Feeding Your Ferret

Ferrets have unique feeding requirements, which are now finally being addressed by commercial pet food manufacturers, though with varying success.


Ferrets are obligate carnivores, and food passes through the digestive system of a ferret very quickly. They also lack the ability to derive nutrition from plant matter. For this reason, a ferret diet must be high in animal protein, high in fat, and low in fiber. All foods, including foods intended solely for ferrets, are not created equally, so be careful what you are feeding your ferret.


Have Food Available at all Times 
Ferrets have a quick metabolism along with a short digestive system, so need to eat frequently (usually every 3-4 hours). It is best to have food available constantly. Most ferrets will eat only enough to meet their needs, and will not become obese if allowed constant access to good quality food. Fresh, clean water is also a necessity at all times. If you are having a problem with your ferret gaining too much weight, check with a vet to rule out a medical problem and for advice on meeting their diet needs while maintaining a good weight. Increased exercise is usually the best way to approach obesity once health problems are ruled out, rather than diet restrictions.


Dry foods are the most convenient choice, as they can be left available at all times without concern of spoilage. Canned ferret food can be given as a treat or supplement, but only occasionally.



Basic Requirements for a Ferret Diet:
High in protein - 30-40 percent on the label nutrition analysis
Protein must be high quality, highly digestible, and be animal-based (not plant-based)
High in fat (at least 20 percent, perhaps up to 30 percent on the label analysis)
Very low in carbohydrates and fiber (less than 3 percent fiber)

Some Facts About Ferrets

- Live 6-8 years on average (sometimes up to 11 or 12)


- Females are called jills, and males are hobs. Baby ferrets are called kits. In North America, spayed females are sometimes called sprites and neutered males called gibs. A group of ferrets is a "business of ferrets."


- Males tend to be larger than females in length and weight. Females are 13-14 inches long and weigh anywhere from 0.75 to 2.5 lbs, whereas males are on average 15-16 inches long and weigh 2-3.5 lbs if neutered and are even larger (4 or more lbs) if not neutered.


- Most ferrets obtained in North America are spayed or neutered and descented at a very young age before being sold.


- Ferrets sleep a large part of the day, commonly around 18 hours. They naturally tend to be active at dawn and dusk, but usually adapt their sleeping and active times to the fit the schedules of their owners.

- Ferrets are very playful, and are very entertaining to watch.


- Ferrets have relatively poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell and hearing



- The name ferret is derived from the latin furonem, which means "thief." Ferret owners can attest that this is a well deserved name, as they will happily steal anything they can get their paws on and hide it in their house.


- Ferrets come from the same family ("Mustelidae") as badgers, wolverines, otters, mink, weasels, black footed ferrets and polecats.


- The distant ancestry of the domestic ferret is somewhat of a mystery, although they are very closely related to the European polecat.


- The scientific name for ferrets is a somewhat controversial area - Mustela putorius furo is traditionally used, although recent scientific evidence has suggested they should have a name of their own, Mustela furo.

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