Make sure your ferret has a healthy diet

Facts 

• Without water to drink a ferret will become seriously ill.
   
• Ferrets are strict carnivores – they need a well-balanced, meat based diet to stay fit and healthy. Ferrets cannot be vegetarians.
   
• Ferrets have high metabolic rates, so they need to eat little and often. Food should be available at all times.
   
• How much a ferret needs to eat depends on his/her age, bodyweight, level of activity, reproductive status, health status and the type of food given.
   
• It is thought that ferrets cannot easily digest large amounts of fibre or complex carbohydrates (starches). For example, this includes bread, cereals, etc.
   
• If ferrets eat more food than they need, they will become overweight and may suffer.
   
• Experts are still learning about ferrets daily dietary requirements.

Things you should do

• Provide fresh clean drinking water at all times. Check your ferret’s water supply twice a day. Make sure the water doesn’t freeze if your ferret is outdoors in winter.
   
• Make sure your ferret eats a balanced diet suitable for his/her age, health status, level of activity and reproduction status.
   
• Consult with your veterinarian or another ferret expert about a complete, commercially available diet for your ferret.
   
• It is thought that ferrets cannot digest large amounts of fibre or starches. For example, this includes bread and cereals. It is therefore advised not to feed these to your ferret.
   
• Only give your ferret treats in small amounts. Suitable ferret treats include pieces of meat and cat or ferret treats.
   
• Feed your ferret throughout the day. Ad lib feeding or feeding him/her little and often is better than only feeding once or twice daily.
   
• Offer your ferret food in several ways to stimulate foraging behaviour and make him/her work for their food or treat, for example by hiding food or by using commercially available food toys.
   
• Read and follow the feeding instructions relating to any ferret foods that you buy.
   
• Assess your ferret’s body condition regularly to establish if food intake is sufficient, especially when housed in a group.
   
• Sudden changes to your ferret’s diet may upset his/her digestive system. Any diet changes should be made gradually.
   
• If your ferret’s eating and drinking habits change, talk to your vet, as your ferret could be ill.