CPD article - Feeding ferrets

Abstract

Ferrets are small obligate carnivores. Even more than cats they are designed for a meat diet, and their short digestive system leads to rapid food throughput. Ferrets need to be fed high-quality diets with high levels of animal-origin protein, given little and often, with stashed food removed before it spoils. A varied diet is recommended to avoid the ferret's food preference becoming fixed. Feeding of inappropriate sweet, high-carbohydrate and high-fibre foods should be avoided. Feeding provides an excellent opportunity for environmental enrichment, which should be used as much as possible.