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For your ferret to achieve a long life span, the correct ferret diet is essential. Without correct feeding your ferret is at risk for serious health problems. Ferrets evolved to be meat eaters and need a low fiber, high protein diet in order to thrive. In the past the best option for feeding ferrets was to use premium quality cat food. You can continue to buy high quality cat food for your ferret, however there are lots of different ferret food options available that can supply the combination that your pet requires - high quality fat and low carbohydrates. The proper mix will help ensure that your ferret can achieve a maximum life span.
The proper diet is extremely important for a baby ferret. Here's the important things to look for when choosing food for your ferret: 35-40% protein, 18-30% fat, 2% fiber, 21 amino acids, less than 7% ash and some good carbs like rice flour or brewer's yeast. Look out for ferret foods that incorporate frozen fish as your ferret won't eat it. It is not uncommon for ferrets to refuse foods they don't like until the starve. Buying a higher quality ferret food can be more expensive than a premium cat food, however, as ferrets don't really eat very much, supplying them with high quality food may not be that costly in the long run. If you give your ferret a healthy diet, supplements will not be necessary.
In order to ensure the consumption of sufficient calories to maintain good health, your ferret needs to eat at least twice a day. Because ferrets are small animals the portion sizes you feed them should be small as well. Moist food should only be left out for about 45 minutes. If it's not eaten in that time period it should be removed. If you'd like their food to be accessible for longer than that, you might want to think about using a dry pellet food. Dry pellets can be left in the cage all day and they are also a good idea to help keep your ferret's teeth clean. If you select a dry pellet diet for your pet, make sure there is always fresh water available. Ferrets seem to prefer drinking from a dish rather than a water bottle so supply them with fresh water in a bowl. Remember to change their water frequently to keep it fresh and clean.
Treats are not necessary for your ferret but can help when you are attempting to housebreak your pet. Good snack options are cooked eggs and meats. You should stay away from high-sugar fruits or candy as well as any dairy products like ice cream or milk. Also, avoid nuts or nut products. Any of these things can cause nutritional problems. Health problems that your ferret could encounter include malnutrition, obesity, tooth decay, diarrhea, intestinal blockage, insulinoma and hypoglycemia. Be sure to use treats sparingly so your ferret doesn't begin to refuse its normal food. A ferret doesn't tolerate vegetables and grains well, so be sure to avoid them. And, be sure to avoid onions because they are actually poisonous to ferrets.
Making sure your ferret has a healthy diet is crucial in maintaining a long and healthy life. Your ferret will be happy, comfortable and less likely to develop any life-threatening illnesses. Ferret owners are generally known for giving their pets lots of love and attention, however, feeding them correctly is the best way to show affection.

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