Feeding your ferret properly is super important for their
health and energy. Here’s a quick guide:
1. High-Protein, Meat-Based Diet
Ferrets are obligate
carnivores, which means they must eat meat to thrive.
· Best option: High-quality ferret food
(kibble) with at least 35-40%
protein and 15-20% fat.
· Alternative: High-protein kitten food (only
temporarily, if ferret food isn’t available).
· Raw or cooked meat: Some ferret owners feed raw
diets (like raw chicken, organs, and bones), but it requires careful prep and
research to ensure it's balanced.
2. Avoid These
· No fruits, veggies,
grains, or sugary treats — their digestive systems can’t handle them.
· No dairy,
chocolate, caffeine, or salty snacks.
3. Feeding Schedule
· Ferrets have fast
metabolisms — they need frequent
small meals or free-feeding (keeping kibble available all day).
· Always
provide fresh water in
a bowl or bottle.
4. Treats (occasionally)
· Small bits of
cooked egg, chicken, or freeze-dried raw meat make great occasional treats.
Ferrets: Complete Care Guide
CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE BOOK ON AMAZON
Even
though ferrets are relatively new to the pet world, these charming weasels have
been human companions for thousands of years, as author Karen Dale Dustman
shares in the opening of Ferrets. The first chapter of the book (“A
Nod to Ferret History”) paints a fascinating portrait of ferrets’ place in
human and natural history (who knew they were related to minks?). Since ferrets
aren’t legal in all states (or cities and counties, depending on local
statutes), potential owners are advised to do their homework before purchasing
a ferret. (A complete chapter on legal and regulatory concerns can be found at
the end of the book.) The chapter “Choosing a Ferret Companion”
offers solid advice about selecting a healthy ferret, where to purchase, and
owner considerations such as spaying/neutering and de-scenting. The author has
written two excellent chapters about acclimating the new ferret to the home and
living with this clever, fun-loving critter. These chapters detail the
selection of the best cage, litter box options, feeding, ferret-proofing the
home for safety, grooming, and daily care. The most important chapter in the
book focuses on training the naturally mischievous ferret from developing
unacceptable habits (including nipping and squirming). A bright, well-mannered
ferret can also be trained to use a litter box, walk on a harness and leash,
and perform tricks. The chapter also discusses strategies for dealing with a
lost ferret and the importance of microchipping. Keeping the ferret healthy is
the subject of “Medical
Basics,” a chapter that covers choosing a veterinarian, routine checkups,
vaccinations, rabies, heartworm, and ferret-specific ailments. Sidebars on
warning signs and first aid will prove especially helpful in emergencies. The
appendices of the book include hints for photographing the ferret and lists of
clubs, organizations, and websites. Glossary of terms and index included.
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