The Ferret - an obligate carnivore

Good health is based primarily on good nutrition.

The ferret has evolved over thousands of years as a true carnivore. The ferret does not require, nor should it be fed a diet that includes plant matter. Dietary requirements are essentially animal sources of protein, fats, minerals, etc. A diet based on rodents, birds, reptiles and insects would be ideal, however, in a domestic situation this necessarily becomes impossible. The next best option is a human grade raw meat diet that is correctly balanced through supplementation. Such a diet affords the ferret the correct daily nutritional requirements. In order to prevent periodontal disease, and maintain a healthy therapeutic effect, a twice-weekly chicken neck or wing is a satisfactory option. This affords the necessary muscular excerise for head and jaw, the tearing and shearing action available only with a prey model.

Grains, vegetables and fruits are not well tolerated by ferrets, as they lack the enzymes to break down and metabolize these food sources. Dry, commercial cat and ferret food are poor choices and these have proven to be a very common source of such chronic diseases as insulinoma and gum disease. Carbohydrates are the culprit.