best ferret diet
It is not an easy task to feed a ferret. Ferrets are highly prone to suffering from nutritional deficiencies, so it is best if you seek professional help before buying ferret food. Although ferrets are known to be adventurous eaters, they are very sensitive to flavors and textures. You have to understand that ferrets are carnivorous animals and food passes very rapidly through their digestive tract. They also lack the capability to derive adequate nutrition from vegetable matter.
For this very reason, ferret diet should primarily consist of meat, which can be provided in two forms - dry foods and wet food. The most preferred form of ferret food is meat from raw source (raw meat, poultry, fish, etc.). Meat should be cooked or raw prior to feeding it to your pet. Raw fish and chicken can be excellent sources of protein for your pet; however, they also have a high level of salt content. Therefore, they need to be avoided, even though they are naturally very good sources of protein.
It is important that the ferret diet should consist of carbohydrate, preferably glucose and sucrose, as these provide the necessary energy. Some examples of good carbohydrate sources are brown rice, oats, potatoes, and some fruits. Some examples of good sugar sources are honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, fresh fruits, and vegetables. High quality carbohydrates should be given in the form of whole grain bread, pasta, and cereals, rice bran, corn flour, and so on. It is important that sufficient quantities of dietary fibers should be included in the diet as well.
An ideal diet for a ferret should contain a minimum of 15 % crude proteins and carbohydrates. Ferrets are known to be carnivores by nature, therefore they are expected to get all their protein from protein-rich sources. Some good quality meat from chickens, pigs, calves, or turkey may be given in the ferret diet. However, it is not a good idea to feed ferret meat with other types of meat as it may cause nutritional problems in the ferret. Chicken and beef provide good sources of high quality protein and are also non-caloric. Ferret diet should also contain a reasonable amount of fiber, fat, and salt.
It is important that the ferret's diet should consist of meaty foods that are easy to digest and contain a minimum salt content. Many commercially produced ferret foods are high in salt content and this may cause dental problems for the pets. It is best to look for foods that come from natural sources and contain minimum levels of chemicals, preservatives, and salt. For instance, it is better to choose foods that come from grassland, since grassland animals are considered to be the best source of natural foods. In addition, it is important that the food is cooked thoroughly inside the drum before giving it to the ferret. This will ensure that the ferret's nutrients and proteins are well-distributed in the food and are not wasted in the cooking process.
Since different breeds of cats have different nutritional needs, it is best to consult a veterinarian and find out which is the best diet suited to your pet. There are many ferret diet varieties available, including canned and kibble diets. Most cats prefer to eat canned cat food over kibble because it offers a more concentrated food with a higher level of protein. Furthermore, it contains more vitamins and minerals.
If you opt for kibble, it is best to buy the dry kind because it contains a lot less moisture than the moist canned variety. Alternatively, you could opt for canned ferret food that comes in handy in keeping the food fresh and at the same time, provides a high level of nutrition. In case you do not have the time to prepare this type of food, you should purchase frozen or dehydrated ferret food from a pet store or a health food store. Buying food in bulk would also help you save money on your pet's nutrition.
The commercially prepared ferret diet normally has a meat-based supplement. Ferrets thrive on meat based treats, which can be bought from a pet store or from a pet shop near you. However, keep in mind that buying the cheapest means you are compromising on the quality of the ingredients used in the meat treats. It is important to choose a diet with good quality meat such as chicken, beef, turkey, duck, and the like. By doing so, your ferret will have a healthy coat and good skin, which are its basic need.