Ferret Food

Many ferret-fanatics highly recommend a specific ferret food available on Amazon, but it’s often out of stock in numerous areas, making it frustrating to obtain. Keep reading to learn more about what’s best for your little friend.

What does my ferret need to eat?

Did you know that ferrets are obligate carnivores? This means their diet needs to be primarily meat-based because they simply don’t have the enzymes in their stomachs to digest plant matter.

On top of that, ferrets require a lot of protein and fat, with very little fiber and carbohydrates, to stay healthy. Since they can’t digest plant matter well, all that essential protein and fat must come from meat-based sources.

Another key point is that ferrets need a 1:1 balance of calcium and phosphorus. You get calcium from bones and phosphorus from tissue meats. The good news is that most commercial kibbles are formulated to have the right calcium to phosphorus ratio to meet your ferret’s dietary needs.

The 9 Best Ferret Foods: Reviews & Recommendations

Should I feed my ferret a raw meat-based diet or a kibble diet?

To be honest, the short answer is that we don’t know for sure. There haven’t been any comprehensive studies that specifically examine ferret health or lifespan based on whether they’re fed a raw meat-based diet or a kibble diet. This lack of research means that ferret owners often have to rely on anecdotal evidence or the advice of veterinarians who specialize in exotic pets.

Without solid research, it’s difficult to compare the long-term effects of a raw meat-based diet versus a kibble diet on a ferret’s overall health and lifespan. Each diet has its proponents and critics within the ferret-owning community. Some believe that a raw diet more closely mimics what ferrets would eat in the wild, potentially leading to better health outcomes. Others argue that high-quality commercial kibbles are formulated to meet all of a ferret’s nutritional requirements and offer convenience for pet owners.

Benefits and risks of a raw meat-based diet

Benefits

Greater digestibility. Ferrets have a very short digestive tract, which means their bodies can’t absorb as many nutrients from their food compared to other carnivores like cats. Meat diets are gentler on their digestive system, ensuring that ferrets can efficiently digest enough nutrients to stay healthy.

Higher protein and fat. Raw meat-based diets are packed with high levels of both meat-based protein and fat, which are crucial components of a healthy ferret diet. These nutrients support their high energy levels and overall well-being.

Lower carbohydrates and fiber. Raw meat-based diets contain little to no carbohydrates and fiber, which ferrets struggle to digest. Diets high in carbohydrates and low in protein can lead to poor breeding, compromised health, and an increased risk of disease in ferrets.

Better dental health. Kibble diets often result in plaque buildup and tooth tissue loss. Since ferret teeth are naturally designed to process raw prey, raw meat-based diets typically avoid these dental issues, promoting better oral health for your ferret.

Risks

Pathogen risk. Despite the advantages of a raw meat-based diet, many veterinarians and veterinary organizations advise against it due to the potential spread of harmful bacteria. Handling raw food can pose risks of transmitting dangerous pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes to both humans and pets. While some believe that obligate carnivores like ferrets are better at resisting bacterial pathogens, there’s no concrete evidence supporting their ability to fend off pathogens specific to processed foods. Additionally, humans handling the food are definitely not immune to these bacteria.

Any raw meat, regardless of how carefully it’s processed and packaged, carries the risk of containing dangerous bacteria or parasites. Freezing meat doesn’t eliminate these pathogens; only cooking, pasteurizing, or irradiating can do that. However, cooked and pasteurized meat isn’t suitable for ferrets, making raw meat-based diets inherently risky in this regard.

Poor nutritional balance. According to the consensus from the 2017 British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) congress, “homemade raw feeding is dangerous because it is so difficult to get it right in terms of nutrients and balance.” Studies on raw meat-based diet recipes for dogs and cats have shown that very few available recipes offer the appropriate balance of nutrients.

Unfortunately, most ferret owners focus primarily on the macronutrients – protein, fat, and carbohydrates – required by ferrets. However, the bigger danger with raw meat-based diets lies in the imbalance of micronutrients – vitamins and minerals. While it is possible to meet the nutritional requirements of ferrets with a raw meat-based diet, achieving the right balance is extremely challenging for most owners.

How to make a raw meat-based diet

Crafting a raw meat-based diet for your ferret involves carefully selecting a variety of meats, organs, and bones to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients. Ferret nutrition is complex, and providing a balanced diet is crucial for their health and longevity. For instance, the ferret shelter, Unwanted Fuzz in Victoria, Australia, successfully feeds their entire shelter a raw diet using a well-balanced recipe. Here’s the recipe they follow, which offers a comprehensive mix of ingredients:

For a 22 pounds (10 kilograms) mix:

• 6.5 pounds (3 kilograms) chicken frames (these are the bones and scraps of meat left after most of the meat has been removed), minced
• 4.5 pounds (2 kilograms) kangaroo mince
• 4.5 pounds (2 kilograms) beef mince
• 4.5 pounds (2 kilograms) hearts
• 17.5 ounces (500 grams) liver
• 8.8 ounces (250 grams) kidneys
• 8.8 ounces (250 grams) brains

In addition to this mixture, it’s important to supplement with chicken necks and wings, as well as whole prey such as unbutchered rabbits, chickens, and ducks. These supplements provide essential nutrients and mimic the natural diet of ferrets, promoting better digestion and overall health.

Expert Tips:

• Variety is Key: Including different types of meats and organs ensures that your ferret gets a balanced intake of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

• Proper Handling: Always handle raw meat with care to prevent the spread of bacteria. Wash your hands thoroughly after preparation and clean all surfaces and utensils used.

• Consult a Veterinarian: Before switching to a raw meat-based diet, it’s advisable to consult with a veterinarian to tailor the diet to your ferret’s specific needs and to address any potential nutritional gaps.

Always ensure that the diet is balanced and meets all ferret food requirements to maintain their vitality and happiness.

Benefits and risks of a kibble diet

When deciding on a kibble diet for your ferret, it’s important to consider both the advantages and potential drawbacks to ensure you’re making the best choice for your furry friend.

Benefits:

Appropriate balance of vitamins and minerals. Many ferret and cat foods on the market, even those that aren’t top-of-the-line, generally provide a good balance of essential micronutrients such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, and calcium. This ensures that your ferret receives the necessary vitamins and minerals for optimal health. However, it’s crucial to remember that not just any kibble will suffice! Unlike raw feeders who need to manage micronutrient balance themselves, kibble feeders can focus primarily on the quality and quantity of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, simplifying the feeding process.

Very low risk of pathogens. One of the standout benefits of a kibble diet is its minimal risk of bacterial contamination. While there have been notable pet food recalls, such as the melamine-tainted pet food scandal in 2007, the majority of recalls in the past decade have involved wet or raw foods rather than kibble. This is because dry foods undergo cooking processes like baking or extrusion, which effectively eliminate harmful bacteria and parasites that might be present in raw meat-based diets (RMBDs). Additionally, kibble remains safe even if your ferret decides to stash some away for later, reducing the risk of pathogen exposure compared to raw foods.

Risks:

High carbohydrates. A significant concern with many ferret and cat foods is their high carbohydrate content. Ferrets are obligate carnivores, meaning they thrive on diets low in carbohydrates. Excessive carbohydrates can lead to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders, making high-carb kibble less ideal for maintaining your ferret’s health.

Vegetable protein. Another drawback is that many ferret and cat foods boost their protein levels with vegetable proteins. Since ferrets cannot properly digest plant matter, they struggle to metabolize vegetable protein effectively. Ferrets require protein from high-quality, meat-based sources to meet their nutritional needs and maintain their energy levels and overall well-being.

Poor dental health. Kibble diets can also negatively impact your ferret’s dental health. Unlike raw diets, which help clean teeth naturally through chewing on raw prey, kibble can lead to the buildup of plaque and the loss of tooth tissue over time. This can result in dental problems that may require veterinary intervention, affecting your ferret’s quality of life.

How to choose a kibble

Selecting the right kibble for your ferret is crucial to ensure they receive the balanced nutrition they need. When evaluating ferret or high-quality cat food, use the following guidelines to assess the ingredient list and guaranteed analysis on the packaging. If you reside in a country where this information isn’t required on the packaging, consider importing your kibble from a country that does enforce these labeling standards. Remember, it’s essential not to rely solely on others’ recommendations – even ours! Always take the time to check the labels yourself to make the best choice for your ferret’s health.

How to Read an Ingredient List

In most countries, the ingredient list must be ordered from the highest concentration to the lowest. This means the first ingredient is present in the largest amount, and each subsequent ingredient is included in decreasing quantities. In kibble, this typically means that any ingredients listed beyond the first five are present in very small amounts (less than 5%).

When examining the ingredient list, look for the following:

• No sweeteners and no or very little fruit: Ferrets do not need added sugars or excessive fruit in their diet.
• Meat or meat protein isolate as the first ingredient: High-quality ferret food should prioritize animal-based proteins.
• Only the following in the first 5 ingredients:
  • Named meats (e.g., deboned, dehydrated)
  • Meat protein isolate
  • Named meat meal
  • Named meat by-products like eggs, gelatin, and organs
  • Named animal fats or oils

Ensuring that these high-quality ingredients are at the top of the list guarantees that your ferret is getting the protein and fat they need from reliable sources.

How to Read a Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis provides essential information about the macronutrient content of the food, such as protein and fat levels. However, it doesn’t specify the sources of these nutrients, which is why it’s important to check both the ingredient list and the guaranteed analysis together.

When reviewing the guaranteed analysis, pay attention to the following:

• Crude protein level of at least 35%: Ferrets require a high-protein diet to maintain their energy and health.

• Crude fat level between 20% and 40%: Adequate fat is essential for energy and overall well-being.

• Crude fiber level of less than 5%: Low fiber is necessary since ferrets have difficulty digesting plant matter.

• Calcium to phosphorus ratio of approximately 1:1: If listed, this balance is crucial for bone health.

Just like with a raw meat-based diet, incorporating variety into your ferret’s kibble can help meet their nutritional needs. For example, Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 is a commonly recommended ferret food that boasts good ingredients and high protein levels. However, it only contains 18% crude fat, which means it should be supplemented with another food that has a higher fat content, even if that food has slightly less protein than ideal. This ensures your ferret receives a balanced intake of all necessary nutrients.

Expert Tips for Choosing Kibble

ust like with a raw meat-based diet, adding variety to your ferret’s kibble can play a big role in meeting their nutritional needs. Take Wysong Ferret Epigen 90, for example. It’s a popular ferret food known for its quality ingredients and high protein levels. However, it only has 18% crude fat, so you might need to supplement it with another food that has a higher fat content – even if that means the additional food has a bit less protein than ideal. This approach helps ensure your ferret gets a well-rounded mix of all the necessary nutrients.

Here are some key points to keep in mind when choosing kibble for your ferret:

• Prioritize Animal-Based Proteins: Always opt for kibble where the first ingredient is a named meat or meat protein isolate. This ensures your ferret is getting high-quality protein from reliable sources.

• Check for Essential Fats: Make sure the food includes enough animal fats or oils to meet your ferret’s energy needs. Healthy fats are crucial for their overall well-being and energy levels.

• Avoid Fillers and Additives: Steer clear of foods that contain unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives. These additives offer little nutritional value and can sometimes lead to health issues.

• Consult with a Veterinarian: Before making any major changes to your ferret’s diet, it’s a good idea to talk to a veterinarian. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your ferret’s specific health needs and ensure that their diet is balanced and nutritious.

Staying informed and proactive about your ferret’s dietary needs is the best way to provide them with the care they deserve.

Our next post is on how the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) helps animals and pet owners.