Every animal has specific nutritional needs and ferrets are no different. A ferret's diet is one of the most important parts of keeping these animals in peak health. Without a diet which meets its particular needs, a ferret is at risk of developing serious health problems. Ferrets are carnivorous animals, so they need to eat a diet which is high in protein and fat and very low in fiber and carbohydrates. It used to be that the only commercially available food which was suitable for ferrets were the higher quality cat foods, though since the 1980s an increasing number of quality ferret foods have become available. If your ferret is a baby, it's particularly important to make sure that they get a ferret's diet which gives them the right balance of nutrients.
If you're shopping for ferret food, look for something that has a protein content between 35% and 40%, a fat content of 18% to 30% and no more than 2% fiber as well as the 21 amino acids which ferrets need, an ash content of under 7% and nutritious additions like brewer's yeast. It's important to look for high quality ferret food, since not all brands are the same - many ferrets will refuse to eat a low quality food. While good ferret food is more costly than comparable quality cat food, ferrets are much lighter eaters than are cats. A ferret's diet which contains the right nutrients will eliminate the need to give your pet supplements.
A ferret has to eat at least twice a day in order to gain the calories needed to sustain a healthy life. Remember ferrets 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 the food should be removed. You might also want to consider a dry pellet diet. A dry pellet diet is longer lasting and can be left in the cage all day. Dry pellets also help to clean the ferret's teeth. Ferrets on dry diets must have fresh water all the time. Ferrets prefer to drink from a dish rather than a water bottle, but if water is given in a dish it should be changed a few times a day to ensure purity.
Giving your ferret treats in not a necessity, but can be useful with housebreaking your ferret. Cooked eggs and meats are the best choice of snack. Avoid fruits they are high in sugar, candy, dairy products such as ice cream and milk, nuts and nut products; these products will cause nutritional problems. Some health problems include malnutrition, obesity, tooth decay, diarrhea, intestinal blockage, insulinoma, and hypoglycemia. Treats may also cause your ferret to refuse its normal daily diet, so use treats sparingly. Ferrets do not digest vegetables or grains well, so those should be avoided at all cost. Onions are poisonous to ferrets.
Providing a ferret with the proper nutrition is essential for a healthy life. It will ensure your ferret is happy and comfortable; it also minimizes the risk for serious life-threatening illnesses. 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 ferret is to reward them with a good diet.
If you're shopping for ferret food, look for something that has a protein content between 35% and 40%, a fat content of 18% to 30% and no more than 2% fiber as well as the 21 amino acids which ferrets need, an ash content of under 7% and nutritious additions like brewer's yeast. It's important to look for high quality ferret food, since not all brands are the same - many ferrets will refuse to eat a low quality food. While good ferret food is more costly than comparable quality cat food, ferrets are much lighter eaters than are cats. A ferret's diet which contains the right nutrients will eliminate the need to give your pet supplements.
A ferret has to eat at least twice a day in order to gain the calories needed to sustain a healthy life. Remember ferrets 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 the food should be removed. You might also want to consider a dry pellet diet. A dry pellet diet is longer lasting and can be left in the cage all day. Dry pellets also help to clean the ferret's teeth. Ferrets on dry diets must have fresh water all the time. Ferrets prefer to drink from a dish rather than a water bottle, but if water is given in a dish it should be changed a few times a day to ensure purity.
Giving your ferret treats in not a necessity, but can be useful with housebreaking your ferret. Cooked eggs and meats are the best choice of snack. Avoid fruits they are high in sugar, candy, dairy products such as ice cream and milk, nuts and nut products; these products will cause nutritional problems. Some health problems include malnutrition, obesity, tooth decay, diarrhea, intestinal blockage, insulinoma, and hypoglycemia. Treats may also cause your ferret to refuse its normal daily diet, so use treats sparingly. Ferrets do not digest vegetables or grains well, so those should be avoided at all cost. Onions are poisonous to ferrets.
Providing a ferret with the proper nutrition is essential for a healthy life. It will ensure your ferret is happy and comfortable; it also minimizes the risk for serious life-threatening illnesses. 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 ferret is to reward them with a good diet.
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Want to find out more about Ferret Diet, then visit Chris Flett's site on how to choose the best ferret diet for your needs.
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