A ferret's diet is a crucial element for a long life, without a proper diet ferrets are at risk for various health problems. Ferrets are carnivores (meat eaters); therefore they cannot survive unless their a diet consists of lower fiber and high protein.

The only food option available for pet ferrets, until the mid 1980's, was high quality cat food. Nowadays there are various choices available for ferret foods, although high quality cat foods are still a decent option.

The new choices of ferret foods on the market provide the necessary higher-quality fat while keeping down the quantity of carbohydrates. This combination of fat and lowered carbohydrates in vital in order to achieve a maximum life expectancy.

This type of diet is very important for that of a baby ferret. When making a purchase, be sure to look for products which contain at least 35- 40% protein and 18-30% fat. It should contain 2% fiber, must include 21 amino acids and be ingrained with good carbohydrates such as brewer's yeast or rice flower.

You must also, take into consideration the fact that various ferret foods are made with badly processed frozen fish, and your ferret will refuse to eat it. Some finicky ferrets would rather starve than eat that kind of ferret food.

You'll notice as you shop that high quality ferret food is usually more expensive than higher quality cat food. The overall cost is kept down by the fact that ferrets eat small amounts of the food.

Additionally, ferrets that are fed an overall healthy diet do not usually require any supplements.

A ferret must eat at least two meals a day in order to obtain the caloric intake needed to sustain a healthy life.

Just keep in mind that ferrets are small animals therefore their portions should be small too. If a ferret's meal consists of a moist diet, the food is only edible for about forty five minutes, soon after that the food should be removed.

You must provide fresh water, at all times, for ferrets on dry diets. Most ferrets seem to prefer drinking from a dish rather than a water bottle, although if water is given in a dish it needs be changed several times throughout the day to ensure its purity.

It is not necessary to giving your ferret treats, although it can be very useful when housebreaking your ferret. The best options for a snack are cooked eggs and meats.

It is best to avoid candy and fruits since they are high in sugar. dairy products like ice cream and milk, nuts and any nut products; these foods will cause many nutritional problems. Some of the various health problems associated with these products are malnutrition, intestinal blockage, diarrhea, obesity, tooth decay, hypoglycemia and insulinoma.

Treats should be used sparingly, otherwise your ferret may start to refuse its normal daily diet. Foods that you should avoid feeding your ferret, at all costs, are vegetables or grains, which are not digested very well. And onions are poisonous to ferrets.

Providing a ferret with the proper nutritional diet is crucial for a long healthy life. It is the best way to ensure your ferret is comfortable and happy; it also reduces the risk for any serious life-threatening diseases.

Ferret owners have an impeccable reputation of showing an abundance of love and affection towards these fuzzy and friendly pets but, the best way to express love to your ferret is to reward them with a great diet.