Like any animal, a ferret's diet is vitally important to their health. Unless your pet ferret gets the proper food, it can develop some very serious health issues. Ferrets are strict carnivores and need a high protein, high fat, low fiber diet to stay healthy. Until about 20 years ago, high quality cat food was the only commercially available option for ferrets. While these are OK as a short term solution, foods which are made specifically for ferrets are a much better choice and provide for the particular dietary needs of your pet. A ferret's diet should include high quality fats which contain the right essential fatty acids and a low carbohydrate content. If you have a baby ferret, it's especially important that their diet provides them with the right nutrition.
If you're shopping for ferret food, look for something that has a protein content between 35% and 40%, a fat content of 18% to 30% and no more than 2% fiber as well as the 21 amino acids which ferrets need, an ash content of under 7% and nutritious additions like brewer's yeast. It's important to look for high quality ferret food, since not all brands are the same - many ferrets will refuse to eat a low quality food. While good ferret food is more costly than comparable quality cat food, ferrets are much lighter eaters than are cats. A ferret's diet which contains the right nutrients will eliminate the need to give your pet supplements.
A ferret's diet should include at least two daily feedings to provide your pet with the caloric intake and nutritionist it needs to be healthy. Remember than portion sizes should be small, since ferrets do not need to eat a large amount at a single sitting. If you feed moist food to your pet rather than dry food, then you should leave this food out for only around 45 minutes before taking the food away. If you give your ferret dry food as many ferret owners prefer, there are a few advantages for your pet's health. Dry food helps clean the teeth and it's simply more convenient, since you can leave food in their cage all day. Remember that your ferret needs fresh water available at all times. The water should be changed once daily.
Giving your ferret treats in not a necessity, but can be useful with housebreaking your ferret. Cooked eggs and meats are the best choice of snack. Avoid fruits they are high in sugar, candy, dairy products such as ice cream and milk, nuts and nut products; these products will cause nutritional problems. Some health problems include malnutrition, obesity, tooth decay, diarrhea, intestinal blockage, insulinoma, and hypoglycemia. Treats may also cause your ferret to refuse its normal daily diet, so use treats sparingly. Ferrets do not digest vegetables or grains well, so those should be avoided at all cost. Onions are poisonous to ferrets.
Providing a ferret with the proper nutrition is essential for a healthy life. It will ensure your ferret is happy and comfortable; it also minimizes the risk for serious life-threatening illnesses. Ferret owners have a reputation of showing an ample amount of love and affection towards these funny and frisky pets but, the best way to show love to your ferret is to reward them with a good diet.
If you're shopping for ferret food, look for something that has a protein content between 35% and 40%, a fat content of 18% to 30% and no more than 2% fiber as well as the 21 amino acids which ferrets need, an ash content of under 7% and nutritious additions like brewer's yeast. It's important to look for high quality ferret food, since not all brands are the same - many ferrets will refuse to eat a low quality food. While good ferret food is more costly than comparable quality cat food, ferrets are much lighter eaters than are cats. A ferret's diet which contains the right nutrients will eliminate the need to give your pet supplements.
A ferret's diet should include at least two daily feedings to provide your pet with the caloric intake and nutritionist it needs to be healthy. Remember than portion sizes should be small, since ferrets do not need to eat a large amount at a single sitting. If you feed moist food to your pet rather than dry food, then you should leave this food out for only around 45 minutes before taking the food away. If you give your ferret dry food as many ferret owners prefer, there are a few advantages for your pet's health. Dry food helps clean the teeth and it's simply more convenient, since you can leave food in their cage all day. Remember that your ferret needs fresh water available at all times. The water should be changed once daily.
Giving your ferret treats in not a necessity, but can be useful with housebreaking your ferret. Cooked eggs and meats are the best choice of snack. Avoid fruits they are high in sugar, candy, dairy products such as ice cream and milk, nuts and nut products; these products will cause nutritional problems. Some health problems include malnutrition, obesity, tooth decay, diarrhea, intestinal blockage, insulinoma, and hypoglycemia. Treats may also cause your ferret to refuse its normal daily diet, so use treats sparingly. Ferrets do not digest vegetables or grains well, so those should be avoided at all cost. Onions are poisonous to ferrets.
Providing a ferret with the proper nutrition is essential for a healthy life. It will ensure your ferret is happy and comfortable; it also minimizes the risk for serious life-threatening illnesses. Ferret owners have a reputation of showing an ample amount of love and affection towards these funny and frisky pets but, the best way to show love to your ferret is to reward them with a good diet.
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Learn more about Ferret Diet. Stop by Chris Flett's site where you can find out all about ferret diet and what it can do for you.
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