The pet store says I need expensive ferret food. They say Wal Mart food is like us eating Mc'D's. True?

Question

That sounds extreme. I know some brands are better, but ferret food from Wal Mart is like us eating at McDonald's every day? Come on now--it can't be THAT bad, can it?

Answer 1

The ferret food at Walmart contains bits of fruit which is an absolute NO NO. It's not that bad, it's horrible. It's the cheapest and worst ferret food 8in1 produces and I wish they took it off the market. So even if your ferrets like it, don't use it. I think Walmart sells one other kind, that's all kibble, but the ingredients are just as horrible. It's 8in1 Ultra, which amazingly enough still ranks better than Marshalls. Sad, isn't it?
Walmart carries one kind of food that is actually better than some ferret foods out there and that's Maxximum Kitten. I would however never ever feed it alone. I currently mix Maxximum Kitten, 8in1 ULTIMATE Crunchy and Zupreem and my four are doing great.
You may not want to buy your ferret food at the pet store however. I have paid around $14 for a 4 pound bag of ferret food at pet stores and now buy all of my supplies at http://www.ferret.com where I pay lots less even with shipping. I just make sure I do not just order one bag of food, but several and I order whatever else my little weezils need.

Here's a list of foods for you to check out, maybe this helps:
http://www.mdferretpaws.org/care/food_treats.html

Good luck.

Answer 2

Actually, I would NEVER feed my ferrets the ferret foods that they sell at the Walmarts around me (not sure if your Walmart offers the same ones as mine). I think the Walmart by me offers a few different 8in1 brand ferret foods, there might be another brand or two, I can't remember, but they don't have a large variety. The only 8in1 brand food I'd ever give (and actually do give) to my ferrets is the 8in1 Ultimate Ferret Diet Crunchy. The rest of the 8in1 ferret foods are complete crap. If your Walmart offers ZuPreem, then that's also ok. Other good ferret foods: The Ferret Store Superior Choice Original Ferret Diet, Natural Gold Hi-Pro Lo-Carb Ferret Food, Wysong ferret foods, and Innova Evo ferret food.

Some ferret food facts to keep in mind when looking for a ferret food: When deciding on a food, you should examine the ingredients, especially the first five. There should be no fruits or vegetables (especially in the first five) and if corn appears it should be no higher than the fourth or fifth ingredient. Ideally, the first two ingredients should be meat-based, however three of the first five should contain meat. Equally important is to examine the guaranteed analysis. Ferrets require high protein (suggested min 36% - tissue growth & muscle repair), moderate fat (18 - 40% - heating the body and provide energy), low fiber (approx max 3% - no cecum to process it) and low carbohydrates (average is 34%, but the lower the better - it is believed a high count contributes to insulinoma). http://www.ferretuniverse.com/care/food.asp

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
The pet store says I need expensive ferret food. They say Wal Mart food is like us eating Mc'D's. True?
That sounds extreme. I know some brands are better, but ferret food from Wal Mart is like us eating at McDonald's every day? Come on now--it can't be THAT bad, can it?

Answer 4

Some foods are awful for ferrets.

They need HIGH protein, and I'm not talking 35% here. You need to look for either a ferret food that doesn't use fish (they'll stink to high heaven when they poop) or a very high protein cat food like Purina DM or Evo. Evo is 50% protein.

A regular grocery store won't have these, you need to go to a pet supplies store. WalMart doesn't have these at all. Not feeding the right food is setting yourself up for vet bills in the near future.

I suggest joining some ferret lists like Pooflingers or the yahoogroups ferret lists. Don't participate in any that have flame wars, find a good solid group. Ask what they feed their ferrets and for tips.

A bag of Evo is $17 but it'll feed a ferret for 3 months. You do need a good food. These aren't dogs or cats and need dietery requirements for a ferret's metabolism.

Try here:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=ferret+food

If you're unsure, contact a ferret rescue in your area and ask what you SHOULD be feeding. Ferret rescues can be found by using google.

Answer 5

I've never even seen ferret food sold at Wal-Mart. What brand is it? I can't answer this correctly unless I know. I can, however, recommend a few brands. I happen to like Innova Evo, 8in1 Ultimate, and Zoo-Preem.

Answer 6

Totally Ferret is the highest quality ferret food you can buy. Protein and fat content and quality are extremely important in a ferret food. The better the food, the healthier the ferret.

Answer 7

They're right. Most commercial pet food sold in grocery stores is basically crap - full of by-products and chemical preservatives.

Answer 8

yes becaues all animals need better things so when you bye them they might5 be more heathy.