If you want to feed your ferret the highest quality premium ferret diet, look no further than Marshall. The company has more than 75 years of experience as a world-class breeder of baby ferrets, and their expertise in nutrition extends throughout all stages of a ferret’s life. Marshall’s recipes incorporate corn as a primary source of carbohydrate, which complements the high meat content of their meals. In addition to this, their diets are formulated to prevent serious health problems.
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Veterinary nutritionists recommend a carnivorous diet for ferrets
Because ferrets are obligate carnivores, they need meat in their diets to remain healthy and strong. While fresh raw meat can be nutritious, it may also contain harmful parasites and other microorganisms that pose unacceptable risks for your pet. Additionally, predators eat more than muscle meat; they also suck on bones and organs. Therefore, feeding your pet only meat alone will lead to a serious nutritional imbalance.
In addition to meat, ferrets need a diet that contains essential vitamins and minerals. Many of these nutrients can be found in animal protein. Animal protein contains more essential amino acids than plant-based proteins. Furthermore, animal-based proteins are digestible, resulting in a higher amount of protein. Veterinary nutritionists recommend a carnivorous diet for ferrets because of these reasons.
They recommend carbon dioxide euthanasia
The AVMA reports that the gas carbon dioxide displaces approximately 20% of the cage’s volume per minute, and this amount may be too high for a ferret. While the AVMA’s recommendations are generally considered safe, they have not been tested on ferrets. In addition, the gas’s displacement rate may change the parameters under study.
In addition to using carbon dioxide for euthanasia, the company also uses a patented process for preparing and packaging the food. In this method, fresh chicken is the primary source of protein, and the food is then vacuum dried to remove all moisture. The fat is derived from the fresh meat, but it is important to note that corn is a source of carbohydrate. Although ferrets do not require much carbohydrates, they do need some.
They recommend fluid therapy
If your ferret has a urinary tract infection, your veterinarian may recommend taking an antibiotic or fluid therapy with premium pelleted ferret food. The antibiotic should be given as prescribed. In the meantime, you can give your ferret a supplement that provides a high-calorie source of vitamins and minerals. This will help prevent dry skin and boost the immune system. A daily supplement also helps prevent infection and promotes healthy weight gain.
If your ferret is suffering from a lymph node infection, you may see visible swelling and discomfort. Your ferret may move more slowly and become unwilling to interact. Fluid therapy will also help relieve dehydration. The fluid will encourage urination, which will help flush out any harmful microbes. Your vet will likely prescribe an antibiotic or antiviral drug that you can administer yourself. You may also need to schedule regular visits to your veterinarian to monitor your ferret’s condition. Your veterinarian may perform further tests, such as ultrasound or imaging scans.
They recommend a complete cardiac work-up for ferrets with abnormal heart sounds
If you suspect your ferret’s heart is abnormal, your vet can use various diagnostic tools to diagnose the problem. A physical exam is a crucial part of determining the cause of any health issue, and an EKG can help confirm a diagnosis of cardiac disease. If your ferret’s heart sounds abnormal, its body will be pear-shaped, which can indicate that it has excess abdominal fat or fluid. Your veterinarian will also examine the coat and skin condition and feel for potential mass.
A heart murmur in a ferret almost always indicates heart disease, although severity does not correlate with severity. If you suspect your ferret has a murmur, request a complete cardiac work-up as soon as possible. If the heart murmur isn’t audible, the heart sounds may be a sign of an untreated problem.