Feeding Ferrets

Complete ferret foods have been introduced on to the pet market, and these make an excellent complete diet. However, as they are dried food rather like cat biscuits so make sure that extra water is always available. Many ferrets enjoy splashing in a water bowl so also provide water in a large sized water bottle to compensate for the spillages. Good quality cat biscuit (over 30% protein) is also a handy alternative. Many ferrets enjoy fresh meat but this can be a problem in the summer when flies can attracted.

The amount of food a ferret needs depends on its age, the amount of exercise it gets, and how large it is. Males need rather more than females. The dry foods can be fed freely so that a ferret can take whatever it wants. If you feed fresh meat it is better to feed just small amounts twice a day so that it does not become smelly and unappetising, or attract flies. You will soon learn how much your ferret needs; as he will eat his fill and then start to stash any extra.

Ferrets often enjoy other foods as treats. Ice cream is especially popular as on occasional treat and in strict moderation! An occasional egg is appreciated but be careful as too many eggs can cause loss of hair as well as causing diarrhoea. Some ferrets dispite being carnivores show a keen appetite for vegetables and fruit. The ferrets' digestive system cannot cope with large amounts and it can cause problems. The occasional mouthful should do no harm but be careful; but it is an alien food to a carnivore. Although it is fine to give your pets occasional treats, please do not overdo it. You want a sleek fit ferret, not a fat sluggish ferret.

Relative Sizes of the Mustelidae Family : Basic Ferret Facts : Housing Ferrets : Neutering & Descenting : Illnessess : Handling Ferrets : Preparing for a Ferret Show