What Should Ferrets Eat?

Ferrets are a fairly popular pet. It is said they have the intelligence to be litter trained like a cat or pet bunny. It is best that they be purchased in pairs as they need companionship, especially if the owner works or is often busy, to keep each other company and occupied. This will maybe prevent accidents stemming from boredom. These little creatures are very curious, entertaining, energetic and fun loving. Ferrets are exotic animals and are not allowed in every state. As with many exotic creatures, such as sugar gliders, many claim that dry cat food is just fine but it is more likely that ferrets will benefit more from a diet more specific to their dietary needs. In the wild, ferret ancestors fed on small prey, consuming most parts of the animal, including the meat, skin, bones, organs, skin, feathers, fur, and innards.

As carnivores, ferrets need animal based proteins and they have the teeth for it, too. They have big, strong, guillotine like teeth that can really do some ripping and tearing. They can be very gentle though, during play with their owners. Some feed pinkie mice or day old chicks, while others don't have the stomach for that. Ferrets have very short digestive tracts as compared to other small animals like cats, which means they need protein and fat for a good healthy digestive system. However chicken may be preferred over beef as too much fat can result in an overweight and unhappy ferret.

Some people feed their ferrets fresh meats but store bought instead of live food, like chicken, turkey or beef (always cooked). Many ferrets may enjoy crunching on insects which is a good source of protein. Of course there are plenty of dry ferret foods on the market that can be used as a staple food in the diet. You will want to make sure it is made of healthy ingredients before feeding it to your ferret. As with most pets, chocolate is poison to ferrets. Never feed a ferret chocolate, raw meats, dairy products, dog food, and fish, be it fish based or flavored cat food or fresh fish. A few ferrets will like fruits and vegetables as treats, like raisins, but use sparingly as very much can cause a blockage. Chicken and chicken flavor seem to be a favorite to ferrets. You may even try a little chicken baby food.

There are many differing opinions on what the best diet is but a diet close to what they would eat in the wild makes the most sense. Perhaps a good, reputable staple ferret food with fresh meats and an occasional treat would be best.

http://www.all-about-ferrets.com/what-do-ferrets-eat.html

exoticpets.about.com/od/ferretcare/Pet_Ferret_Care_and_Health_Information.htm