Ferrets are expensive pets. Before you get this animal at home, you need to make sure that there are enough funds, opportunities and the desire to create the most comfortable conditions for it. Today, the content of such a pet as a ferret at home is no longer considered something outlandish and exotic. All the owners of these cute little animals should know how to feed the little fluffy, because only following the correct diet can provide the pet a long and happy life.
For some reason, many consider ferrets to be rodents, but this is completely not so. They belong to the family of mustelids and are predators. Ferrets are very much like weasel, ermine or mink. In the natural habitat, they feed on small rodents, sometimes they make their way to poultry houses if there are human settlements nearby, but such a lifestyle does not lead the ferret at home. What to feed in this case? Of course, the basis of the diet should be meat.
All food can be divided into three types: live food, dry food, minced meat. The first option is the most preferable, but it is unlikely to be able to constantly eat small birds or rodents ferret at home. What to feed a pet in this case? Many owners buy the usual ready-made food for dogs and cats, but this is a serious mistake. The fact is that the structure of the digestive tract in ferrets is different from other animals. They have a very fast metabolism, food is digested on average in three hours, so two or even three meals a day will not be enough. The animals should eat a little, but often, about 7 times a day.
What can a ferret be fed with is products with a large amount of protein and minimal fiber. In order not to be mistaken, it is best to buy ready-made feeds, they are completely balanced and contain the necessary amount of minerals and vitamins. If there is nowhere to buy canned food for ferrets, then you can opt for food for
pregnant cats and kittens. This should be a super premium class feed and not lower, it is better to choose dry options. There are many manufacturers, so choosing is a matter of taste, so you can buy several packages and see what kind of food your pet likes.
You need to immediately determine what the ferret will eat at home. What to feed: dry prepared food or adhere to a natural diet? The first option is preferable, since the manufacturer took care of the availability of all nutrients, but this is if we are talking about high-quality feed. In the second case, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian so that he makes a menu. Otherwise, it will be difficult to choose the right products and balance the diet.
How to feed domestic ferrets is minced meat - it consists of some boiled cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice) and offal, muscle meat. The diet should include fish, but not all of it is suitable for these predators. Ferrets will enjoy trout, horse mackerel, mackerel, herring, and flounder. The pet will not refuse cottage cheese, quail eggs, liver. In no case should ferrets be given sweets, smoked meats, baked goods, dairy products.