food
- Helps keep a healthy coat
- Very expensive for the amount
- Too many carbohydrates
- Not as much protein as some other foods
8.Mazuri Ferret Food
Available in five-pound and 25-pound bags, the Mazuri Ferret Food was our least favorite of all the formulas that made this list. But that doesn’t mean it has no redeeming qualities. For example, this food is loaded with probiotics to promote gut health.
According to the label, this food contains less than 15% starch. It was surprising then when we noticed that brown rice is the second ingredient, meaning it’s the second most concentrated ingredient in the mix! Since ferrets are obligate carnivores and don’t do well with carbohydrates, you can see how this presents a problem.
But it’s not just carbohydrates that plague this ferret food. They also used low-quality protein sources. Poultry by-product meal is listed as the first ingredient. Not chicken, but a by-product meal of chicken.
Considering the low quality of the ingredients making up this ferret food and the high volume of carbohydrates, we think it’s very overpriced and can’t recommend it for any ferret.
- Comes in small and large quantities
- Loaded with probiotics for gut health
- Less than 15% starch
- Overpriced
- Poultry by-product meal is the first ingredient
- Brown rice is the second ingredient
Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Ferret Food
You’ve seen many different ferret food options, but how do you choose the best one? This buyer’s guide will help you make an informed decision.
Choosing A Commercial Ferret Food
All of these ferret food may look similar at first glance. You’ll be able to see the differences between these ferret foods if you look closely. You can compare the following characteristics of each ferret food to determine which one is best for your ferret and which should be ignored.
Protein Content
Ferrets are obligate carnivores and get all their nutrition from animals. Protein is their most important commodity. They require a lot of protein.
We’ve seen some of the most delicious foods with protein content as high as 60%. Low-quality foods are more likely to contain lower levels of protein, usually below 40% crude protein. However, this doesn’t mean that food with a higher protein content is necessarily better.
Fat Content
Fat is the other major nutrient ferrets can get from eating animal-based food. Because this is their primary source of energy, they need a lot of it. To ensure your ferrets get enough, you should choose a food that contains at least 15% crude fat.
Carbohydrates
Ferrets shouldn’t eat carbohydrate. Ferrets don’t need carbohydrates. Their digestive systems are unable to process these foods. You should therefore choose ferret food that has the lowest amount of carbohydrates.
Avoid using terms such as grain-free. This does not mean that you are free of carbohydrate, as there are carbohydrate alternatives to grains.
Ingredients
You can quickly assess the quality of ferret food by looking at the ingredients list. The ingredients will be listed alphabetically, from the most to the least. Therefore, the ingredient listed first in the list is the most common.
Look out for foods that include whole animals as their first ingredient, such as chicken. Avoid foods with carbohydrate sources listed as the main ingredient, like sweet potatoes.
There are many commercial options for processed kibble ferret food. None of these options will be suitable for ferrets as they contain very little plant-based material like peas and cornmeal.
A 100% raw meat diet is the best for ferrets, but it is costly and difficult to manage. It is easier to feed kibble than raw meat to provide 8-10 meals per day for a ferret.
All products in this list can be used with moderation. Ferret owners who use commercial kibble may mix and rotate multiple products to reduce the effect of one.
Choose a high-quality ferret food that is balanced and low in filler ingredients.
The Ferret Diet
You’re probably a new ferret owner. Ferrets eat a diverse and colorful diet, which includes many do’s as well as don’t’s. This article will explain it in detail.
Ferrets are carnivores and rely on meat for survival. It’s obvious that ferrets should eat meat every day. This is a useful little fact, and you can find more exciting facts about ferrets.
Remember that ferrets only have a temporary digestive system. It takes them about three hours to get food through their mouths to be expelled out. This is a difference from 5 to 6 hours for cats. It is important to feed your ferret several times per day . In a moment, we’ll discuss the exact amount of times you should feed your ferret.
Ferrets require a different diet than other animals. Ferrets, which are carnivores, need meat. Why is this? Let’s dive into the science and help you better understand your ferret.
Ferrets eat animal fats and proteins as a staple part of their diet. The ferret has been domesticated over 2,000 years and has been highly skilled at hunting.
Ferrets are well-equipped to hunt small animals like moles, rabbits, rodents and other small animals. Ferrets have sharp teeth, and need to eat animal meat.
Although ferrets are adapted to eat animal fat and protein, there are some things they must avoid in order to protect their health. This is why it can be tricky to feed a ferret.
Side note: Most domestic ferrets don’t recognize small animals as prey and would not be able to eat a mouse or bird. It is better to give them packaged and cooked food than the wild food that they used to eat.
Complex carbohydrates are something you should not feed your ferret. Complex carbohydrates can cause serious digestive problems for ferrets because they are unable to digest fibers.
It doesn’t mean that fibers should be eliminated from your ferrets’ diet. Some fibers are necessary for their digestion. However, please limit it to a minimum.
Simple carbohydrates like sugar are better for ferrets because they provide energy and can be easily digested. However, the primary source of energy for ferrets must be fats.
Follow the below nutrient breakdown to ensure a healthy, balanced diet for your ferret. A detailed explanation of the macronutrient breakdown for ferrets can be found here.
- Limit the amount of protein in their diet to between 30 and 40%. A minimum of 30% protein is required. It is acceptable to increase the protein intake slightly beyond 40%, but it is not acceptable to reduce it to 30%.
- Limit fats to 18%. A healthy range is between 18% and 25%. Fats are more energy-dense than carbohydrates. Fats are more calorie dense than proteins, so ferrets can live on fats at a lower level.
- Limit fiber intake to 3%. Fibers can cause digestive problems in ferrets. It is best to limit their intake of fiber to 3%. You should not give them more fiber than they need. Ferrets do not need fiber to survive. They can still get nutrients from the other foods discussed in this article.
Foods to Eat
What should ferrets be eating? They should consume a lot of protein and fat with simple, moderate, and few fibers. Here’s a list of foods that you should feed your ferret.
- Pelleted food This is dry and can be stored easily, making it ideal for ferrets. Kibbles are a good example. They can be purchased at some pet shops. You can also buy them online. I’ll leave a link at end of article.
- Cat food This is the only exception to the rule that a ferret can eat the same food as another animal. Cat food is great for ferrets. It’s much easier to find .
- Prepared meat – Beef, chicken, pork, turkey, and so on. Allow them to cool and then serve them to your ferret.
- Vitamins and minerals Wild ferrets consume the flesh, bones, and fur of other animals. This gives them a wholesome diet that is not available in cooked meat. It is recommended that they receive supplements in addition to the cooked meat. This will help to balance their nutritional needs.
- Egg yolks – Eggs make a great addition to ferrets’ diets. They are high in energy, protein, and fat and contain no carbs. Either feed your ferrets egg yolks in a bowl, or make a delicious recipe using it.
Foods to Avoid
What should ferrets eat? Avoid feeding ferrets sugar, complex carbs, junk food, and non-nutritious foods. Below is a list:
- Grains Ferrets cannot digest fibrous foods, so they should avoid them at all costs. Rice, oats, bread, etc. should not be included in a ferret’s diet.
- Vegetables and fruits – Ferrets can’t eat plant-based foods because they lack the cecum, an organ that breaks down it. Vegetables should be avoided. Ferrets should eat mainly pellets or supplements for their non-fat and protein nutrition. Fruits are a no-no because they contain both sugar and fibre.
- Junk food – Many junk foods are high in sugar and starch, which can pose a problem for ferrets. Some can even be toxic, such as chocolate. So avoid chocolates, potato chips, fried snacks, ice-cream, soda, coffee, cakes, pizza, etc.
- Dairy products Ferrets are lactose intolerant.
- Dog food This is important because pet owners might believe that ferret food is safe for them. This should not be done as ferrets require different nutrition than other animals. Cat food is an exception to the rule.
Ferret Food Chart
This food chart summarizes what ferrets can and cannot eat. This chart can be saved to your computer or printed so that you have it at all times. This chart provides a summary of the ferret’s diet, their favorite foods, how to feed them and important tips.
Recipes
Let’s now get to the fun part. These are five nutritious and healthy recipes you can feed your ferret. These recipes can be modified to suit your needs.
Need some inspiration? Check out these ferret food recipes you can try at home.
Cooked chunks of meat | A very simple recipe that should consist of the majority of your ferret’s meals. Though beef is pictured here, I like to use chicken as it contains more nutrients and is easier to chew. But any kind of meat is a good choice. Simply boil or bake the meat until it’s cooked. |
Meat soup with vitamins | Make a wholesome and nutritious treat for your ferret by mixing chunks of cooked meat in water, and adding a vitamin supplement to it. Olive oil can serve as a good substitute for a supplement. |
Ferret smoothie | Mix 2 raw egg yolks with 1 cup of lactose-free milk to make a smoothie that your ferret will love! You can mix in several things with this smoothie, such as supplements or olive oil. |
Homemade jerky | Cut your meat up into 1/4th-inch slices and place them on an oven sheet. Heat the oven at 190°F and let the meat make for at least 8 hours. Flip it once to evenly bake both sides. Cook until the meat is dried out. |
Ferret cake | These are little treats you can feed your ferret on special occasions such as birthdays. They’re tasty and simple to take. Just take a popcorn cake, and add some sugar-free frosting. Then add some meaty treats on tops of it, such as chicken or turkey. That’s it! It agrees with the ferret’s stomach, and he will love it. |
Now here’s an example of how you can implement this diet on a typical day.
Sample Meal Plan
Here is a sample meal plan you can try with your ferret. As you’ll see, it covers all the essential nutrients, and it feeds the ferret often to match its fast metabolism and short digestive tract. Another important aspect of this plan is that most of the meals are dry, with a couple of exceptions. It’s good to keep your ferrets hydrated but maintain a mostly dry diet. You’ll have to alter somewhat this plan based on your ferret’s exact needs. For example, some ferret owners feed their ferret eight times a day, and some only five times a day. I find that the following plan works best for my ferret.
Meal 1 | 9:00 a.m | A smoothie with one egg yolk and 1 cup of lactose-free milk |
Meal 2 | 12:00 p.m | 1 bowl of dry ferret food |
Meal 3 | 3:00 p.m | 5 pieces of beef or chicken jerky |
Meal 4 | 6:00 p.m | 1 bowl of soup with water, pieces of chicken, and a vitamin supplement |
Meal 5 | 8:00 p.m | 1 bowl of dry cat or ferret food |
Meal 6 | 11:00 p.m | 1 bowl of ferret food pellets |
There are other meal plans you can follow. While browsing a forum, I came across this meal plan that looks wholesome and easy to make.
What are the risks?
Health problems in ferrets are more common than those in other domestic animals. Their genetic makeup plays a part, but their diet can also play a role.
It is important to be aware of the risks that could arise from feeding your ferret the wrong food.
- Insulinoma – Insulinoma can cause pancreatic cancer in ferrets who eat too many carbohydrates. The rule of thumb is to limit the amount of fiber in your ferrets’ diet to 3%.
- Dental erosion: This refers to the wear and tear on the ferret’s tooth enamel. This is caused by chewing too many dry foods. Don’t restrict your ferret’s food intake. Mix some meat or kibble in water to make soup.
- Diarrhea – Ferrets can get diarrhea from eating food they aren’t able to digest. This includes dairy products and fibrous carbohydrates. Fertiles purchased from pet shops are more healthy than those bought from rescue shelters or breeders.
- Cardiomyotomy – This is a serious heart condition that has been shown to be fatal in ferrets. This is caused by a deficiency in taurine. Taurine can be found in ferrets’ food and animal meat. Take your ferret to the vet if you notice signs of cardiomyotomy. You can also give him a taurine supplement. Cardiomyotomy symptoms include weakness, coughing, breathing difficulties, swollen stomach, and lethargy.
- Dental tartar – If a ferret eats food that is stuck to his teeth, especially wet food, dental tartar can form. It is important to check your ferrets’ dental hygiene regularly.
- Osteodystrophy – Osteodystrophy refers to the bottling or deterioration of bones. It’s not something that should concern ferrets, but it is worth mentioning if they show signs.
Tips
These are some tips for feeding your ferret.
- When they are six months old, ferrets leave a mark on their food. It’s difficult to introduce new foods to an elderly ferret because they may be resistant.
- Many ferret owners prefer to feed their ferret the same raw, natural diet as they do in the wild. This may be true, as it can give them more nutrients and won’t require any supplements. Frozen rats and pieces of raw liver are some foods that can be included in a natural ferret’s diet. It is not a good idea to feed them wild prey as this can cause diseases and germs. This is a great discussion about feeding ferrets natural food.
- Ferrets are often hungry so make sure you have food on hand. A ferret that is hungry or agitated will not be allowed to live in your home.
Choosing a Healthy Diet
Ferrets have a short digestive tract. The time between the food entering the body and the time it leaves is just a few hours. It is important to choose food that is high in protein so your fuzzy gets the best nutrition and nourishment from the food he eats.
You should choose a diet that contains no less 34% protein from animals and no less 20% fat.
Ferrets are prone to leave a mark on the food they eat. If this happens, your ferret might become very stubborn and hungry. Your ferrets should be fed at least two different foods each day.
There are kitten food options that you can feed your ferret. They should be fed only in conjunction with a ferret’s actual diet. Make sure you read all ingredients to ensure they have the correct nutrients.
How can you tell if your ferret has the proper nutrition? Healthy ferrets have shiny, soft fur, clear eyes, normal feces, and supple skin. The following are feces that aren’t normal:
- Strange color – Yellowish, greenish and dark brown almost nearly black
- Strong smell
- Bad consistency – Ferret feces must be consistent. They should not be liquidy, squishy or mucousy if they’re showing signs of illness or dietary problems.
You should gradually change the ferret’s diet if you have to. You should not change them too fast as it can cause stomach problems or diarrhea. As mentioned, ferrets can leave traces on their food, so it is important to gradually switch them to a different food.
This can be done by adding a small amount to the ferret’s existing diet. Gradually increase the amount of new food relative to old food over a 10- to 14-day period. This works well for most ferrets and allows your ferret time to adjust to new foods.
Ferret owners are extremely fortunate to have so many choices of food. However, that doesn’t mean all ferret foods can be made equal.
When choosing a food, make sure to compare the ingredient lists, search for animal protein sources, avoid foods high on fiber, and don’t eat too much vegetable protein.
What are the Best Treats?
It is as important to choose the right treats for your ferret as it is to choose the best diet. Ferrets shouldn’t be allowed to eat too many treats, but it is important that you ensure they are getting healthy treats.
You should choose ferret treats in the same way as you would. High sugar ferret treats and diets are thought to play a major role in insulinoma.
Certain treats can worsen the symptoms of chronic bowel disease or irritable stool syndrome. The best treats for your ferret’s health are meat and chicken-based treats.
People sometimes give their ferrets regular kibble from their hands. Many ferrets view this as a treat, since it is not something they have to eat. This is a great way to introduce new foods to your ferrets.
No matter how sweet your ferrets beg, you should not give them the following treats!
- High-sugar beverages such as alcohol and other drinks with high levels of sugar
- Any other caffeine drink, including coffee, tea products and all other types of caffeine
- They can cause diarrhea if they are made from dairy products
- They are difficult to digest and can block the flow of nutrients.
- Chocolate
- Sugary foods like candy
- Salty foods
- Raw egg whites can cause anemia in ferrets.
- These are processed meats. They contain lots of salt and other additives.
- Uncooked vegetables can lodge in the intestinal tract.
To satisfy ferrets’ treat cravings, find healthy treats low in sugar and give them sparingly.
You don’t have to give your ferret any special treats. Moderation and common sense will ensure a happy and healthy fuzzy.
The Sugar Factor
There are many opinions on what the best ferret food is, how to treat ferrets and where treats can be included in a ferret’s diet.
Ferrets are designed to digest animal proteins. Therefore, their diets should contain high levels of protein and low amounts of sugars and carbs.
They are carnivores and wouldn’t be found eating sugary treats in the wild. You will end up with a ferret that is malnourished and lethargic if you feed them sugary foods and treats.
Sugary treats can make them feel deprived and eat less of their nutritious food. It is important to provide high-protein, meat-based food for a ferret that is happy, healthy, and active.
Here is a list that ferrets should not be allowed to eat.
- Yogurt treats
- Fruit treats
- Peanut butter treats
- Nonacidic fruits: melons, bananas, apples, papaya
- Low sugar and salt cereals
Certain cereals are beloved by fuzzies all over the world. Although they do contain sugar, they can be eaten in moderation. This means that you should only eat them once or twice per month. Kim Schilling, author Ferrets for Dummies suggests Cheerios or Kix as two great cereals.
Other than the general feeling of lethargy and lacklusterness that can be caused by a high-sugar diet, there have been other health issues that may be linked to it. Insuloma is a very common form of cancer in ferrets.
Insulinoma is not yet proven to be caused by feeding ferrets high-sugar and carbohydrate foods. Many believe that high sugar levels can lead to an increase in insulin production.
This is similar to insulinoma. A ferret suffering from insulinoma develops insulin-secreting tumors in the pancreas, which causes the pancreas and pancreas overproduce insulin. Rapid drops in blood sugar can be caused by insulin release from the ferret’s pancreas, which releases insulin when it is necessary to regulate blood sugar levels.
Insulinoma is diagnosed by reassessing your ferret’s lifestyle and diet. Exercise, stress, and diet are all factors that can trigger insulinoma symptoms. It is essential that insulin-resistant ferrets are fed high protein food.
It is vital that ferrets, whether they are sick or well, receive the right food and treats to ensure a happy, long-lasting life.
Although sugary treats can be enjoyed, they should be consumed in moderation and in conjunction with a high-protein diet.
Best Times to Feed Your Ferret
The majority of living creatures have a routine feeding schedule. This applies to our beloved pets, such as dogs and cats. This rule does not apply to ferrets.
They eat four meals per day, which is an established fact. However, they rarely observe a set feeding schedule. They regulate their own eating habits.
Dry kitten food is the best type of feed for ferrets. It must contain at least 30% protein because of their fast metabolism. Ferrets have a strong ability to absorb nutrients. This is the most striking aspect of their diet.
Food passes through their stomachs very quickly due to very low bacteria counts. Their absorption time is estimated at three hours by vets. This basically means they need to eat every 6 hours.
Ferrets have a very irregular eating schedule so it is important that ferret owners keep an inventory of their pet’s food. You might feel them craving food at unplanned times.
It is clear that ferrets are also adept at bringing small amounts of food to their cage to prepare for the next meal. However, these stashes should be cleaned out regularly as they can decay and rot if not taken care of.
It is important to pay attention to a kitten’s food schedule. Kits won’t be able to drink from a plate until they reach 4 weeks of age, so it is important that they are hand-fed until that time. It is important that they are fed at least four times a day, ideally after every two to three hours.
Ferret Diet FAQ
A pet ferret is a great choice if you don’t want a large-sized pet. They are cuddly, friendly and make wonderful household companions.
Ferrets can be vicious carnivores so it’s a challenge to make your ferret vegetarian. What do ferrets eat? Here are some frequently asked questions:
Q: Do ferrets eat cats?
A:Ferrets don’t naturally eat cats. It is safe to have them in the same home as long as they are trained to live together. You can introduce them slowly, but carefully, to ensure that they get along. However, ferrets shouldn’t be given cat food. This can cause problems with their sense of smell.
Q: Do ferrets eat mice?
A: Yes, ferrets may be fed mice. It has been a part of their food supply for thousands of years. However, too many mice can cause illness. Your ferret must be able to eat the mice without any bacteria or germs.
Q. Do ferrets eat rabbits.
A. Rabbits were hunted with ferrets in the past. If you have a rabbit and want to keep them together, then buying a ferret will be a bad idea.
Q: Do ferrets eat snakes?
A: Ferrets are similar to weasels and will kill and attack snakes in the wild. However, they don’t usually eat them, preferring rodents and small birds. It all depends on your ferret’s preferences.
Q: Do ferrets eat prairie dogs?
A. Prairie dogs are the mainstay of ferrets’ diet in the wild. They eat approximately 100 prairie dogs per year so it’s safe for us to assume that ferrets love prairie dogs.
Q. What do ferrets eat?
A: As we have already said, ferrets must eat meat-containing foods in general.
Q. What are ferrets eating in the wild?
A. Prairie dogs eat about 90% of the wild diet, but they also eat small birds, rabbits, and rats.
Q. Can ferrets eat fruits?
A: Your ferret should not be fed fruits or vegetables. They are strictly carnivores and will only eat meat. It is possible for them to have digestive problems, so you’d be best to avoid giving them fruits and vegetables.
Q: Can ferrets eat dog food?
A: Ferrets don’t need high levels of protein. Dog food doesn’t have enough. Fiber and vegetable protein are also important for ferrets.
Q. Can ferrets eat eggs.
A: Ferrets love fresh eggs because they are full of essential protein. However, it is important to ensure that the egg is not old or it will get sick.
Q. Can ferrets eat peanut Butter?
A: If you don’t plan to give your ferret bitter medicine, it is best not to feed them sugar-containing foods. However, peanut butter can be used sparingly if you do.
Q. Can ferrets eat seafood?
A: Ferrets are able to eat fish. It all depends on their preference, but most ferrets prefer meats over fish.
Q. Can ferrets have chocolate?
A: DO NOT Give your ferret chocolate. It is toxic and can make them sick.
Q. Can ferrets eat apple?
A: As we have said, ferrets cannot digest fiber, so it’s not recommended to feed them any fruit.
Q. Can ferrets eat grapes
A: Grapes are also high in fiber, and should be avoided by ferrets.
Q. Can ferrets eat Ham?
A: While ham is a meat and protein-rich food, it should be fed to your ferret occasionally as a treat.
Q. Can ferrets eat human foods?
A: If the food does not contain fruits, vegetables, or grains, and is mostly unprocessed meat or fish, then it should be okay to feed your ferret human food.
Q. Can ferrets eat catfood?
A: Ferrets can eat cat foods, but not all of them.
Cat food plan B is recommended if ferret feed is not available at pet shops. This is because it is impossible to control how much fat and nutrients foods contain.
If your ferret needs food, kitty food is the best choice. It should be dry and, if possible, include Taurine.
Supplementation with vitamin and fatty acid should be made for cats. Cat food is low in fat. The feed you choose should not contain too much fat. Ferrets do not need rice or corn as their main ingredient. If they are present, they must be added as a fourth or fifth component.
Q. Can ferrets have wet cat food?
A They may eat it but the moisture in the food encourages tartar formation on ferret teeth.
Wet food is not good for the body. Therefore, ferrets should consume large amounts of this food to get the required calories.
Another drawback is that wet foods can be damaged more quickly than dry foods. This points in favor of the former.
Q. Can ferrets have cat treats?
A There are special treats for ferrets just like there is feed. Ferret treats are a great way to reward your pet.
It happens with treats as well. Your ferret can eat cat treats
Yes, but only in small quantities. Treats should not replace meals throughout the day. A treat or reward will suffice to keep your ferret happy and change its meal.
It is important to read the ingredients list for cat treats. Most of them are made of fruits, vegetables, sugar, and grains like rice and corn. Make sure you give your cat treats that meet the nutritional requirements we have discussed.
You can give him treats for cats if you aren’t comfortable giving them raw meat in good condition, cooked eggs yolk, or whole prey such as mice or rats. These can be purchased in limited pet shops (food of reptiles).
Q. Can ferrets eat catnip.
A: Ferrets can eat catnip. This herb is safe to give your ferret. It is unlikely that your ferret will like it.
Owner records show that most ferrets don’t like catnip. It’s almost as if you gave them another kind of food.
Q. Can ferrets have scrambled eggs?
A: Many ferret owner’s wonder if their ferrets like scrambled eggs. Yes, but not very often.
Ferrets can eat almost anything, but they have a limited appetite so they need to be fed a special diet.
Q. Can ferrets eat bacon.
A The answer to your question is no. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Ferrets love meat, so they will eat any kind of meat they can find.
They shouldn’t be fed processed food as it can cause them harm. Cats are often given processed meat. If you wish to give your ferret processed food, you should opt for canned sardines.
Q. How can I change the diet of my ferret?
A: Do not suddenly change your ferrets’ food. Your ferret might refuse to eat if you make sudden dietary changes. Switching diets should be done slowly. Mix the new and old foods in a 1:9 ratio.
Gradually increase the amount of new food to replace the old, until the old food is eliminated. This should only take a few weeks if done properly.
In case your ferret won’t eat the new food you have some options:
Place the old and new food in a Ziploc bag. The new food will smell just like the old food
Make duck soup by combining the two foods.
Use FerreTone to glaze the food. If you’re trying this method, make sure to keep it fresh. FerreTone can cause food to go rancid if left on the food for too long
Q. What fruits can I offer my ferret?
A. Ferrets can’t eat fruit because they are obligate carnivores. It is a good idea to stick with meat treats and your fuzzyies.
Avoid acidic fruits like grapefruit if you’re going to be feeding fruit. Only feed non-acidic fruits such as papaya, papaya and melon (without the skin).
Only feed your ferrets in moderation. This means that you should only give them a small amount once a month. Insulinoma can be caused by too much sugar in the ferret’s diet.
Q. Why should I feed more than 1 ferret food?
A. Ferrets leave a “print” on food that they are given. They become accustomed to the food and will refuse to eat any other foods. You may end up feeling sick if you can’t get the one food you want or if the manufacturer changes the formula suddenly.
Ferrets who aren’t fed their regular food will refuse to eat, and they can get diarrhea from eating other foods.
Q: Can I feed my ferret cat food?
A: Although there are many high-quality cat/kitten food options that are suitable for ferrets it is strongly recommended that you use a quality ferret food.
Although cat food is very similar to ferret foods, ferrets have special nutritional needs that ferret food can’t meet. It’s not made for ferrets, no matter how delicious cat food may be!
Q. Can ferrets eat raw salmon?
A: salmon is a high-quality protein source. It is very healthy for you as well as providing your ferrets with vital nutrients. This type of food is very common in ferrets.
Q. Can ferrets eat lettuce?
A – Yes, provided you are able to feed your ferret the right diet. These diets are made for ferrets, so they can be fed properly and without any health problems.
What do baby ferrets eat?
Your baby ferret has its own set of responsibilities, including diet. Young ferrets can be weaned around six weeks of age.
They need proper nutrition to continue their development. The best food for your ferrets is high-quality ferret foods. Baby ferrets, unlike other pets can eat the same food after being weaned.
To make food more accessible for developing teeth and mouths, you can soak the food in warm water for five to 10 minutes.
Some ferret owners still use kitten food as their pet. However, this is not the best choice because the needs and diets of the two animals are very different.
Ferrets require more protein than cats and less carbs than dogs. Ferrets’ quick digestion is the key to this.
Ferrets can be thrown out of balance if they are fed the wrong food. Ferret food is more expensive than cat food but they will eat a smaller amount so it will last a lot longer.
A high-protein diet will promote better growth and lower the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Do not give treats to your ferret until it is time to housebreak.
Young ferrets might love the taste and texture of milk and ice-cream, but it will only cause diarrhoea and stomach upset.
Sugary treats are not recommended as they can cause further problems in the pancreas.
Best Ferret Food FAQ:
Q: How do I switch to a different food?
Ferrets can be very picky eaters so changing their food can cause a lot of stress and upheaval. You might want to change to a brand that has more nutritional benefits but your ferret won’t eat it.
As we said, mixing the ferret food throughout helps your pet to get used to new tastes. You will need to transition slowly if you want to make a complete change.
This could cause gastric disorders such as vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Ferrets over one year old may find it more difficult to switch food.
You should allow it to last at most one week. You can gradually reduce the amount of old kibble while increasing the quantity.
You can also try other methods. You can first try feeding the food directly to your ferret. You can also improve the bond between you two.
Mix the old and new foods in a bag. Place it in the refrigerator for about a day. This helps to combine the flavors and makes the transition easier.
You can also mix the two together by adding water. The ferret food can also be used as a treat to your pet, which could help them become more familiar with it.
Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the process, or if you feel it is not going as smoothly as you would like.
If your ferret is already suffering from a dietary problem, you should take extra care.
Q: Can ferrets eat dog food?
No. No. Ferrets shouldn’t be given dog food. A ferret’s digestive system is not as developed as a dog’s. They are more able to eat a variety of food items.
Keep in mind that ferrets and dogs are both omnivores. You should have a separate food system for your ferret and dog.
Q: Can ferrets have fruit and vegetables?
A: No. A: No. Ferrets are strictly carnivores and eat meat only. They don’t have the ability to digest greens or nuts. Sugars and sweets can cause tooth decay and other problems.
Ferret owners may offer their pets things like raisins and bananas, but not in large quantities. You shouldn’t sugar coat them.
They have a short digestive tract which means they don’t respond well to fiber. As a general rule, avoid giving your ferret fruits and vegetables. It may seem like it will benefit them, but it is unlikely.
Q: Can my ferret be fed human food?
A: Ferrets shouldn’t be fed most human food. However, there are a few exceptions. These include small amounts of cooked meat or raw eggs.
This isn’t something you should do all the time. Stick to your pet’s usual diet and dry kibbles as often as you can.
You should always consult your vet before giving food to your ferrets.
Our top pick
This ferret food has been voted the number one choice by hundreds of customers. We also voted it the top of the tree.
Ferrets require a high meat content to live a healthy life. Ferret owners report that their pets are obsessed with the natural flavor and taste, which is similar to what they used to enjoy in the wild. It is also rich in nutrients and other beneficial substances.
Conclusion
We are passionate about our ferrets and wanted to find the best commercial food. We were tired of low-quality, cheap food that is mostly just filler material. So we searched for high quality food that provides the nutrients and protein our ferrets require.
Although we have already reviewed our top picks in the eight previous reviews, we want to remind you of our recommendations so they are always at the forefront.
Our favorite overall was the Marshall Premium Ferret Food. It is made from fresh meats, and safe for ferrets of any age. It can also be purchased in large quantities up to 35 pounds.
We recommend the Forti-Diet Pro Health Ferret Food for the best value. It has 35% crude protein, and probiotics as well as omega-3. It’s also affordable and the ferrets seem happy with it.
Are you looking for the best? Try the Wysong Epigen90 Dry Ferret Food. The formula contains a staggering 60% of protein, which allows it to closely mimic a ferret’s natural food routine. It is also completely free of starch, meaning it contains fewer carbs than any commercial food.