What Do Ferrets Eat
Posted in: Feeding Ferrets
Ferrets have a unique diet compared to other animals. This is because they need one that is rich in protein and low in fat. Aside from that, it must also not be rich in carbs and sugar. Of course, always consult with your veterinarian so you know exactly what is best for your pet.
Perhaps the best product to buy in the market is Totally Ferret. The problem is that it is not always available in the market. As a result, owners have to switch to something else like cat food and some examples of these include Iams, Science Diet and Pro Plan.
The products mentioned are not soft cat food and do not contain less protein that has the tendency to lead to tooth decay. Although these are quite expensive, buying an 8 pound bag of any of the brands mentioned will last up to 2months.
But ferrets in general are carnivores so when you feed them, make sure that you are using two types of food at all times, ideally meat and poultry. This will prevent them from being stuck on only one type of food so they won’t have a hard time adjusting later on.
Aside from food, you should also give your ferret supplements. Examples of these include Ferretvite and Ferretone but only in moderation.
Using the right food will prove to be worth it when you notice that your ferret is very energetic and their coat is in excellent condition. Of course, you will still need to groom it by combing the hair and giving it a bath every so often because they tend too smell when they get dirty.
Once in a while, it wouldn’t hurt to feed your ferret some small pieces of fruit and vegetable. The same goes with sugar free cereal. This must never be given in large quantities as this causes gastrointestinal upset, a possible blockage and even malnutrition.
As your ferret grows older, you should change their diet to kitten food because studies have shown that too much protein may cause kidney problems. This should only be given if ever your ferret is recovering from an illness or has undergone surgery.
Some ferret owners believe that a raw food diet may also work. One good example is raw meaty bones which helps prevent tartar from forming on the teeth and also provides calcium in their diet. Because of this diet, you will have a more active ferret around the house that has excellent coat condition. You don’t have to clean up that much after your pet because it also decreases the stool volume as the food ingested is absorbed by the body and their natural scent is greatly decreased.
Those who want to try the raw food diet should not be worried if ferret’s stool turns white to a grayish color because this is only temporary and will soon return to normal. Since it takes time for the pet to adjust, you can mix it with ferret food that can be purchased from the store then gradually decrease this with raw bones from either meat or poultry.
Knowing what ferrets eat is just one of the many steps for those that want them to live for a long period of time. Proper care, attention and love are also needed because these creatures are great to have when you need a friend to take your worries away.
The Best Diet for Your Pet Ferret
Posted in: Feeding Ferrets
Ferrets are sometimes mistakenly put into the rodent family. But ferrets are mustelids - a member of the weasel family and cousins of otters, minks, badgers and others. The reason the difference is important to know is diet. Rodents eat vegetable and plant matter. Rabbits will happily munch on grass and certain flowers. But ferrets are meat eaters!
In the wild, ferrets evolved to feed on a diet of rabbits, mice and other small rodents, though they've been known to eat insects. As such, they need a diet high in protein and fat. A food that contains around 38% meat protein and 15% fat is preferred. Note that not all proteins are created equal. Meat protein and vegetable protein are chemically different and ferrets don't digest the latter well at all.
Fresh meat is a popular option with ferret owners. Ferrets will often prefer chicken to beef, though. Mutton is a possible choice, but it's high in fat, so take care. Naturally, any fresh meat has to be obtained from a quality source to ensure it is free of parasites, bacteria and toxins.
Some ferret owners will feed their pet day-old chicks, mice and other live or recently killed animals. Even rabbits can form part of their diet, as it did in the wild, and ground up can make for a balanced meal. From a dietary perspective, that's all fine, again, provided that the source of those foods is reliable.
Commercial dry ferret food is another option and pets will do just fine with it. Again, it's important to check the label to ensure that it contains at least 35% protein from meat sources, and 15% fat. They should also be relatively low in fiber, 3% or less. In a pinch, they can be fed cat food for short periods. But the protein and fat levels, and other ingredients, are not ideally balanced for ferrets.
Many ferrets are fond of sweets, enjoying raisins and bananas. But any treat like that should be given in very small quantities and only occasionally. Ferrets, whose name is derived from the Latin for 'thief', earned the label by their habit of hoarding small objects.
Ensure that any raisin or other small treat is eaten before giving any more. It's possible for them to store up enough to present dietary imbalance that can lead to stomach upset or health problems.
Let out of their cages, ferrets can be extremely curious and clever about finding food (or things that aren't food). They'll roll over on their backs and claw at cabinets to open them. That hurts your cabinets and leaves open items that can be harmful or fatal. Even if they do no more than get into a cereal box, they can make a mess and eat more than is good for them.
Ferrets will even try to open the refrigerator door! Those are usually too heavy and well-sealed, but their sharp claws can easily tear up the rubber seal on the bottom. Also, they're quick and agile, and good climbers. If not watched carefully, they can wind up inside the fridge (or stove or dryer) when you open it.
Apart from fresh meat and/or a commercial pet food designed for ferrets, it's a good idea to have some mineral and vitamin supplements on hand. Most pet foods will have these supplements built in, but ferrets are individuals and may need extra elements. They're prone to adrenal ailments and certain bone deformations so supplements can be helpful for some.
Ferret Feeding and Watering Gear
Posted in: Feeding Ferrets
Ferrets have very high metabolisms. As a result, unlike dogs, they should have access to food at all times. Their digestive systems work quickly and they will typically process anything they've eaten within a few hours. For that, and other aspects, to function properly, they also need lots of water.
Ferrets, though they sleep about 18 hours per day, are typically extremely active for the hours they're awake. They're exploratory and love to move things around. That means they'll tip a bowl over, shove food out or hide it, spill and splash water. Getting gear to minimize those problems, and keep the ferret's quarters clean, can be a challenge.
Fortunately, as you would expect, there are hundreds of choices on the market today. There are more styles and designs of water dispensers and feeding mechanisms available than you could even look at, much less buy.
Some food dispensers are just a simple bowl. While not ideal, if that's what you prefer, at least make sure it's sturdy, heavy and non-chewable. A heavy enough bowl can't be tipped over, even by a jumping ferret. It should be non-breakable and made of material that the ferret can't break off with his or her teeth. Ferrets love to chew on things!
At the same time, it should be easy to clean, non-toxic and not subject to rust. Wooden bowls, while attractive, can retain moisture providing a place for bacteria to grow. Cedar, for example, emits odors that are bad for the ferret. Plastic, on the other hand, doesn't have any natural compounds to oppose the growth of bacteria and many metals rust. Marble or other hard stone is ideal, but harder to find.
Automatic feeders, typically plastic, are a good compromise. A J-feeder (so-called because of its shape) allows you to provide several days of food. It dispenses a small amount gradually and can be attached to the side of the cage, making it impossible to tip over. At the same time, the shape helps minimize spreading of food. There are several other designs of auto-feeders, or gravity feeders, as well.
Selecting a water dispenser employs many of the same criteria. Here, though, the spill factor is even more important. Make sure that anything you choose can't be tipped over. Many ferret owners will use a ball-and-tube style dispenser for this reason. Ferrets learn to push up the ball, dispensing a small amount of water, then the ball drops back down to close the tube.
Some dispensers have small sections for carbon filtration, or dispensing liquid vitamin supplements and other things.
Outside the cage, a heavy, low crock bowl is a common choice. They work well, but getting one with a rubber bottom will help keep your floor from getting scratched. It's important, though, to keep the ferret from chewing on the bottom, which requires a very hard form of rubber that may defeat the purpose.
Whichever style of food or water dispenser you select, be sure to keep it clean. At least once per week, preferably more often, it should be completely emptied and scrubbed out with a dish detergent. Rinse thoroughly. For glass or porcelain dispensers use a mild chlorine bleach from time to time, then rinse very well.
