Proper Feeding for Your Ferret

If you want your pet to live for a long time, a proper ferret diet is very important. Without proper feeding your ferret is at risk for some severe health troubles. Ferrets developed to become meat eaters and, therefore, require a low fiber, high protein diet in order to flourish. In the past the best option for feeding ferrets was to use premium quality cat food. You can continue to buy high quality cat food for your ferret, however there are lots of different ferret food options available that can supply the combination that your pet requires – high quality fat and low carbohydrates. The correct mix will make it possible for your ferret to achieve a maximum life span.
A correct diet is essential for a baby ferret. Here’s what to look for when buying food for your ferret: 35-40% protein, 18-30% fat, 2% fiber, 21 amino acids, less than 7% ash and some good carbs such as rice flour or brewer’s yeast. Look out for ferret foods that incorporate frozen fish as your ferret won’t eat it. It is not uncommon for ferrets to refuse foods they don’t like until the starve. High quality ferret food is often costlier than a premium quality cat food, however ferrets don’t eat very much, so buying quality food shouldn’t be that expensive in the long run. If you give your ferret a healthy diet, supplements will not be necessary.
Your ferret will need to eat at least twice a day to ensure the amount calories required to maintain good health. Because ferrets are small animals the portion sizes you feed them should be small as well. With a moist diet, the food can only be left out for about forty five minutes and then, if it has not been eaten in that time frame, it should be removed. If you’d like their food to be accessible for longer than that, you might want to think about using a dry pellet food. Dry pellets can be left in the cage all day and they are also a good idea to help keep your ferret’s teeth clean. If you choose a dry pellet diet for your pet, remember that there should also be fresh water available. It appears that ferrets would rather drink from a dish than a water bottle, so give them their fresh water supply in a bowl. Remember to change their water frequently to keep it fresh and clean.
Treats are not necessary for your ferret but can help when you are attempting to housebreak your pet. Good choices for snacks are cooked eggs and meats. You should stay away from high-sugar fruits or candy as well as any dairy products like ice cream or milk. Also, avoid nuts or nut products. Any of these could cause nutritrional problems. Health problems that your ferret could encounter include malnutrition, obesity, tooth decay, diarrhea, intestinal blockage, insulinoma and hypoglycemia. Treats should be used sparingly so your ferret doesn’t reject its normal food. A ferret doesn’t tolerate vegetables and grains well, so be sure to avoid them. And, be sure to avoid onions because they are actually poisonous to ferrets.
Making sure your ferret has a healthy diet is crucial in maintaining a long and healthy life. Your ferret will be content, comfy and less susceptible to any life-threatening illnesses. Ferret owners shower their pets with lots of care and affection, but, the kindest thing they can do is to ensure that their pet is fed properly.