When
it comes to feeding your ferret, protein and fat are
where it's at. A born carnivore with a high metabolism
and energy level, your pet will need the right food
to fuel his active lifestyle. And in order to meet
your ferret's strict dietary requirements, you must
be prepared to read lots of labels!
A Specially Formulated Ferret Diet Is Best
Ferrets
do best on a food specifically formulated for their
species or a high-quality kitten food. Either will
work--as long as the brand you choose contains no
less than 34 percent animal protein and no less
than 20 percent fat. Take care when making your
purchase at the pet supply store--even though a
food may be labeled for ferrets, it may not contain
these percentages. You will need to read the labels
carefully; in the highest quality foods, you'll
notice that animal protein--in the form of chicken,
turkey, beef or lamb--makes up the first 2 or 3
ingredients. If you're opting for kitten food, avoid
a fish-based formula. It may result in smellier
stools, and ferrets don't seem to like it anyway.
Opinion
is divided among the ferret set as to wet vs. dry.
While kibble helps prevent tartar buildup, too much
can wear down the teeth. Moist food fed exclusively,
some say, can result in tooth decay and, yet again,
smellier stools. You may want to offer soft food
on occasion, or moisten the kibble with a little
water. Whatever you choose, make sure that food
is always available to your pet--ferrets can easily
chow down 10 or more small meals a day. If you are
feeding soft or moistened food, be sure to remove
any leftovers to avoid spoilage.
It's
crucial that you provide fresh, clean water at all
times, too. You probably won't have much luck with
a water dish, as your playful pet is more likely
to splash in it or knock it over than drink from
it. We recommend a water bottle that attaches directly
to your ferret's cage.
High Quality Ferret Food
If
you're feeding a high-quality diet, regular supplements
aren't necessary. If your pet's coat seems a little
dry during the winter months, however, you can give
him a few drops of a vitamin supplement such as
Ferretone twice weekly. Most ferrets love this stuff,
and it makes a delicious treat. And did you know
that ferrets can get hairballs? To combat this problem,
many caretakers offer their pets a few drops of
cat hairball remedy once or twice a week, particularly
during shedding season.
Your
fuzzball will appreciate a little variety now and
then, so be sure to offer a few treats every day.
Experts recommend 1 to 2 very small pieces
of nonacidic fruits like melon and apple; cooked,
chopped veggies such as broccoli and green pepper;
a few pieces of low-fat, low-sugar cereal; cooked
egg yolk, and small bits of cooked meat. Never give
your ferret chocolate, alcohol, coffee, tea, dairy
products, seeds, nuts, and anything high in sugar
and/or salt. Please be careful not to overdo the
treats. Feeding your little guy the wrong foods
can lead to health problems--and even shorten his
time with you!
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