The Ideal Diet For The Ferret
What is the ideal diet for the ferret? Increasingly, the ferret is chosen as a pet in our homes. We have repeatedly reiterated how important it is for an animal to follow an adequate and balanced diet in order to live healthy and happy.
In this article, we will give you some tips on the ideal ferret diet.
The ideal food for ferrets
Ferrets are carnivorous animals, so we must keep in mind that all the food we provide them must be of animal origin only: grains such as wheat or corn, legumes or vegetables are not good for them.
Instead, animal products are what the ferret needs: meat, internal organs, fish and even eggs are needed for its digestive system. However, ferrets do not digest dairy products well – we avoid yogurt, milk and other similar foods.
Processed foods
Fortunately, we currently have special feeds available for ferrets. A few years ago, when these mustelids were less well known, it was difficult to find feed, treats and other accessories designed for them.
When looking for ferret food, make sure it is made from animal products and does not contain grains, vegetables or other food groups.
Cheap feeds tend to have a lot of fat and other low-quality components, which would damage the ferret’s ideal diet.
In case you are unable to purchase quality ferret feed, cat feed, especially puppy food, usually has the necessary nutrients for these small mammals.
These are feeds with a high percentage of animal proteins and low in fat, cereals or legumes.
The ideal diet for the ferret: what does it eat?
Homemade food: the myth of meat
There is a myth that ferrets become aggressive when they eat fresh meat, both raw and cooked. This is not true: the way you present food does not affect your pet’s behavior. It can happen, however, that they like meat so much that they get nervous before eating it.
As an alternative to dry food, and also as a supplement, ferrets can eat fresh meat. Except pork, they can eat many types of meat: chicken, rabbit, lamb, veal, turkey, duck.
Experiment with different types to find out which one is your pet’s favorite.
The internal organs of animals can also be given: heart, kidneys, tongue or liver can be part of the ideal food for ferrets.
We must keep in mind that ferrets in the wild hunt small prey and eat them whole, including organs.
Also, they can eat fish. Sardines and salmon are particularly interesting for them.
Apart from the tuna, the ferret likes: dogfish, hake, fresh tuna, anchovies … Even prawns or prawns can be to his liking.
Before you give your ferret fresh meat, you need to make sure it doesn’t contain any harmful bacteria. You can freeze the meat for at least 14 days or cook it to annihilate all parasites.
Some also choose to give their ferrets bones to entertain them and eat the marrow. If you give bones to your pet ferret, make sure they are of an adequate size and safe for his mouth, and that they are always raw. Cooked bones, especially bird bones, can injure and damage the digestive tract.
The ideal diet for the ferret: treats and treats
Ferrets, like any other pet, can enjoy treats or treats.
In this case, the prizes must consist of products of animal origin and must not contain sugar, chocolate, fruit or yogurt.
The safest treats for their health are cookies and treats made and marketed especially for ferrets. Remember the previous recommendations: low in vegetables, legumes or cereals and lots of animal proteins.
Prohibited foods for ferrets
Like any other animal, there are several foods that are not recommended or prohibited and that should be completely excluded from the ideal food for ferrets. These are some examples:
- Dairy : Avoid milk, yogurt, ice cream, cheese and other dairy products.
- Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic to ferrets.
- Sweets: Although ferrets are very curious, sweets and sugar are bad for them and should always be avoided.
- Onion: Onions are also toxic and should never be within reach of ferrets.
- Dog food : dogs are omnivores and their diet also includes legumes and cereals. In case of no feeding for ferrets, only cat food can be provided.
An ideal ferret diet is essential for your pet to be healthy and live for a long time.
Fortunately, there are many specific foods on the market: not only specialized feeds, but also butchery products that can make their food taste rich and varied.
