1) What types of food should ferrets avoid?
What Can Ferrets Eat and Not Eat?
Ferrets are incredibly unique and beloved animals that require unique diets to keep them healthy and happy. While dietary habits will vary depending on the ferret, there are a few overall dietary patterns that all ferrets need, even if they don’t necessarily agree with every ferret’s individual needs.
Do’s
When it comes to feeding your ferret, there are a few ‘do’s’:
- High Quality Kibble: Ferrets need food that contains at least 32% protein. Choose food specifically designed for ferrets and look for labels that read “complete and balanced nutrition”.
- Vegetables And Fruits: While ferrets need to eat flesh to keep them healthy, they will also benefit from occasional vegetables and fruits. Apples, grapes, carrots, broccoli, and sweet potatoes are all great options.
- Raw Meat: Ferrets that live their natural, wild lifestyle are primarily carnivorous animals, meaning they typically eat raw meat. Make sure to get high quality, human grade, and clean raw meat for your ferret’s diet.
Don’ts
It is also important to know what your ferret should not eat. These are the main ‘Don’ts’ of ferret diet:
- Chocolate: Chocolate can be toxic to ferrets and should be avoided at all costs. Signs of chocolate poisoning in ferrets can include tremors, increased heart rate, and more.
- Grains: Ferrets are carnivores and should not eat grains. While some ferret foods may contain small amounts of grains, they should not make up the majority of their diet.
- Dog Food: While dog food may seem like a logical option, dog food contains far too much protein and fat for a ferret’s diet. Stay away from feeding them dog food.
Overall, the best type of diet for your ferret will be one that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Feeding your ferret properly will help them live a long and healthy lifestyle.