BARFing ferrets ensures that the small animals receive a species-appropriate diet. The ferret feeding plan consists mainly of fresh meat, as is the case with dogs and cats, because ferrets are predators in the wild. In this article, you can read about which types of meat can end up in your ferrets' bowls and whether other foods are also part of the BARF diet for ferrets.
BARFing for ferrets: feeding plan consists mainly of meat
If you want to BARF your ferret, you can follow similar rules to the classic BARF for dogs . Almost 80 percent of the BARF food for ferrets should consist of animal products. Since ferrets eat the vast majority of their prey in the wild - often only the bile from the prey remains - you can choose a nutritional mix of daily muscle meat and regular feeding of offal. There is also a wide choice in terms of the type of animal, from poultry for ferrets to rabbit for ferrets, you have enough options to feed your animal a varied diet. Day-old chicks and mice are also a welcome snack for ferrets - the former cleanse the stomach with bones and fluff, the latter contain taurine, which ferrets, like cats, cannot produce themselves. There is only one firm rule to follow when feeding ferrets: you should never feed pork. This may contain the Aujeszky virus, which causes a rabies-like condition and leads to death in infected animals.
The rest of the ferret feeding plan for BARF consists of plant-based products. Depending on the size and weight, a ferret should receive between 100 and 150 grams of animal products in several portions every day, so it should also have around 25 to 40 grams of fruit and vegetables. These can be chopped up and distributed with the regular portions of food or as a treat in between meals.
BARFing ferrets: watch out for leftovers
When BARFing, you should make sure that ferrets do not store up food. Since ferrets digest food very quickly, they should be given fresh food every three to four hours throughout the day. But you should be careful here: ferrets tend to hoard food, which can lead to quickly spoiled food scraps scattered around the enclosure, especially in warm temperatures when combined with a fresh meat diet. Ferrets are not usually scavengers, but the meat can quickly start to smell rotten and the bacterial load can cause illness. So, ideally, you should check your ferrets' home regularly and remove any meat scraps that you find.
If you want to BARF your ferret, even though it has been fed dry or wet food for a long time, the change in diet can be difficult. Therefore, introduce your animal to a fresh meat diet slowly and plan the ferret feeding plan so that the animal eats regularly. Ferrets are often lazy when it comes to drinking - it is therefore important that neither dry nor wet food contains salt, as this can lead to dehydration. Dry food also contributes to this through the processing in the body.
Do you have any questions about BARF nutrition for your ferret or another pet? We're happy to help you. Take a look at our BARF Wiki or contact us.
