Rafael WilsonWhen you do not have an opportunity to buy specialized ferret food, you can settle for the best cat food for ferrets. Out of all kinds of pet food, this is the one that suits ferrets the most. When deciding what to feed your pet, it would be good to know the ferret diet’s basic facts. Now, let’s see what kinds of cat food might be suitable for your ferret.
TOP 8 Cat Food for Ferret (Chart) in 2022
Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Cat Food – A Protein-Rich Food Suitable for Ferrets
The Wellness Core cat food can be good for ferrets because it does not contain grains. Grains (especially corn) are highly undesirable in a ferret diet. This cat food contains not less than 45% proteins and not less than 18% fat. Carbohydrate content is less than 3%, which is quite acceptable.
As you can see, the ingredients are completely permissible for feeding ferrets.
- Grain-free.
- High protein content.
- The bag cannot be sealed tightly, so the content might become rancid if it stays open for too long.
Orijen Dry Food for Cat and Kitten – A New Poultry-Based Formula for Meat-Eaters
The Orijen dry kiddle food is formulated for grown-up cats and kittens. In general, kitten food is more suitable for ferrets, so that this product might be preferable over others.
Meat (chicken and turkey), fish, and eggs constitute 90 percent of the formula. Fiber content is minimal, whole grains and potatoes are excluded from the formula completely.
- Grain-free formula.
- Made of local ingredients.
- Rich in proteins.
- The new recently changed formula is not as good as the original one.
Instinct Ultimate Protein Natural Cat Food – The Superfluity of Protein for Health
Instinct food is produced with real raw chicken or duck meat, without grains, additives, or dyes. It is rich in natural vitamins and will benefit hair, skin, and general well-being, increase immunity. The pieces are small in size and are designed for adult cats. This way, it will be useful for your ferret.
Several Features
To keep your little friend viable, you need to buy vital food. Such a nutritious item will add vigor and strength. Manufacturers offer raw poultry meat in frozen or freeze-dried form. Besides, the animals will not be poisoned by grain, wheat, soy, and additives.
- Raw meat;
- Without grain;
- No extra ingredients and dyes.
- A small selection of flavors;
- For adults only.
Final Verdict
Meat delicacies from this manufacturer have a good effect on the derma and fur of the beast. Raw uncooked meat comprises protein that is vital for many predators. So, I consider these items are the best ferret foods. If the pet likes to eat real meat, this nutrition will lift its spirits and promote good health.
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner for Cats – Vital Diet without Bad Matter
Stella & Chewy’s is healing food for our little friends. It contains only nutrients, untreated meat. It won’t harm the animal because you won’t find gluten and grains there. The food is made in small pieces with chewing properties. This feature has a good effect on teeth and gums.
What is Special?
The feed is well digested and has a beneficial effect on health, immunity, hair, skin, teeth, and gums. It is made only from the right ingredients with the addition of natural crude poultry. The producers took care of the animals’ safety, so they did not add any dyes, preservatives, or other harmful substances.
- Minimally processed;
- Raw and natural product;
- Without additives and grains.
- Contains vegetables;
- Small package.
Conclusions
Comparing the components and properties, I find the meal from Stella & Chewy’s wholesome, healthy, and good cat food for ferrets. It is lightly processed and frozen in small pieces. The combination of meat and organ adds protein. I don’t commend giving it to young cats or other animals.
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Cat Food – The Key to Health from Easy Drying
Food from ZIWI Peak is dried naturally in the air. It’s made from self-feeding poultry meat. Your ferret will be happy to eat it without any additional food additives. It consists only of the natural constituent, without antibiotics, hormones, or GMOs. It includes green mussels, chicken meat (96% of the total composition), and organs.
Pay Attention to…
An item doesn’t have grains or vegetables but consists only of naturally raised and fed chickens. The manufacturers have added omega to the composition, which assists beautiful hair and derma and taurine for a physically fit heart. I think this food feature is wonderful. After all, animals must be active and playful. And excellent quality products assist in restoring their strength. The big advantage is that it isn’t frozen but only dried by specialized methods on air.
- Natural protein components;
- Natural-air drying;
- Taurine and omega content;
- No GMOs, hormones, or antibiotics.
- Not congruous for each pet;
- It crumbles richly.
Finally
I recommend this grain-free ferret food because makers have taken care of its related properties through special procurement and drying without processing and freezing. Therefore, the diet is rich in all vitamins without losing useful properties. My Goof liked the production from ZIWI Peak. I think you may try it likewise.
Instinct Raw Boost Recipe Dry Cat Food – Chewable Raw Components with Probiotics
An Instinct raw cat food forms of natural poultry meat grown on grass without cages. Grains or soy are not a part of adding safety, especially for ferrets. Besides, owners can see protein, omega, probiotics in the composition. Such components help to be full, active, playful, and beautiful.
Peculiarity
The food combines small grains with large, raw, frozen dry meat. It isn’t processed too much, which preserves its taste and nutritional value. Only natural and fresh foodstuffs are in their composition. Besides, additional vitamins such as omega care for beautiful silky fur and healthy skin.
- Natural meat;
- Lots of nutrients;
- Free from harmful additives;
- Boosted nutrition.
- Crushed too much;
- Not for fickle beasts.
The last
I support such a raw ferret diet, rich in all beneficial components and additives. It doesn’t involve any dyes, substances that can cause stomach upset, allergies, and more. I noticed that my friend digested properly frozen dry pieces. That’s why I consider Instinct foodstuff fresh and tasty even for other predators.
Petcurean Go SOLUTIONS Carnivore Grain Free – A Jumbo Pack of Chicken, Turkey, and Duck
The formula of the Petcurean Go Fit and Free cat food is based on chicken, turkey, and duck meat. It does not contain any meat by-products and grains. However, this food contains peas, some vegetables, and fruits, which is fine for cats but might not be good for ferrets if consumed in large quantities and very often.
But the big plus is that according to the guaranteed analysis, the fiber content is quite low – no more than 1.6%.
- Rich protein content.
- No by-products or grains.
- Enriched with Omega fatty acids.
- Available in 16-pound bags.
- Contains peas, fruits, and vegetables.
Wysong Dream Treats For Dogs/Cats/Ferrets – All-Natural Freeze-Dried Treats
The Wysong Dream treats are suitable for cats, dogs, and ferrets. These are freeze-dried treats containing 46% animal-based protein, including chicken meat, organs, and bones. The product also contains some fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, broccoli, plums, carrots, etc.
The total amount of crude fiber does not exceed 0.5%, which is quite healthy for ferrets. Besides, this is a treat, not basic food, so the fact that it contains fruits, seeds, and vegetables should not cause too much concern.
- High in animal-based protein and fat (44% and 36% respectively).
- The freeze-drying technology keeps all-natural nutrients intact.
- A product of a renowned ferret breeder and food manufacturer.
- This is an occasional treat that cannot provide a ferret’s daily nutrition.
- Contains fruits.
How to Choose Right Cat Food for Ferrets – A Buyer’s Guide
Ferrets have domesticated not long ago, and their eating habits haven’t changed since. Both wild and pet ferrets are strict carnivores. Their daily nutrition consists mostly of proteins and fat with minimal carbohydrates and fibers. Cats have a different digestive system, and their food can contain plant-based products. High-quality cat food is higher in proteins, so you can occasionally feed your ferret such food or mix it with specialized ferret food or raw meat. You should always read the nutrition information on a package very carefully and ensure that cat food contains at least 36% proteins and no more than 3% fibers.
Feeding ferrets cat food regularly is not recommended but can be acceptable in some cases. When buying cat food for a pet ferret, it is important to consider the following choice criteria:
Look for the Proper Macronutrient Ratio
Both cats and ferrets are carnivores, but the cat diet has evolved in such a way that they can consume fruits, vegetables, and seeds. The same can hardly be said about ferrets. Although some quantities of plant-based food can be present in their daily rations, the core of their diet should consist of animal proteins. So if you buy cat food for a ferret, you should adhere to the following nutrition content: no less than 36% proteins, no less than 18% fat, and no more than 3% fibers.
Make Sure It Is Dry Kibble Food
Wet cat food is ill-fitted for ferrets, so you should stick to dry food. You can also indulge your ferret with occasional freeze-dried treats that are suitable for cats and ferrets.
Quality of Finished Production
The majority of pet keepers doubt what can ferrets eat list. Therefore, anyone should pay attention to a ready-made feed of excellent quality. I would advise you to select kitten food. The conscientious producers add all good and delicious components to such feed. They are harmless and useful. Most animals love quality delicacies. I often bought expensive branded products, but my Goof didn’t even want to taste it. So, I want to tell you to look at your friend’s tastes and preferences as well.
Many scientists today are researching the subject of the article. More specifically, studying is concerned with whether a ferret organism can absorb cat food so well. To date, no one has proven the harmfulness or benefit of a cat diet for smaller animals. So, I most recommend not experimenting with your pets. Choose quality, full of necessary components, and vitamins best kitten food for ferrets. The modern market offers a large selection of specialized dry foodstuffs.
FAQ
What Kind of Cat Food Can I Feed My Ferret? Can Ferrets Eat Wet Cat Food?
If you decide to feed your ferret cat food, you should choose high-quality kiddle food. Wet cat food is not good for them. First of all, it does not have a proper macronutrient ratio to satisfy your ferret’s dietary needs. Besides, ferrets need constant access to food throughout dry and wet food might do bad very quickly if left unrefrigerated. Finally, wet cat food is rather soft and cannot provide sufficient exercise for ferrets’ teeth.
Can Ferrets Eat Kitten Food?
Kitten food is even better for ferrets than cat food. The former usually contains more proteins and fewer carbohydrates. Needless to say, you should choose only high-quality specialized kitten food.
Can Ferrets Eat Dog Food?
It is highly recommended to avoid giving dog food to ferrets. It is not suitable for their digestive tracts and can cause health problems.
What Nutrition May Harm a Ferret?
Many animals like to indulge in a variety of chewing gum, toothpaste, etc. Such items have a substance called xylitol. It's toxic without sugar. Therefore, hide such things away. Likewise, avoid feeding grain, and do not equate ferrets with hamsters or rodents. Milk or chocolate, as well as some fruits, especially grapes, can also be toxic. Ferrets couldn't digest them.
What Can Ferrets Eat Besides Ferret Food?
Studies show that such beasts ate only the meat of small animals and birds long ago. However, after being domesticated by humans, they began to eat special foods full of vitamins and supplements. In addition to such foodstuff, animals like to eat delicacies that a person eats. Eggs, chicken, rabbits, some fruits, and vegetables are rare treats for your predators. The food, which cat eats, is also possible for ferrets. I advise you to buy only kitten nutrition. Sometimes adult cat feed can be harmful.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Specialized ferret food is always beneficial for your pet. Today the market of specialized pet food can offer high-quality dry kibbles and treats for ferrets. For instance, you can try Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 – a high-protein, starch- and grain-free ferret food with probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrition supplements.
“Can I feed my ferret cat food?” is one of the most common questions among new ferret owners. Hopefully, this article has made the answer clear to you. By following these simple rules, you can ensure that your ferrets stay healthy even if you are temporarily unable to provide them with specialized ferret food.
PLEASE DO NOT ADVISE PEOPLE TO GIVE THEIR FERRETS ORIJEN CAT FOOD — THIS WILL KILL THEM.
My ferret was euthanized today due to a large amount of bladder stones. There are plant based protein sources in this food (mainly peas) that do not process right in ferrets they will DIE of these bladder stones, my ferret was not an isolated case, and I figure this out too late. Please do your research and DO NOT GIVE YOUR FERRET ORIJEN.
Thank you for your advice.
So would it be best to use grain free?
I prefer to use different types of food (so that sometimes there is variety). If your pet likes grain-free, then use it.
Hi when I bought my ferret the store owner gave her Victor’s mers feline cat food and sold me some is that good for a ferret to eat
Hi, Karen! I don’t know anything about this food. You need to watch your pet’s reaction. But for the first time I recommend paying attention to our top product, it is the most suitable for ferrets.
From everything you’ve said above it sounds like ferrets should only be given carbohydrates and fats. Does this mean that if I go to the store and pickup fatty foods for humans my ferret could eat it as well?
For those of you that are trying to decide what type of cat food to get for your ferret… I’ve always been a fan of Wellness products. The company makes excellent dog food, cat food and everything in between. I’ve been buying their products for a while and nothing else competes.
Wow! I had no idea that my ferret could eat cat food. It’s somewhat hard to find ferret food where I am as there is only one local pet store. Although, I can pretty much find cat food everywhere, so it may be a good option to switch my ferret to cat food.
As an alternative, cat food, of course suitable. On the other hand, it is still recommended to purchase specialized feed. Which intended, precisely for feeding ferrets.
I loved this post! I read your blog fairly often and you’re always coming out with some with some great stuff.
keep up the good work.