Learn How to Convert Your Ferret to a Healthy Diet

Congratulations! You are taking the steps to ensure your ferret gets the quality nutrition he needs for a long and healthy life. Ferrets have a unique digestive system that requires the right amount of protein and animal fat to keep up with their active lifestyles. A healthy and active ferret is a happy ferret.

Why Change Your Ferret's Food?

It can be a challenge trying to find food your ferret likes to eat, as well as one that provides the nutrition he needs. However, understanding your ferret's unique nutritional needs will help you choose the best food for your ferret. Ferret nutritionists recommend feeding a diet that is made from high-quality ingredients and is specially formulated for ferrets. Their short intestinal tract requires foods that are highly digestible and allows nutrients to be absorbed quickly. Ferrets also need higher levels of protein and fat to fuel their high-energy needs. Download our Ferret Feeding Brochure to learn more information about why you should change the way you feed your ferret.

Let's get started with feeding your ferret the right food fit to meet his dietary needs. Below are a few feeding tips to help you change your ferret's food and understand his eating habits.

Conversion Methods

Changing your ferret's food should be a slow process lasting about 7 to 10 days. Do not change your ferret's food if he is sick, unless prescribed by your veterinarian.

•   Follow this conversion chart to help your ferret adjust to the new food.

Day(s)	New Diet	Old Diet
1-3	1 part	3 parts
4-6	2 parts	2 parts
7-9	3 parts	1 part
10	Begin Feeding ONLY New Diet

Ferret Friendly Feeding Tips

• Dry ferret food should be accessible to your ferret 24 hours a day. Ferrets can eat as much as 10 times a day. Moistened food can spoil if left out, so be sure to empty any moistened food that's been sitting for over three hours and replenish with fresh, dry food.
• Expect to find food stashed in some of the strangest places - chair cushions, behind doors, etc. Anywhere they can store excess food for later.
• Keep fresh water accessible at all times. As much food as your ferret consumes in a day, he needs at least three times that amount in water. A ferret that isn't getting enough water often times won't eat.
• If you own multiple ferrets, observe who is eating what. If a particular ferret doesn't seem to be eating, place him in a separate cage for a closer watch; if necessary, contact your local vet.

For more tips like these, read our feeding tips article or download our Ferret Feeding Brochure.

Check Out Our Other Great Ferret Resources 

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