What do ferrets eat?
A ferret’s diet is as unique as its appearance.
They have a long digestive tract, so their stomach can’t stay full for very long.
Their teeth are designed to cut through tough food, and many will even chew on bones!
It’s important to note that just because they eat one type of food doesn’t mean it should always be fed to them.
You should switch between their food for variety so they don’t get sick of the same thing day in and day out.
Some common foods ferrets eat include:
Rodents
The most natural diet for a ferret is rodents!
A nice, plump rodent can be a very delicious meal.
They can be a bit costly, especially if you’re going to feed your ferrets on a regular basis.
Also, if the rodents are bought from a pet store, you run the risk of them being full of parasites and diseases.
It is important to note that different states have different regulations regarding importing live animals for food purposes.
You may need a license to buy, sell, own, and even give away live animals.
Check your state’s regulations before trying to import rodents for food or purchase them from your local pet store!
Rodents can be bought at the pet store, but this usually isn’t the ideal option.
They’re full of parasites and diseases that can harm ferrets.
Live Prey
Ferrets are natural predators, so being fed live prey is one of the most natural diets for them.
It’s also very fulfilling to watch!
The downside is that it’s really stressful for the prey, and if you’re squeamish this might not be the best option for you.
You need to have a steady hand to not injure the prey.
Also, you will need a constant supply of little critters to feed your ferret.
You don’t want them going hungry because you run out!
A good option is to keep a few mice or rats as pets and feed them to your ferret from time to time. The bonus?
It’s also an awesome time to play with your new pets!
Carrots and Apples
These two foods are easily found in most supermarkets, but they can cause some serious stomach issues for a ferret.
They’re not the best thing to feed them on a regular basis because their stomach isn’t designed to digest these food items.
It’s best just to give it to them occasionally in small amounts.
Cooked Chicken and Fish
This is a great option for your pet ferret, especially if they’re sick.
Cooked chicken and fish require very little digestive work from the ferret, so their systems can focus on getting better instead of digesting food!
Give them meat in small pieces or shredded to make it easier to digest.
Raw Meat and Eggs
This is one of the more natural options for ferrets to eat as it mimics what they might eat in the wild.
However, you should make sure that there are no bones or sharp pieces!
Eggshells can be dangerous if your ferret ingests them, so try to remove as much shell as possible.
Cold-blooded animals like worms and bugs are also a good option for your pet ferret.
They can be found in the wild, but make sure they’re not full of parasites before feeding them to your ferret.
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