What do indoor ferrets eat?
Ferrets are obligate carnivores, which means they must eat meat. Raw meat is the best option, including whole prey. Ferrets can also eat kitten food, as it has a high meat protein content, baby food that’s high in meat protein, and dried ferret food, that’s high in meat protein.
What should ferrets eat daily?
To begin, ferrets have a high metabolic rate, so they will eat around 8 to 10 small meals daily. And being strict carnivores, like cats, they need a high protein food source. Food pellets are an excellent source of protein for ferrets, which can be found at your veterinarian’s office or the local pet store.
How often do you feed a pet ferret?
Ferrets have a quick metabolism along with a short digestive system, so need to eat frequently (usually every 3-4 hours). It is best to have food available constantly. Most ferrets will eat only enough to meet their needs, and will not become obese if allowed constant access to good quality food.
Do ferrets make good indoor pets?
Because of their strong smell, ferrets often live outdoors, but they can be kept as indoor pets too. Lots of housing options are available, but always buy the largest enclosure you can so they have plenty of room to exercise and play.
What foods can ferrets not eat?
9 Things You Should Never Feed Your Ferret
- Fruits and Vegetables. Ferrets are carnivores, so your pet should run almost entirely on animal protein.
- Xylitol/Processed Foods.
- Dairy Products.
- Dog Food.
- Chocolate.
- Junk Food.
- Grains.
- Fish.
What snacks can ferrets eat?
Ferrets do enjoy sweets, dairy products, raisins, fruits, and vegetables, but these foods should be avoided, as they may produce diarrhea and erratic swings in blood sugar. A piece of cooked meat or some meat baby food is fine as an occasional treat. “Chocolate can be fatal to ferrets.”
How often do ferrets need baths?
Keep the cage and litter clean and it will help keep your ferret smelling fresh. Bathing tends to dry out the skin and coat, at most bathe once a month. Unless your ferret has gotten into something that needs to be washed off, a bath every two to three months is probably plenty.
What foods are toxic to ferrets?
I list some dangerous foods below.
- Fruits and Vegetables. Ferrets are carnivores, so your pet should run almost entirely on animal protein.
- Xylitol/Processed Foods.
- Dairy Products.
- Dog Food.
- Chocolate.
- Junk Food.
- Grains.
- Fish.
How much should ferrets eat every day?
On average, a ferret will eat 5-7\% of their bodyweight in food every day. This is just a guide, however, as during growth, pregnancy, lactation or periods of high exercise they will need to eat more.
How often are ferrets supposed to eat meat?
Ferrets should get organ meats – kidney, liver, heart, chicken gizzard – once a week. Ideally, 5\% of the diet should be liver, and the other 5\% another organ. You don’t want to over do the liver cause it can cause a build up of vitamin A in the ferret’s system and make them really sick.
What are the eating habits of ferrets?
Eating Habits of the Black Footed Ferret With a high metabolic rate, Ferrets need large quantities of food in relation to the size of their bodies and these needs change with the seasons. Black-Footed Ferrets usually consume one Prairie dog every 3 – 4 days. As mentioned earlier, they will eat other small animals, lizards, insects and eggs .
What can ferrets eat and not eat?
Ferrets can’t digest dairy products and should never eat them. Avoid giving your pet milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream or any other type of dairy-based food. Dairy can give a ferret diarrhea, resulting in dehydration and possibly even death.