Ferrets are becoming more and more popular pets mainly due to their tenacity and affectionate nature. With this popularity comes a need for more information and understanding about ferrets.
This article will address what is safe to feed ferrets and the adverse effects of feeding them certain foods like yogurt.
The answer to “Can Ferrets Eat Yogurt” is that you should not give your ferret yogurt.
Yogurt to treat diarrhea in ferrets
I read in some forums that people recommend adding yogurt to your ferrets’ duck soup to help put the good bacteria back in their gut, like after a treatment involving antibiotics.
The idea behind this is that the yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacteria which acts as a probiotic in your ferrets’ digestive system.
But I really can’t recommend trying this out. Many ferrets find yogurt delicious, and it is sooooo easy to overfeed them when they are highly motivated by the “exquisite” taste.
Ask your Vet
When it comes to your furry friend’s health, please don’t start experimenting. Consult with your vet. Pick up the phone, it will only take 5 minutes but can save you a lot of future problems.
Ferrets and human food
Ferrets will eat anything they can reach. Ferrets are strict carnivores. That means they are relying on a meat-only diet. They should not eat any processed or cooked foods. No fruits, no vegetables either.
Try not to feed them any dairy products, and definitely no dairy products containing added sugar or any other additives.
read.. can ferrets eat ice cream
Ferrets with sensitive systems can develop diarrhea, or even worse, a blockage caused by the accumulation of dairy products in their small intestines.
The potential for gastroenteritis or worse is too great a risk to take when there are many other healthier treats for ferrets to eat.
Dairy products are also not necessary in the diet of ferrets.
What happens if you feed your ferret yogurt
Depending on the amount, the effects could range from nothing to mild or severe diarrhea. This can lead to your ferret becoming dehydrated and even die from it if you don’t act fast enough.
Generally, ferrets are lactose intolerant, so the lactose in yogurt will cause them problems, similar to what humans with lactose intolerance would encounter. Only that they are sooooo much smaller – resulting in small amounts having a significant effect.
What should I feed my Ferret?
The simple answer is meat. Raw meat. Meat is the best source of protein because it can often be easily digested without causing health issues. They should not have any other protein sources but animal-based because it can cause health problems.
- beef
- chicken breast
- chicken wings
- turkey
- rabbit
- tuna (sometimes)
- lamb
- fish
- eggs
- chicken liver (sometimes)
- salmon (sometimes)
- …
Ferrets are carnivores, which means they are meat-eaters. They do not need carbohydrates or vegetables. Although they might enjoy some of these things, they are not healthy for them.
No fruits, no vegetables, and no sugar!
Why are Fruits bad for my Ferret?
Fruits contain fructose which is fruit sugar. And as you probably know, sugar is terrible for your furry friend. It can lead to all kinds of health problems, such as diabetes, and eventually to insulinoma.
Insulinomas are tumors in the pancreatic cells. They typically produce excess insulin resulting in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Signs of an insulinoma include lethargy, loss of appetite, seizures, or if the condition is not caught on time, coma or death.
What Vitamins do they need?
Ferrets are carnivores, which means they get their nutrition from meat. You do not need to feed them any extra supplements – given that you supply them with quality food.
I would advise feeding a raw diet. If that is something you do not want to do, I suggest you look for balanced commercial diets. These should be grain-free and only include quality ingredients.
As for vitamins, ferrets do not need any extra, but you could offer your pet some vitamin-enriched foods to help with their immune system. Raw liver, for example, is rich in Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Folate, Iron, Copper, and Choline.
It might also be worth taking your pet to the vet on a regular basis to get a check-up and blood test to ensure that all is okay.
Kibble
You could also mix ferret kibble with some raw meat, combining convenience with fresh foods. That way, you can control the amount of kibble they are getting. Kibble is easy to store, and ferrets love them as a treat.
Canned Ferret Food
Buy only food that is ferret-approved. No starch, no grains, corn, wheat, or fillers like soy should be added. I would always read the ingredients list and check for those things.
And most importantly….buy only fresh food. Canned foods have an expiry date, usually something like one year from the date of processing. And you should always follow this date.
Summary
Ferrets should not eat yogurt. There is a risk of developing diarrhea or the blockage of dairy products in their small intestines. Some people recommend small amounts of yogurt to help to regain a healthy gut after treated with antibiotics. But I would advise checking with your vet first!
If you are looking for a healthy treat to give your ferret, meat is the best. Meat is easily digested, and your ferret will love it!
Ferrets should never have any other sources of protein. Also, avoid feeding them dairy products. And remember: Ferrets will eat anything they can reach.
