What do you feed Ferrets?

Answer 1

Before you bring your new domestic ferret into your home, you will need the following supplies and equipment: Food - The domestic ferret will thrive on a premium dry ferret food or, if that is not available in your area, a premium kitten food. Keep in mind, though, that cats and ferrets have differing nutritional needs and cat/kitten foods will not completely satisfy the dietary needs of a ferret. At our shelter we use Totally Ferret manufactured by Performance Foods, Inc. Dog food doesn’t even come close to meeting the ferret’s nutritional needs. The analysis (found on the bag) should show a minimum of 34% protein and a minimum of 22% fat. The bulk of the protein (especially the first two on the list and perhaps three of the first four) should be from animal sources, preferably poultry. Most vegetable matter such as corn cannot be adequately digested. Corn has been show to cause urinary stones, so make sure it appears far down on the ingredients list if at all. Although vegetable matter adds to the "protein" analysis on cheaper foods, it amounts to a "filler" that will pass right through a ferret’s short digestive tract. Make sure you read the ingredients on the bag.

Some "ferret foods" are really mink foods. These usually have a fish or fish byproduct listed first or second. Some nutritionists feel that large quantities of fish is not the ideal diet for a ferret. Some of the cheaper foods add mineral oil rather than vegetable oil. Mineral oil can leach out critical vitamins from the ferret’s digestive tract. It is not recommended. Cage - For the animal's protection and security, I recommend confining him to the cage during the night and periods when no one will be on hand to supervise. It is the best way of ensuring that he will stay out of harms way. Your ferret will consider his cage as a place of security and not resent being caged provided he is given sufficient time to play out of the cage. Be sure to leave the cage door open while he is out so that your ferret can go in and out for food, water, to use the litterbox, or even to nap. (Although most of ours prefer to nap in drawers, behind the refrigerator, under the futon, behind the TV, or some other inaccessible place.)

Answer 2

I give them Iams. You can feed them ferret food but ive been recommended high protein cat food. I get the kitten type. Its in a purple bag and works out great.

Answer 3

I'll recommend anything but Marshall Farms. Their stuff is the worst. Totally Ferret and Zupreem gave my ferrets twelve long years of life.

Answer 4

High Protien Kitten food, Purina makes the highest available for my ferrets.

Answer 5

i recognize 8in1 perfect and health center for cats. Its straightforward to feed kibble and nevertheless be 'grain loose'...you do not might want to feed raw to stay away from grains. inspect a ferret nutrients chart for more desirable information.

Answer 6

I use a mix between cat food and ferret food!!

for a treat I give mine a raw egg. Balto loves it!!!

Answer 7

Pick out a few brands that rate a "1" or a "2" on this chart: http://everythingfert.proboards36.com/index.cgi?board=kristen&action=display&thread=1109195167 .

Answer 8

Kittie food! *Hugs my ferret*

You love your kittie food, dont you my little feret?

Ooooops, sorry about that.

Answer 9

We fed ours Iams and for treats he liked carrots and cherry tomatoes.

Answer 10

Used to feed mine cat food.........the dry kind.