Ferrets are an increasingly popular pet because they’re fun, creative and highly energetic. But if you don’t give your pet the proper ferret food, your critter won’t be any of these. Remember, ferrets are extremely high-energy animals. They have a fast metabolism and an extremely short digestive system. This means they have to eat often. And, they have to eat the right ferret food. Cat food does not have the right balance of protein and other nutrients ferrets need.
The key to establishing a proper diet for your ferret is simple: Make sure it eats plenty of meat. A total of 30 percent to 40 percent of your ferret’s diet should consist of protein, while an additional 20 percent to 30 percent of it should be made up of fats. A ferret’s diet should also be low in carbohydrates. Because ferrets are so active, they burn calories quickly. This means they need to eat their ferret food several times a day. Sometimes, that means your ferret will need to eat every three to four hours.
The best approach is to leave food and water out constantly for your pet ferret. This way, your ferret can eat when it gets hungry. Usually, ferrets only eat enough to meet their needs. It’s rare for a ferret to eat too much and gain too much weight. The good news is that there is plenty of food on the market now for ferrets. Finding the right blend for your pet requires some basic research and a willingness to study the labels. This, in fact, is the key to selecting a healthy diet for your ferret. Not all ferret foods are created equal. Look at the list of ingredients. Generally, ingredients located near the top of the list are present in greater quantities. You’ll want to make sure, then, that ingredients such as meat meal are listed near the top.
When buying ferret food, it’s best to shop at a reputable pet shop. Top pet shops won’t risk the chance of harming their reputation by stocking inferior ferret food. Their customers wouldn’t stand for it. There are times when you’ll want to give your ferret a treat that isn’t part of its normal diet. This is acceptable if done in moderation.
Hard-boiled or scrambled eggs, spiced with tiny pieces of cooked meat, is one treat that ferrets tend to enjoy. Creating the right diet for your ferret doesn’t have to be a chore. If you’re willing to do a bit of homework, and if you’re willing to check labels scrupulously, you’re have little trouble making sure your ferret enjoys a nutritious diet.