Ferret Nutrition
The domestic ferret is a strict carnivore and requires high quality protein (30% to 40%) and high fat (18% to 25%) and less than 10% carbohydrate and no simple sugars. Ferrets have been shown in research to be different from cats and should not be fed cat foods with the exception of Iams kitten food if you’re in a pinch. Ferrets have an intenstinal length half that of a cat and process food from one end to the other in three to three and a half hours. Additionally ferrets have a lower concentration of digestive enzymes than cats do thus needing even higher quality, highly digestible protein and fat to meet their needs.
The key to a proper diet can be found somewhat in the labels of ferret foods.There are at least 20 brands of ferret food but only 5 are considered acceptable.Look for a minimum of the first 3 to 4 ingredients to be meat based. Too much carbohydrates and sugars in food or treats such as cheerios etc. have been linked to Insulinomas (Tumors of the Pancreas) and should be avoided, as well as fatty acid deficiency leading to dry dull coats, bladder stones, unthriftiness and a poor immune system.
After working with 4 ferret rescue organizations comprising 100-150 ferrets and lots of “cleaning up,” a great improvement was seen on foods like Mazuri by Purina (our #1 choice for results and economy) Wysong Archtype 1, 8 in One Ultimate (not 8 in one premium) or the Ferret Stores Superior Choice Natural (not original). This is also now the accepted nutritional word by ferret specialists and universities alike.
For more food info go to www.ferretuniverse.com for a partial list of foods.
Jack Landess DVM, Nokomis Veterinary And Exotics Clinic, 405 Albee Rd., Nokomis, 484-2485.
RETURN 
