Ferrets are small mammals that belong to the carnivore family. They are known for their intelligence, curiosity, and playful nature. Ferrets are also known for being able to eat almost anything meat-based. Ferrets are usually fed a diet of raw meat, including beef, chicken, fish, lamb, pork, and turkey.
However, certain foods should never be given to ferrets. These include dairy products, sugar, and grains.
So, can ferrets eat red meat? The answer is yes. Ferrets can eat red meat!
Ferrets are obligate carnivores
Ferrets are small mammals believed to be native to Europe and Asia. Ferrets were domesticated and bred as early as 2000 years ago.
They have long been kept as pets because of their intelligence, playful nature, and ability to live close to humans. Additionally, ferrets were used for hunting rabbits and preserving the harvest safe from mice, rats, and other rodents.
In fact, ferrets make great companions for children who love animals! However, there has also been some concern over whether these tiny creatures could be in danger when fed inappropriate foods.
Raw meat is the best way to feed ferrets
Your furry friend is an obligate carnivore. That means that ferrets are strict meat-eaters. They need to consume a diet of animal flesh for their bodies to function correctly. In fact, ferrets lack certain enzymes (they don’t have a cetum) and are physically not able to digest plant matter/fiber.
Ferret diets should be made up primarily of high-quality meats, such as chicken or beef. You can also feed them fish (only every once in a while), but it’s best if you get your pet some fresh food rather than frozen.
Here are some examples of meat your ferret will love:
- beef
- chicken wings
- chicken breast
- rabbit
- turkey
- turkey neck
- lamb
- offal
- organs (liver)
- veal
Ferrets can also have eggs, but they should be fed only every two weeks or so. The same goes for fish. Ferrets can eat fish but should do so only every once in a while.
Vegetables and Fruits?
Nope. Do not let your furry friend have vegetables or fruits. Ferrets can not digest fiber, and you will find that giving your ferret veggies (not to mention fruits) can cause digestive upsets.
Ferrets cannot also properly digest plant matter. Moreover, they do not produce amylase, the enzyme needed to properly digest sugars and grains found in vegetables and fruits.
To sum things up: avoid feeding your ferret any food mostly made up of vegetables or fiber. This includes grains, carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, peas, cabbage, and corn.
Ferrets are prone to developing diabetes, and sugar is the main contributor to this. So, it’s best to feed your pet a meat-based diet only.
Ferrets do well with raw foods
Raw meaty bones work great for ferrets. Some ferret owners feed their furry friends a diet called “The Frankenprey” diet. Several parts of different animals are combined to make up a meal that resembles what a prey animal would be made of.
A ratio of 80% meat, 10% organs and 10% bones are used to achieve this goal.
read more here: https://www.fairoakferrets.co.uk/raw-feeding-ferrets
Ferrets should have access to freshwater
Besides a healthy meal, your ferret needs fresh water. Offer your pet some cool, clean water in a bowl that your furry friend can get to on its own. Tab water is not ideal as it may contain fluoride, chlorine, and other chemicals that are not good for your pet.
You can also use a water bottle. This is especially great if you have more than one ferret as it allows your pets to each have some water all the time. Just be careful that they do not play with the bottle as it may leak and leave the cage area wet.
Some ferrets will prefer a water bottle to a bowl. Read all about the different bottles and bowls here.
Ferrets should be fed several times daily
Ferrets should be fed several times daily to keep their metabolisms going strong. It’s best to feed your pet a high-quality meat-based diet in 5-8 meals per day. Due to their short digestive tracts, ferrets require a regular supply of food. Feeding them a balanced diet composed of 32 – 38% protein and 15 – 20% fat.
Summary
Ferrets should be fed several times daily to keep their metabolisms going strong. It’s best to feed your pet a high-quality meat-based diet in 5-8 meals per day. Due to their short digestive tracts, ferrets require a regular supply of food. It is ideal for feeding them a balanced diet composed of 32 – 38% protein and 15 – 20% fat.
Ferrets are not picky when it comes to the meat they eat. Red meat is totally fine for ferrets – you could always feed them beef, lamb, veal, or venison. Ensure that they also have access to water as they need to drink water regularly, and there is a wide variety of “water bottles” that will keep their watering area clean and tidy.
