The best ferret food may be either dry kibble or canned diets. Ferret owners need to review with their vet the various brands designed for this small pet. There are many options, and every ferret formula has pros and cons.
Best Ferret Food
Traditional commercial diets for ferrets contain taurine and are composed of between 15% and 20% fat. The best brands also include no less than 32% to 40% meat-based protein. The first three ingredients in ferret kibble need to be meat products, and the kibble should not contain corn. Always avoid kibble with dried fruits or vegetables, which ferrets cannot digest!
Select a High-Quality Diet
Many high-quality brands meet the nutritional content your ferret needs. With that in mind, many kitten foods don't have the necessary taurine, fat, and protein contents, so pet parents must choose reputable feline food brands. Dog food is not a source of proper nutrition, so it is best to choose a formula designed for ferrets or cats. Many ferret owners rotate through different diets throughout the week.
The Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 Dry Ferret Food
Pet parents gave this ferret diet five stars on Chewy. Many small pet lovers use this diet as a complete meal, topper, or incremental protein booster. One of the highlights of this formula is it contains ingredients that contribute soluble fiber and an enhanced prebiotic effect to help support digestive health and stool consistency.
The Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 Dry Ferret Food costs about $28 for a five-pound bag.
Marshall Carnivore Plus
Many small pet lovers say this brand helped their ferrets struggling with diarrhea. The best way to feed this diet is to mix three parts of fresh warm water to one part of the Marshal Diet. After letting the mixture settle, pet parents need to add water or food until there is an oatmeal consistency. Each pellet contains 40% protein and is made with low heat and a slow cooking process to preserve amino acids and vitamins.
The Marshall Carnivore Plus diet costs about $15 for a 3.5-pound bag.
ZuPreem Grain-Free Ferret Diet
The ZuPreem ferret diet is designed for a ferret's unique digestive system. The 40% protein level comes from the chicken found in the diet, and there are no peas in this formula. Many animal lovers like the small kibble size as it is easier for these small pets to eat.
The ZuPreem Grain-Free Ferret Diet costs about $20 for a four-pound bag.
Kaytee Forti Diet Pro Ferret Food
This brand includes probiotics and omega-3, which supports a healthy heart, brain, eye function, and proper digestion. Many pet parents reviewing this brand on Chewy enjoy this diet as it is odor-free. This food is a complete diet for ferrets, and every morsel is highly palatable.
The Kaytee Forti Diet Pro Ferret Food costs about $10 for a three-pound bag.
Kaytee Sheppard and Greene Adult Ferret Food
Chicken meal is the main ingredient of this ferret diet. This formula is specially formulated with crude fiber to minimize hairballs and move ingested hair through the digestive tract. Hairballs are an issue with ferrets too!
The Katee Sheppard and Green Adult Ferret Food costs around $23 for a four-pound bag.
Raw Paws Freeze-Dried Raw Ferret Food
This raw option isn't cheap, but ferrets are obligate carnivores! One pet parent gave this diet five stars on Amazon as her ferret enjoys the brand and has a shiny coat as a result. This grain-free ferret food is a 100% natural, grass-fed beef muscle meat, organ, and bone blend.
The Raw Paws Freeze-Dried Raw Ferret Food costs about $50 for 16-ounces.
Wysong Ferret Archetype Ferret Food
This brand is another raw diet option for your ferret. Many pet parents gave this freeze-dried raw diet almost five stars in Amazon reviews. You can offer this diet as a treat, reward, or meal. According to the brand, both the Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support (above) and the Ferret Archetype are excellent options for your small pet. Many people use the Digestive Support formula as their ferret's main diet and use the Ferret Archetype as a meal replacement once in a while.
The Wysong Ferret Archetype Ferret Food costs about $18 for a 7.5-ounce bag.
Marshal Premium Ferret Diet
The Marshall Premium Ferret Diet combines the freshest meat ingredients with a unique low-temperature process. Many ferret lovers gave this product almost five stars on Amazon. One owner noticed a significant difference in her ferret's appetite, weight gain, bowel movements, and overall health after feeding this diet.
The Marshal Premium Ferret Diet costs $14 for a four-pound bag.
Higgins InTune, Grain-free Ferret Diet
This brand includes both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health. The diet is suitable for ferrets of all ages, and many pet owners say this is the best diet available. Pet lovers gave this diet five stars on Chewy.
Higgins inTune Complete & Balanced Diet Grain-Free Ferret Food costs around $15 for a four-pound bag.
Mazuri Complete Ferret Food
Pet owners say their ferrets devour this highly palatable, nutrient-dense dry food. The brand contains multiple animal-derived proteins appropriate for carnivores. The food is known for being easy for ferrets to digest.
The Mazuri Complete Ferret Food costs about $23 for a five-pound bag.
Wild Harvest Advanced Nutrition Ferret Food
This brand's unique formula includes taurine, protein, fat, and vitamins. Pet parents say even finicky ferrets enjoy this diet. This formula uses high-quality chicken meal as the primary protein source.
The Wild Harvest Advanced Nutrition Ferret Food costs about $10 for a three-pound bag.
Solid Gold Indigo Moon for Cats
This cat food formula meets all of the same carnivorous diet requirements and is an appropriate ferret food. As long as the food is high in protein, grain-free, and without sugar, it is ok to feed ferrets. With that in mind, pet owners must read the ingredients carefully. This diet's protein comes from chicken and eggs, with the chicken meal making up the most significant percentage of the actual food.
The Solid Gold Indigo Moon diet costs about $15 for a three-pound bag.
An Exotics Vet May Help
A vet specializing in exotic pets, including ferrets, may recommend an appropriate diet. If your ferret is experiencing any stomach issues or diarrhea, it is essential to evaluate the diet and the various formulas you are feeding each day. Ferrets are carnivores with short digestive tracts, so pet parents must feed a diet high in protein.
Feed Ferrets a Traditional Commercial Diet
Diets for ferrets range from kibble to raw, freeze-dried options. With that in mind, a commercial ferret diet needs to consist of fat, meat-based protein, vitamins, and minerals. Talk with your vet about the best diet for your little guy, as many pet parents mix multiple diets during meals and constantly change the food each week. Variety is important when it comes to a ferret's diet.
