What do domestic ferrets eat? Basically, they live on meat only. They are a domesticated species that originated around 2000 years ago. You can supplement their diet with dry food, but it is best to keep it entirely meat-based. Avoid fillers, grains, and vegetables, and make sure the food you are feeding your ferret contains plenty of starch. You can also feed them owl pellets.
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Meat
Ferrets love to eat meat, and raw and cooked meat are excellent choices for them. They are particularly fond of mice and rabbit, as well as poultry. They also love meat bones, and raw meat is a great source of calcium and marrowbone. You can prepare your own fresh meat meals for your pet by following the directions below. However, be sure to properly cook the meat before giving it to your ferret.
Fish
The most important thing to remember about feeding your domestic ferrets is that meat is their main staple diet. While they can survive on a diet that’s plant-based, the obligate carnivores can’t digest plant matter. In fact, feeding them plant-based foods can lead to gastrointestinal distress or blockage. In addition, ferrets are notorious for consuming bones and organs. Hence, you must be careful with what you feed your pet.
Whole prey
You can give your domestic ferret meat or raw prey. However, before you do so, make sure it is warmed to body temperature. If it is too cold, warm it in a plastic bag in hot water for at least 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can grind some biscuits into powder and sprinkle it on the ferret’s food. Make sure to rotate the kinds of meats your ferret eats.
Meat concentrates
Domestic ferrets are known for their unusual appetite. They are members of the Mustelidae family, which also includes weasels and mink. Although they do not spray their contents, they emit a strong odor if they become alarmed. You can reduce their odor by regular ear-wax removal. If your ferret suffers from any illness, consult a veterinarian.
Bones
Some people assume that domestic ferrets eat bones as a way of teething, but this is actually a completely different situation. Domestic ferrets actually thrive on raw, meaty bones. These animals have evolved to eat wild prey, and bones are one of the best ways to provide them with vital nutrients. Unfortunately, cooked pet foods contain no such nutrients. Aside from this, domestic ferrets are known to fight over bones with other pets.
Xylitol
The presence of xylitol in fruits and vegetables may be dangerous for your pet. If your pet ingests a small amount of the sweetener, they may develop hypoglycemia. If this condition is not treated quickly, your pet may even turn into a walking drunk. It can also cause serious side effects, such as liver damage. If your pet ingests xylitol, you should call your veterinarian immediately.
Fruits
When it comes to feeding your ferret fruit, you need to remember that it contains a lot of sugar and fiber, which the animal cannot process. It can even cause intestinal problems and even cancer. In addition to these problems, fruit can also be high in fat and sodium, which is detrimental for the health of your pet. Listed below are the best fruit choices for your pet. Keeping these foods in their diet will also make them healthier, allowing you to spend less time at the vet!
Ice cream
The first thing that you should know is that ferrets cannot digest lactose, which is the main ingredient in ice cream. Therefore, they will have diarrhea and constipation problems if you give them ice cream. Additionally, ferrets should not be fed meat, fish, bones, or other protein-rich foods. Ferrets should not eat ice cream for the same reason that humans shouldn’t eat chocolate.
