A Ferret’s Diet
There are definitely a lot of health benefits that a ferret’s diet only offers. It contributes longevity to life as it minimizes the risk of serious heart complications. Ferrets, which are meat eaters, require a lower fiber high protein diet. The middle of 1980s saw that the only choice to feed pet ferrets was premium cat food. Although they will still do until today, owners of these pets can already avail of a wide array of choices sold in the market that can provide the necessary amount of protein and a lesser content of carbohydrates. This is because ferrets need this kind of combination of carbohydrates and fat so they will achieve the maximum life span. Baby ferrets should also be able to receive this kind of diet, especially since they are young. A good tip for shopping ferret food products is to look for those which have at least 35-40% protein and 18-30% fat, 21 amino acids, 2% fiber, ash level of less than 7%, and good carbohydrate ingratiates (e.g. brewer yeast, rice flower). Owners should also avoid buying those that are made from poorly processed frozen fish, as this is not eaten by ferrets. Buying high-quality ferret food, which are more expensive than higher quality cat food, will still prove to be a good investment since it provides ferrets with good diets and will no longer need them to take supplements.
In order for them to get the calories they need to achieve a healthy life, ferrets must be fed at least twice a day and considering their size, the portions they eat must also be small. A dry pellet diet is more advisable than a moist diet as dry pellets last longer and also contributes in cleaning these animals’ teeth. What is important when feeding ferrets with dry pellets is to provide fresh water all the time.
Although not required, it may also be good to give ferrets treats. This may be in the form of snacks, preferably cooked eggs and meats. To be avoided are candies, dairy products like ice cream and milk, fruits that are high in sugar, and nuts and nut products. All these will result to nutritional problems, including malnutrition, tooth decay, diarrhea, hypoglycemia and intestinal blockage. Treats must not also be overdone and normal daily diets must be kept. Vegetables or grains must also be avoided since ferrets cannot digest these foods well.
