Don’t we all love our little furry energy balls? Ferrets are the most well-known members of the weasel family, and their mischievous nature has made them popular pets worldwide.
Ferrets are strict carnivores, and that means they cannot eat just anything. Jelly Beans are not good, but if your ferret (stole) ate some once, it should not be in any real danger.
Make sure your ferret is still active and doing its regular ferret business. Check the poops to make sure everything comes out as it should.
The answer to the question, “can ferret eat jelly beans” is NO – They should not eat Jelly Beans!
Obviously, if you notice changes in behavior or activity or loss of appetite or that your furry friend doesn’t poop. Go and see a vet!
Ferret Diet
No products found.
(Note: If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we may receive a commission but at no extra cost to you)
Ferrets are strict carnivores and must eat special dry kibble and fresh meats, bones, eggs, and organs. They also need access to clean water.
They can eat a variety of proteins, including chicken, beef, rabbit, etc. Ferrets are not generally prone to obesity like other pets. The most common problems with ferrets include indigestion and hairballs.
Meats suitable for Ferrets:
- beef
- chicken
- chicken wings
- turkey
- turkey necks
- whole prey (feeder mice)
- eggs (sometimes)
- tuna (sometimes)
- game birds
- minced meat
- bones
- organs
- …
Whatever meat you are feeding your ferret – make sure it is of high quality and fresh!
Protein and Fat
Ferrets have particular dietary needs. They need a source of essential fatty acids and proteins found in animals. In addition, they require taurine, a specific amino acid only found in animal meat and fish.
Your ferrets diet should include:
- 32% – 38% protein
- 15% – 20% fat
No Vegetables
Ferrets cannot digest plant-based proteins. They need animal sources of proteins to thrive. Ferrets need a source of calcium for building strong bones and teeth. Thas why you can not feed them with dog food, for example.
Some cat food brands could be fed in case of an emergency or if your ferret is sick and won’t eat its “normal” diet.
No Fruits – No Sugar
Do not feed your ferret with products containing high levels of sugar. Ferrets have a sweet tooth and will eat foods containing sugar. However, sugar will lead to diabetes and eventually to cancer in their pancreatic cells (insulinoma).
Read.. ferrets should not eat licorice
That’s why fruits are bad for your ferret. DO your ferret a favor and skip the fruits.
No Grains
Ferrets are strict carnivores and cannot eat grains! Ferrets require a protein source easily digestible and usable by their bodies. This means that dry kibble, raw meat, animal organs, bones, and eggs are the only foods ferrets should be eating.
Ferrets must be on a protein-rich diet to build and maintain their bone structure. Ferrets are obligate carnivores and cannot digest grains in their regular diet. Ferrets with a high carbohydrate diet are more sensitive to insulin and have an increased likelihood of developing insulinoma.
read.. can ferrets eat Twizzlers?
No Dairy Products
Ferrets are not the best at digesting dairy products. Due to their short digestive tract, they are unable to break down lactose efficiently. Lactose is a sugar found in the milk of animals like a cow and goats.
Ferrets have lactose intolerance resulting in diarrhea and bloating. Ferrets may do fine with small amounts of dairy, but be aware of the side effects.
Ferrets eat meat. Their digestive systems are not designed to assimilate plant matter, so feeding your ferret vegetables will lead to vomiting and diarrhea (and possibly severe health issues) if fed in large amounts. This can result in malnourishment or even death, so be careful what you are providing your ferret.
Ferrets are carnivores and do best with high-fat foods. Some good sources of these fatty acids include eggs, chicken body fat, and cod liver oil.
How often Should a Ferret Eat?
Ferrets also have a speedy metabolism that may cause problems if not fed enough. Ferrets require several small meals per day to regulate energy and avoid obesity, especially when they are young and growing.
On average, an adult ferret eats around 5-7 times a day. Younger ferrets eat more frequently. There is no “ideal prey size” for ferrets, and every ferret is different so what may be a meal for one is not necessarily a meal for another.
When should I feed my ferret?
Good feeding time varies among different ferret owners. Some have described their ferrets as “picky eaters,” which means they will only eat certain foods or won’t eat anything at all.
Imprinted to Food
Did you know that ferrets imprint on food? This is a well-known fact. By the age of 6 months, they “know” what foods they like. This could be a problem, especially with ferrets bought from pet stores.
They will only be used to kibble. Kibble is good but not everything.
If you want to offer your ferret different types and quality food – you should start while it’s young.
Summary
Jelly Beans should not be part of your ferrets’ diet. While it probably won’t kill a ferret if they eat jelly beans once, it is unhealthy.
What can you do about it? Make sure your ferret eats a healthy diet with fresh, high-quality meats and bones!
Do not give your ferret any type of candy or treats (Jelly Beans included) – You should only offer them healthy foods. They are carnivores and need a variety of foods for good health.
Last update on 2022-04-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
