Ferret snacks?

Question

I was just wondering what foods ferrets can eat other than pellets e.g., watermelon, red peppers, apples, etc.

I mean raw foods.

I feed my ferret red peppers all the time, she loves them and begs for them. I just figure if she wants them that badly, I'll let her have them.

Answer 1

This is a tricky question and no ferret owner ever agrees with one another on this subject. So to answer correctly...lets stick with the facts:

Ferrets are carnivorse...STRICTLY.
In the wild they would eat nothing but meat. As a matter of fact, their bodies in general and digestive tract are designed to solely process proteins from meat sources. You ferret cannot properly digest fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, sugars, etc., without running the risk of being ill.

People have defied the odds and risked natures design by giving them 'extra curricular' foods anyways. People feed their ferrets all kinds of crap...crackers, pretzels, cereal, raisins, fruits, veggies, the list goes one. Fact of the matter is if you are going to feed these items you have to feed them in very, very, small quantities. Nothing should exceed the size of your pinkie nail. And even then ferrets have been known to have weird poops and belly aches from that.

I admit, I am guilty of the every-now-and-again Cheerio or piece of cracker but all in all this should really be limited. Stick to ferret food and ferret treats. Trust me, they will be happy with just that.

Answer 2

SAY WHAT? Crackers, peppers, sunflower seeds, watermelon???
Absolutely not even if they beg for it. Who's in charge here?
Ferrets are carnivores and not built to digest those kinds of things. They lack a part of the intestines called the cecum, essential in digesting these high fiber items. High carb diets also make their bloodsugar rise too high and it is believed that this is directly linked to the development of insulinomas later in life.
The whole idea of snacks and treats is a human notion and it's really not absolutely necessary to TREAT a ferret. However it is fun and an incentive for the animal to do certain things, like use a litter box or learn a trick.
Buy ferret-specific treats at your pet store or check out http://www.ferret.com . I buy most of my supplies there.
I get CHEWEASELS chewable toys, FOAMY FRIES and chicken flavored treats.
I also feed mine a jar of Gerber Stage 2 Chicken or Turkey food once in a while as it is part of my concoction that I feed when they are sick and I like to keep them used to the flavor. They love it.
Now for training purposes only I use a raisin, cut into four pieces or a Yogie treat cut in half. Those things are not really good for them, but in small amounts won't do no harm.
Mine end up getting ONE raisin each per week this way.
I do give mine an occasional raw egg as well.

Whatever you decide to use for a treat, keep in mind:
No fruits or vegetables and no high carb foods like crackers, cookies, candies, please!!

Answer 3

You should NOT be giving your ferret any fruits or veggies - they are not good for your ferret!!

"I just figure if she wants them that badly, I'll let her have them." - I'm sorry but that's the dumbest reason to be giving your ferret a treat. Animals are a lot like humans, the foods we enjoy the most tend to be the ones that are the least healthy for us. Do not give her something just because she begs for it!!

Providing treats/snacks to your ferret should be given only in moderation so it will not interfere with their normal and necessary food intake. Providing them pieces of kibble by hand will often suffice as a special treat. Raw vegetables should NOT be given as their bodies are unable to break the fiber down and can lead into intestinal problems and other health issues such as bloackages, diarrhea, etc. Any treat you provide for your ferrets should be MEAT based, do not provide any sugary treats. Keep in mind ferrets do not crave treats, this is a human emotion, so provide vary sparingly. - http://www.ferretuniverse.com/care/food.asp (under "Treats")

Answer 4

Buy treats made for ferrets. Ferrets simply cannot digest fiber, so any kind of vegie or fruit will cause intestinal distress. Junk food is not recommended as a "treat" unless you want a sick ferret. They are obligate carnivores--food needs to be as high protein as possible.

Answer 5

Most of their food needs to be regular ferret food or high protein kitten chow. The treats should never be more than 10% of a ferret's diet.

I usually only let mine have raisins, and NOT the chocolate covered type. He would get maybe 4 a day. He really loved fishing for them in his water bowl, he'd snorkle down trying to get them. It made a mess, but he had fun doing it.

Answer 6

My friend has a ferret. She feeds it Chedder cheese, Cracker bits, and Corn

DO NOT FEED IT RED PEPPERS

Answer 7

Print this chart out. It has the ''inside scoop'' on what is the best food(s) for your ferret.

http://www.ferret-universe.com/care/resources/food_chart.pdf

Here are some treat sites:

http://www.ferret.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=650149+CRU

http://www.ferret.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=630307&srccode=COMMJUNF

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=17490

Answer 8

I would say cracker bits and green pepers.

Answer 9

sun flower seads & treats you can get @ petco