12 best ferret foods
Ferret food is specially formulated to meet the dietary needs of ferrets, which are obligate carnivores. This means that they require a diet primarily composed of animal-based proteins and fats. Here's what you should know about ferret food:
Protein-Rich: Ferrets have high protein requirements. Good ferret foods should contain a minimum of 30-40% protein, with the protein source coming from animal products like poultry, meat, and fish.
Fat Content: Ferret food should also have a high-fat content, usually around 15-20%. Healthy fats are essential for a ferret's energy and overall well-being.
Low Carbohydrates: Ferrets have difficulty digesting carbohydrates, so their food should contain minimal carbohydrates, ideally less than 10%. Carbohydrates like grains should be avoided as they can lead to digestive problems.
Taurine: Taurine is an essential amino acid for ferrets.Good ferret foods are fortified with taurine to ensure that these animals get an adequate amount of this nutrient.
Digestible Ingredients: Look for ferret foods with easily digestible ingredients. This helps prevent digestive issues and ensures that your ferret can absorb essential nutrients effectively.
Avoid Fillers: Avoid ferret foods that contain fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. These ingredients have little nutritional value for ferrets and can lead to health problems.
Meat-Based: High-quality ferret foods have meat listed as the primary ingredient, indicating that the food is primarily composed of animal-based proteins.
Avoid Dog or Cat Food: Never feed your ferret dog or cat food as their primary diet. While these foods may contain some similar ingredients, they are not suitable for ferrets due to differences in nutritional requirements.
Fresh Water: Always provide fresh water to your ferret. Ferrets can become easily dehydrated, so it's crucial to ensure they have constant access to clean water.
Variety: Some ferret owners choose to supplement their pet's diet with occasional treats like raw meats, small pieces of cooked egg, or certain fruits and vegetables in very small quantities. However, these should only be given as treats and not as a significant part of their diet.
Age-Specific Food: Some ferret foods are formulated for specific life stages, such as kits (young ferrets) or seniors. Make sure to choose the appropriate food based on your ferret's age.
Consult a Veterinarian: It's a good practice to consult a veterinarian experienced with ferrets to determine the best diet for your pet. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your ferret's specific needs.
In conclusion, providing your ferret with a high-quality, protein-rich, and low-carbohydrate diet is essential for their health and well-being. Always read food labels carefully and prioritize foods specifically formulated for ferrets to ensure they receive the right balance of nutrients.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best ferret foods on the market
Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support - Dry Ferret Food - 5 Pound Bag
Wysong
Product description
Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support contains ingredients that contribute soluble fiber, and an enhanced prebiotic effect that helps to support digestive health and stool consistency. Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support ferret food is a slightly less concentrated and nutrient dense diet as compared to our standard Ferret Epigen 90. Still unparalleled meat content, 62% protein, and 16% fat. If you are new to our Ferret Epigen 90 diets, the Digestive Support formula may be the most suitable starting point for your ferret(s).
- Genetically Appropriate Diet With No Starch Ingredients
- Unprecedented And Unequalled Meat Content, Including Organic. 62% Protein, And 16% Fat, Plus Other Important Nutrients
- Supports Digestive Health And Desirable Stool Consistency. Has The Natural Flavor And Taste That Ferrets Truly Desire
- Contains Probiotics, Prebiotics, Enzymes, Phytonutrients, Nutraceuticals, Natural Form Antioxidants, Vitamins And Minerals
- Wysong Has Been A Leader In Pet Nutrition Since 1979
User questions & answers
| Question: | Where do I find the ingredient list ? I can not read it from the picture of the back of the bag |
| Answer: | haha! its kinds funny actually.... you have to collect at least twenty (#20) of those bag corners, then you send them into Wysong and they give you a 10$ credit on the next bag you purchase.... NOTTTTT Muchhh of a discount IMHO! soo you buy $450+ worth of food, then on your 21st bag of food, you get it for $13 instead of 23. WOW! plus the time and energy you have to go thru to get the credit. sooo.... IMO its kinda a joke, but mostly an insult. lol. BUT! their food is the best, or TOP 3 on the market for ferrets... sooo, its worth the cost, to me, but i use in as part of a mix of 3 or 4 different foods. ---> |
| Question: | Will this ever come back as a Prime item? Not only is the bag itself more expensive, but now it has $15 shipping? That's so high |
| Answer: | The "digestive health" formula IS the original. The new formulation is a bit richer and some ferrets have had issues with it. Some have no problems, others get loose stools and such. So they started marketing the older formula as the "digestive health" brand.Even then, this is a VERY rich kibble. Some ferrets have trouble with both formulas. I keep mine at a 50/50 mix of this and Orijen Cat & Kitten (which is also really good -- the first non-meat ingredients are like 9 down from the top). It's usually best to feeda mixture anyway - variety is better and if you happen to run short, you're not forcing them onto something completely different each time. |
| Question: | I don't have a bag here with me but wanted to know how do you use the ".50 credit" that comes on each bag corner |
| Answer: | This product ABSOLUTELY has rough ,sharp edges ESPECIALLY on the inside where the fish hang out. I’ve spent an hour trying to scrape the rough sharp edges with a kitchen knive and sanding stone and it’s not smooth enough to be safe yet. Be prepared to spend hours doing what the company should have done themselves. |
| Question: | Is this better than the original epigen |
| Answer: | I don't see why not. Bought mine for my betta fish and he was fine. Hopefully someone with knowledge of crayfish will answer. |
ZuPreem Premium Daily Ferret Diet Food - Nutrient Dense, Highly Digestible, High Protein Levels (8 lb Bag)
ZuPreem
Product description
ZuPreem Premium Ferret Food ZuPreem(R) Premium Ferret Diet is a nutritious, highly digestible diet designed to meet the complete nutritional needs of ferrets. Formulated with real egg and fresh, never frozen chicken, it delivers high levels of protein. Contains no corn or fishmeal. Requires no supplements.
- MADE WITH REAL CHICKEN AND EGG PROTEIN. Formulated to be your ferret’s primary food.
- UNIQUE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. Ferrets have a unique digestive system that requires the right amount of protein and animal fat to keep up with their active lifestyles.
- EVERYDAY NUTRIENTS. Filled with the important nutrients your ferret needs every day for good health.
- MADE IN THE USA. Great-Tasting, Balanced Nutrition and Highly Digestible.
- Ensure your ferret gets the quality nutrition he/she needs for a long and healthy life.
User questions & answers
| Question: | How long approx. an 8lb bag of this food last |
| Answer: | We have this product is stock and will ship within 24 hours. |
| Question: | Does this food help with litter box smell? I'm feeding a quality food but their poops are mushy and smells horrible. Thanks for any info / advice |
| Answer: | Honestly, I saw the picture and the title and bought it. What I got was ferret food and I have a ferret. However, the description is for parrots. Just order from somewhere else because this person is clearly not responsible enough to sell pet food. Which is sad. Even if it's for the right pet, their attention to detail is such that it could be out of date. |
| Question: | why does it say usually ships between 11 to 12 months |
| Answer: | We are not able to ship internationally via Amazon at this time. |
| Question: | Is this ferret or parrot food, and before you think to put a cute snarky response read the product description and explain why it says parrot food |
| Answer: | Ingredients: Chicken By-Products (Organs Only), Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Brewers Dried Yeast, DL-Methionine, L-lysine, Sodium Propionate and Mixed Tocopherols (Preservatives), Taurine, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Roboflavin Supplement, Niacin, Biotin, Choline Chloride, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Manganous Oxide, Inositol, Ascorbic Acid, BHA (a preservative), Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Cobalt Carbonate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Rosemary Extract |
Marshall Premium Ferret Diet
Marshall Pet Products
Product description
Ferrets are strict carnivores and require meat-based protein. Marshall premium ferret diet and bandit treats combine the freshest meat ingredients with a unique low temperature process that makes them the best ferret food and treats available.
- #1 Ferret Diet Sold Worldwide
- Fed And Recommended By The Worlds Largest Ferret Breeder
- Provides Complete Nutrition For All Life Stages
- Rich In Omega 3 And 6 Fatty Acids
User questions & answers
| Question: | Hi we are from China Shenzhen, please advise if you could also ship to us, how long does it takes and how much is the logistic |
| Answer: | We are not able to ship internationally via Amazon at this time. |
| Question: | What are the ingredients in the 35 lb bag |
| Answer: | Ingredients: Chicken By-Products (Organs Only), Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Brewers Dried Yeast, DL-Methionine, L-lysine, Sodium Propionate and Mixed Tocopherols (Preservatives), Taurine, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Roboflavin Supplement, Niacin, Biotin, Choline Chloride, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Manganous Oxide, Inositol, Ascorbic Acid, BHA (a preservative), Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Cobalt Carbonate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Rosemary Extract |
| Question: | Ferrets are supposed to intake at least 40% protein. How come they are selling ferret food at only 38% protein |
| Answer: | Where did you find that information, if you don't mind me asking? Vetbabble, ScienceDirect, WeaselWorld..I've always seen a minimum of 32%. 40% might be needed for breeders, I'm not sure. Mustelids have small intestines and eat 3-4 times a day. The requirements of spayed or neutered pet ferrets are met by allowing them constant access to drinking water and a palatable, pelleted, or extruded, 90% dry matter, premium cat or ferret food that, as fed, contains at least 15% fat and 30% high quality, meat source protein, less than 30% carbohydrates, and approximately 4 Kcal of metabolizable energy per gram. 40% would be in the higher range needed. :-) |
| Question: | I would like to know if you ship to Taiwan? And how much it costs for the shipping fee on each pack?(7 Pounds |
| Answer: | Avoid Marshall products. They support the exploitation of animals. |
Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 - Starch Free Dry Natural Food for Ferrets, Brown, Model Number: WDFE905
Wysong
Product description
Wysong Epigen varieties represent the first important kibble pet food innovation in almost 60 years and moves conventional dry extruded pet foods much closer to the high protein meat-based, starchless foods carnivores are genetically designed for. With that, they are given greater opportunity to enjoy their full natural health.
- The first extruded dry diet/kibble ferret food that is Starch Free (Epigen does what "Grain Free" pet foods only pretend to do)
- Ferret Epigen 90 is a unique, nutritionally-dense pet food. When introducing for the first time be sure to follow the instructions detailed on the product label
- More closely resembles the food your ferret is designed to eat. Has the natural flavor and taste that ferrets truly desire
- Is replete with all the critical food elements Wysong was first to put into pet foods – probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, phytonutrients, nutraceuticals, natural form antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Rich in omega-3's and other essential fatty acids
User questions & answers
| Question: | Which food is better this one, or the ferret epigen 90 digestive support |
| Answer: | I stopped using this particular wysong epigen 90 since they changed the formula a yr or so ago. My ferret had diarrhea and it cost me numerous expensive veterinarian bills. I even introduced it slowly mixed with other foods knowing they had changed the recipe. After taking it away and fasting my ferret for a day, feeding probiotics and prescription soft food, he returned to normal. Other wysong foods are fine like epigen 90 digestive support. |
| Question: | How long does it take one ferret to eat a 5lb bag |
| Answer: | We are not able to ship to the UK via Amazon at this time. |
| Question: | Did anybodys ferrets become less active for long after using this food |
| Answer: | It is 7#. |
| Question: | Do you ship to the U.K |
| Answer: | Sorry, we do not ship to Brazil |
Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support - Starch Free Dry Natural Food for Ferrets,5 Pound (Pack of 4)
Wysong
Product description
Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support contains ingredients that contribute soluble fiber, and an enhanced prebiotic effect that helps to support digestive health and stool consistency. Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support ferret food is a slightly less concentrated and nutrient dense diet as compared to our standard Ferret Epigen 90. Still unparalleled meat content, 62% protein, and 16% fat. If you are new to our Ferret Epigen 90 diets, the Digestive Support formula may be the most suitable starting point for your ferret(s).
- Genetically Appropriate Diet With No Starch Ingredients
- Unprecedented And Unequalled Meat Content, Including Organic. 62% Protein, And 16% Fat, Plus Other Important Nutrients
- Supports Digestive Health And Desirable Stool Consistency. Has The Natural Flavor And Taste That Ferrets Truly Desire
- Contains Probiotics, Prebiotics, Enzymes, Phytonutrients, Nutraceuticals, Natural Form Antioxidants, Vitamins And Minerals
- Wysong Has Been A Leader In Pet Nutrition Since 1979
User questions & answers
| Question: | Why the price increase |
| Answer: | Good morning,Thank you for your question.Our cost of ingredients has been consistently increasing for years. We held off as long as possible before implementing a price increase. Thank you, Wysong |
| Question: | My ferrets are not eating this food this is the 3rd day i'm mixing the ferret marshall food with the wysong. What should i do? help |
| Answer: | Keep trying, I would mix a low ratio of the of the wysong. Then increase the amount of the mix until they are switched. It's usually am easy transition. 😀it's really great food! The best I think unless you feed raw. |
| Question: | I received the wysong $10 off, loyalty coupon. Could I use the coupon through Amazon |
| Answer: | I believe you have to go through them or use in a store that sells it. |
Sheppard And Greene Adult Ferret Food, 4-Pound
Central Garden & Pet
Product description
Sheppard and greene adult ferret
- Real Chicken Is The First Ingredient
- Promotes A Healthy Immune System
- Reduces Shedding And Minimizes Hairballs
User questions & answers
| Question: | why was the peice raised to |
| Answer: | Ingredients :Chicken Meal, Organic Chicken, Meat Protein Isolate, Chicken Fat, Gelatin, Natural Flavor, Coconut Oil, Chia Seeds, Taurine, Calcium Propionate, Choline Chloride, Apple Pectin, Fish Oil, Yeast Extract, Citric Acid, Chicory Root, Hemicellulose Extract, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract, Yeast Culture, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Calcium Carbonate, Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid source of Vitamin C, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus lactis Fermentation Product. |
Marshall Premium Ferret Diet, 22-Ounce, Small
Marshall
Product description
Ferrets are strict carnivores and require meat-based protein. Marshall premium ferret diet combine the freshest meat ingredients with low temperature processing to make it the best ferret food available. Top quality diet builds consumer satisfaction and repeat sales.
- Marshall Premium Ferret Diet Combine The Freshest Meat Ingredients With Low Temperature Processing To Make It The Best Ferret Food Available
- High In Protein
- Marshall Premium Ferret Diet Is Good For Every Age Of Ferret
User questions & answers
| Question: | What is the size of the small bag? Smaller than 4 pounds |
| Answer: | It lasts a month and a half for us and we have two ferrets.. Great food |
| Question: | You shipp Marshall Ferret Food to Brasil |
| Answer: | From my experience (we have had numerous ferrets over a 10 year time period), there is no way to prevent the litter box smell. It doesn't matter what food they eat -- ferrets just have mushy, smelly poops. |
N-Bone 1 Pouch Ferret Soft Treats Chicken Flavor, 3 Oz
N-Bone
Product description
N-Bone Ferret Soft Treats in chicken flavor are the perfect bite-size reward for your ferret! Specially formulated with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to help maintain healthy skin and coat, these delicious treats will help keep your ferret healthy and happy. N-Bone Ferret Soft Treats are made with only the finest ingredients, including real chicken. These tasty little treats are grain free and made with so much love they came out heart shaped!.
- Promotes Skin & Coat Health Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids
- Grain-Free, Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids
- Made With Real Chicken
- Natural With Added Vitamin E
- Made In Usa
User questions & answers
| Question: | Ingredients what are the ingredients |
| Answer: | 2 4 pound bags |
| Question: | Are these good for training? Kind of want something really small and eaten quickly |
| Answer: | neither. this brand gave both my ferrets horrible and dangerous diarrhea. Many of the other reviewers had a similar issue |
ZuPreem Premium Daily Grain Free Ferret Diet Food - Nutrient Dense, Highly Digestible, High Protein Levels
ZuPreem
Product description
ZuPreem Premium Daily Grain Free Ferret Diet Food | Nutrient Dense, Highly Digestible, High Protein Levels
User questions & answers
| Question: | Why has this product not been removed for health issues? Oh, because its for animals and not humans? That appears to be the only answer |
| Answer: | Since I wrote my review, peas, which are thought to be the culprit of bladder stone formation in ferrets eating similar diets, have been removed from the ingredients list. Formerly, I would have had to agree with you, but it seems as though Zupreem finally changed their tune.Ferret owners should still be wary, and scan ingredient lists on any foods they want to feed their fuzzbutts. Ferrets are obligate carnivores so foods should be high in protein and the first few ingredients listed should be derived from animals. This chart is a handy place to start: http://moredooks.herobo.com/search.php?chart=ferret |
| Question: | What are the ingredients in this grain free version |
| Answer: | Honestly not sure but!!! My ferrets health was so poor on this food one died please try something different I started mine on part kitten grain free and wyong I think it is my other ferret is now thriving |
| Question: | Hey this is kgkatie , i was wondering if you could send me a few samples so i can review on my youtube channel |
| Answer: | Hello kgkatie, Thank you for having an interest in our products, unfortunately, we do not send samples. Thanks, |
| Question: | To the makers of zupreem, how come y’all put egg in the regular ferret food but not the grain free |
| Answer: | Grain free is generally thought to be hypoallergenic. Egg is a relatively common allergen for mammels. Most 'fur snakes' seen to love eggs in all shapes and recipes, try the grain free with slices of hard boiled egg - my guys love it! |
Wysong Ferret Archetype - Raw Ferret Food - 7.5 Ounce Bag
Wysong
Product description
Ferret Archetype (formerly Archetypal-1) is the original raw ferret diet from Wysong. It is reflective of the natural carnivorous, raw diet of the ferret – the diet they are genetically programmed for.
- Ferret Archetype, First And Foremost, Is Not Heated Above 118° Fahrenheit – A Wysong True Non-Thermal Freezedried Raw Product!
- Starch Free And Meat-Based, And Thus Does Not Contribute To The Common Carbohydrate Glut Diseases In The Modern Ferret Community
- Contains Meats, Plant Nutrients, Nutraceuticals, Prebiotics, Probiotics, Vitamins, Minerals, And An Array Of Micronutrients. Free Of Non-Nutritional Additives Used By Manufacturers To Create Color, Texture, Stool Consistency, Or Shelf-Life
- Healthy Fats Are Naturally Protected Against Free Radical/Oxidation Degradation. High In Natural Protein And Fat Content. Feed As An Adjunct To Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support And Other Healthful Wysong Ferret Foods!
- Wysong Has Been A Leader In Pet Nutrition Since 1979
User questions & answers
| Question: | I just rescued a 7 year old male ferret. would this or epigen 90 digestive support be better for him |
| Answer: | Hello, Both the Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support and the Ferret Archetype would be excellent options for your ferret. Many people use the Digestive Support formula as their ferret's main diet, and use the Ferret Archetype and other Wysong ferret products as a meal replacement once in a while, a snack, or a top-dressing to the dry diet. Depending on what Wysong products your ferret likes, we would recommend feeding a variety of those products. Wysong advises against feeding any one pet food exclusively. Feeding one food fosters the development of ingredient intolerances (allergies) and other health ailments. Wysong adamantly suggests fresh and varied feeding and the rotation of diets as the best (and only) path to true pet health. We hope you find this information helpful. Sincerely, Wysong |
| Question: | Is this Archetype I |
| Answer: | This is formerly known as archetypal-1. This may be the one that has changed in formula. I'm not completely sure if they have changed the recipe. |
| Question: | Is this Archetype I |
| Answer: | No. This is pure freeze dried animal. The archetype formulas are kibble. |
| Question: | I thought ferrets weren't supposed to be fed vegetable products, any reason why this is an exception? I noticed the vegetable derived ingredients |
| Answer: | Hello, Thank you for your inquiry. Ferrets in the wild would consume the entire herbivorous prey - including the viscera with organs and GI tract filled with the fruits and vegetables that have been consumed by them. Thus it would be appropriate to provide small amounts of these elements to the diets of ferrets. The vitamin, mineral, and nutraceutical benefits of fruits and vegetables are well known and scientifically substantiated. The Ferret Archetype, Dream Treats, and Optimize diets are 99+% meat. The fruit and vegetable components of most Wysong diets are minimal. In our diets that are 99+% meat, they constitute less than a tenth of a percent. We hope you find this information helpful. Sincerely, Wysong |
Marshall Carnivore Plus High Protein Diet Ferret Food - 3.5 lb
Marshall
Product description
Marshall Carnivore Plus High Protein Diet Ferret Food - 3.5 lb
- High protein ferret diet
- Grain free and more meat protein
- Made for all stages of your ferret's life
- Developed by veterinarians, nutritionists and ferret experts
- Re-sealable package locks in freshness
User questions & answers
| Question: | Why does the bag say 3.5lbs and the item weight say 1.2lbs |
| Answer: | Must be error cause it’s 3.5 lbs |
Marshall Pet Products (2 Pack) Select Chicken Formula Premium Ferret Diet
Marshall Pet Products
Product description
(2 Pack) Marshall Pet Products Select Chicken Formula Premium Ferret Diet
- 2 4-pound bags Chicken ferret food
- Made with 3 pounds of fresh chicken each
- High in protein to keep ferrets lean and healthy
- Rich in Omega 3s and amino acids to give your pet a silky coat
- Marshall's Premium Ferret Diet is a fortified, meat-based complete diet ideal for ferrets of all ages
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is this for 2- 4 pound bags? Some sections say 2 four pound bags & other sections say 3 pounds |
| Answer: | Good morning Emily, Thank you for your question. Since ferrets should have fresh food and water available at all times, it would depend on how much your individual ferret eats to determine how long a bag would last. For your reference, there are approximately 17 cups of food in the 5 lb. bags.Thank you, Wysong |
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