Ferrets metabolize food quickly and have high energy needs. For these reasons, it is generally recommended that ferrets have food available to them at all times. There are a few exceptions to this rule, however. If a ferret is overweight or obese, his food may need to be restricted to help him lose weight. A vet can advise you on how to do this. If a ferret is sick and not eating, his food may need to be removed so that he doesn’t aspirate it and make his condition worse. In some cases, a ferret may need to be fasted prior to surgery. Again, your vet will advise you on this.
Other than these exceptions, it is generally best to keep food available to your ferret at all times. Ferrets have a tendency to hoard food, so it is important to make sure they have enough to eat. It is also important to remember that ferrets are obligate carnivores. This means that they require animal-based protein to survive. A diet that is too high in carbohydrates can lead to health problems for ferrets. For these reasons, it is important to choose a high-quality ferret food that is high in animal-based protein and low in carbohydrates.