The correct feeding of the ferret depends not only on its health, but also on its mood. When kept at home, animals must be provided with a full range of necessary food. Certain food categories need to be treated with great care, even though the animals are very fond of them.
Ferret is a carnivore
The main thing that every ferret owner should remember is that this animal belongs to the category of carnivores. The main place in their diet is occupied by food rich in protein and carbohydrates. Ferrets are known for their ability to quickly digest food, so even bones are absorbed in the body in just a few hours.
In their natural environment, ferrets feed on small rodents, birds and eggs. At home, they willingly eat boiled turkey and chicken. Moreover, the bones should not be removed. The structure of the animal's jaw allows it to cope with rather large pieces of meat, and they need bones for teeth and normal development of the skeleton. Caution should be exercised with raw meat, and it is better to completely refuse pork. It is rare to feed your ferrets boiled beef with a minimum of fat.
Please note that when feeding your ferret, never mix ready-made food with natural food. Such experiments can turn into urolithiasis in a pet.
As additional sources of vitamins, animals must definitely include cottage cheese, liver, vegetable oil and fish oil in the diet. From time to time, you can pamper ferrets with mice and rats, which are sold in specialty stores.
Experts recommend cooking for pets, the so-called "minced meat" based on meat, bones and any cereals. In addition, there are special dry food for ferrets, fortified with vitamins and nutrients. These products should not be confused with dog and cat food.
What you shouldn't feed your ferret
You should completely eliminate sweets, dairy products, and fresh apples from your ferret's diet. Such foods are poorly absorbed in the stomach of the animal, and excessive feeding with harmful food can lead not only to indigestion, but also to serious illness.
Almost every ferret eats condensed milk with pleasure. The animal is delighted with this delicacy. Only you cannot offer him such a product. Condensed milk combines sugar and milk, which are contraindicated for ferrets.
Ferrets are very picky about new foods in their diets. It is better to mix new food with the usual food in small portions.
Plant food
In the wild, ferrets almost never eat plant-based foods. These animals are predators and feed exclusively on animal food. At home, you can offer your pet raisins, peas, potatoes or carrots.
Ferret water
Ferrets consume a fairly large amount of liquid per day. Water should be freely available at all times. The drinker needs to be renewed periodically, but you shouldn't pour too cold water.
