These Are 8 Foods That Ferrets Should Avoid

Ferrets are adorable creatures that make for great first pets. They’re relatively easy to maintain, a lot of fun, and fairly intelligent, so they are quick to form bonds with their owners. If you’re thinking of getting one of these furry friends, then there are a few things you should know, starting with what to feed your pet as well as the foods that ferrets should avoid. 

Understanding the proper diet for a ferret is essential to keep them in good health and help them grow strong, thereby increasing the chances of them living their full 7-9 year lifespan. Ferrets mostly eat meat, so it’s wise to stick to a diet made for carnivores while avoiding the dangerous foods on this list.

Chocolate

When it comes to foods that ferrets should avoid, a big category is anything that includes sugar, especially chocolate and cocoa. Just like when it comes to dogs, ferrets are allergic to chocolate. It contains the harmful chemical theobromine, and it should be avoided at all costs. Sugar can also interfere with your ferret’s blood sugar levels and disrupt the function of the pancreas. Some chocolate also contains the sweetener xylitol, which can cause their blood sugar level to drop drastically and result in sickness.

The other issue with sweets like chocolate is that a ferret’s body doesn’t have the enzymes necessary to metabolize them. The result is digestive problems, including diarrhea and vomiting. In the worst cases, large amounts of chocolate can lead to more serious issues, including fainting, tremors, seizures, and respiratory failure. There’s also the possibility of dangerous weight gain due to too many sweets. The catch is that many ferrets like the taste of sweets, so they may be enticed if they see it, so be sure to keep them out of reach. If you believe that your ferret has eaten chocolate, it’s advisable to bring your pet to the vet right away.  

Fruits

Though it may seem like all pets enjoy fruit, you should avoid feeding it to your ferret. Most fruits are also high in sugar, so they’ll deal with many of the same health issues mentioned above. Of all the fruits, grapes and raisins are amongst the most dangerous. As is the case for cats and dogs, eating grapes can lead to major kidney issues in ferrets. 

The other reason why ferrets should not eat a lot of fruit or vegetables is that they have very narrow intestines that don’t allow them to digest vegetable matter properly. That means that even an apple peel can cause issues because it can obstruct the bowel and cause further medical problems. As is the case with chocolate, your ferret will likely enjoy fruit, which makes it more likely that they’ll search for fruit you have around the house if they’re unmonitored. You can give your ferret occasional pieces of fruit as a treat, but before you do, mash them up so they’re more easily digestible. 

Dairy Products

The list of foods that ferrets should avoid also includes dairy products. The main reason is that, like many humans, ferrets are lactose intolerant. They lack the enzyme necessary for digesting dairy. Do not feed your ferret milk, ice cream, or cheese products. Ferrets could face various health issues if they eat dairy, including vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially also obesity.

Cooked Bones

Just like with cats and dogs, ferrets may enjoy chewing on and playing with the occasional bone, but it must be raw. Never give your ferret cooked bones. The main reason is that when they’re cooked, they become quite hard and indigestible. Even worse, they can splinter into sharp fragments that can damage the digestive system if swallowed. Many ferrets won’t like bones at all, so if they don’t, don’t force it. With that said, having raw bones as 10%-15% of your ferret’s diet can help to offer the necessary calcium content they need. Wing tips and raw chicken necks are often a popular meal, but make sure they’re cut to an appropriate size. Ferrets have small mouths and small digestive tracts.

Dog and Cat Food

Dog food is typically considered to be one of the foods that ferrets should avoid. People believe that since ferrets and dogs are both carnivores, the food is interchangeable; it’s not really the case. While most dog food won’t make your pet sick, it simply does not contain the necessary amount of protein that they need. Also, ferrets are considered to be obligate carnivores, meaning that they must eat meat to survive, and their physiology requires that they consume specific nutrients. Dog food is high in fiber and carbohydrates, which are unsuitable for this type of carnivore. Excessive fiber and carbs can cause digestive disorders in ferrets. Plus, dog food typically does not contain the amount of animal protein that ferrets require. 

On a similar subject, many people wonder about the possibility of feeding their ferret cat food because cats are also obligate carnivores, so their food contains high levels of taurine, carbs, and other elements that ferrets require. However, while cat food may be suitable at times, it’s designed for cats, and ideally, you want a formula specific to ferrets. You also need to be careful because not all cat food is created equal. Many grocery store cat foods contain excessive fiber, which can contribute to kidney stones and other health issues. Instead, opt for high-quality commercial kitten food if ferret-specific food is unavailable. If you must use cat food, choose kitten food rather than adult cat food, as kitten food is higher in protein and nutrients that are more suitable for ferrets.

Onions and Garlic

Keep your ferret far away from onions, garlic, and leeks. Eating them can lead to a laundry list of medical problems. These are foods that ferrets should avoid because they contain N-propyl disulfide, which is a toxin that affects the red blood cells of many pets, including dogs and ferrets. The result can be digestive issues and side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, and inflammation. This toxicity is more common in pets because many of them have more space on their red blood cells where the N-propyl disulfide can attach. In ferrets, the toxin can also impair the ability to deliver iron and oxygen to their body tissues.

Avocado

Avocados are another food that you should not try to slip into the cage of your ferret. The reason is that avocados contain a toxic substance called persin. This chemical is mostly found in the pit and skin of the avocado. However, even if it’s peeled, there’s still a risk of an adverse reaction. If it is ingested, the persin can lead to serious medical issues, including diarrhea, vomiting, and even death if too much is present. In addition to the toxin, avocados also contain pits that could easily become choking hazards. 

Household Plants

If you’re a ferret owner who likes to allow your pet out of the cage to explore the house, keep an eye on them, especially if you have plants indoors. Ferrets likely won’t go out of their way trying to eat plants because they are carnivores that are unable to digest plant matter. However, they may try to explore and experiment. Some plants are more harmful than others, with the most dangerous plants including:

• Aloe vera
• Carnations
• Hostas
• Tulips
• Ivy
• Milkweed

Be extra cautious of plants in the lily family. Varieties such as tiger lilies, Easter lilies, and Asiatic lilies are highly toxic if ingested. Health effects could include lethargy, vomiting, and potentially kidney failure. Azaleas are another dangerous plant to keep out of reach. If consumed, the toxins in azaleas can cause heart complications, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset. Finally, be hyper aware of Dieffenbachia or dumb cane plants. They contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause difficulty swallowing and overall oral irritation. 

What Should You Feed Your Ferret?

Now that we’ve told you all about the foods that ferrets should avoid, we’ll cover the best foods that your pet should eat. To ensure that you feed them what they like most, go to a pet store or an online retailer and purchase ferret kibble. The mixture typically contains some kind of animal meat, be it turkey meal, chicken meal, or other options. There will also be some plant-based ingredients, such as beet pulp, flaxseed, and rice flour. You can also reward a good ferret with occasional treats, which may include raw egg yolks, raw chicken bones, and whole prey, such as mice or pinky mice. Take care of your ferret by feeding them what it needs and avoiding the harmful foods on this list. Then you’ll have a happy and energetic pet that the whole family will love.