Ferrets can make fantastic pets. They are friendly, interactive, clever and can make brilliant companions for owners who are looking for a unique pet. However, they can sometimes be challenging and their care should not be underestimated.

If you have done plenty of research and you’re fully prepared for ferret parenthood, then they are sure to offer you great companionship. A ferret’s diet is important, as they require a meat-based, protein rich diet.

Let’s have a look at how to provide protein for our ferret friends and why it is an important element of their diet.

Table of contents

Why do ferrets need protein?

Ferrets are carnivores by nature, meaning that they require a lot of meat products in their diet. In fact, a ferret’s diet should contain between 35 – 40% protein and 10 – 15% fat.

Protein within a ferret’s diet helps with many different functions in the body. These include:

Muscle development and maintenance: 

Protein plays an important role in the production of building and repairing muscle tissue. Plenty of protein helps to support a young ferret with their growth, as well as keeping adults lean and strong.

Supports the immune system: 

The amino acids that are found within protein helps to produce antibodies for the immune system. An adequate supply of protein helps to keep ferrets fighting fit, allowing them to have a better defence against infections and illnesses.

Provides essential nutrients: 

Ferrets cannot synthesise their own supply of a range of nutrients. One of the most important is taurine. Taurine is an essential nutrient that helps with heart and eye function and can be found in good quality meats.

Acts as a source of energy: 

Energy keeps ferrets happy, healthy and ready to play. Although fats provide the most energy, proteins also offer a good source. A high amount of protein helps to keep ferret’s bursting with energy all day.

Helps with hormone and enzyme production: 

Proteins help the body to produce hormones and enzymes, which regulate different physiological processes in ferrets. A diet that is rich in proteins ensures that ferrets can produce the necessary hormones for a happy and healthy ferret.

How to provide ferrets with protein?

There are a number of different ways that ferrets can be offered protein within their diet. The best way to do this is to offer high-quality animal based protein sources. Some good sources of proteins for ferrets include:

Raw and cooked meats: 

Animal meats in both raw and cooked forms provide ferrets with a fantastic source of protein. Chicken, beef, lamb and turkey are good options. It’s important to ensure that there are no bones present within the meat, as they can cause internal damage if ingested.

Ferret commercial diets: 

There are many different commercial diets available for ferrets which provide them with all the goodness that they need in order to function properly. A formulated diet provides the correct balance of fats and proteins. 

Small mammals: 

Whilst it may not be appealing, you can actually give your ferrets pre-prepared small mammals such as mice and chicks. These should be purchased from a reputable supplier, such as exotic pet stores. It is important to mention that live prey should never be offered to a ferret.

Raw eggs: 

Eggs are a fantastic source of proteins for our furry friends. However, it is advisable to cook the egg white and offer the yolk raw.

Animal organ meats: 

Fresh animal organs such as liver, heart and kidney are rich in nutrients and offer plenty of protein goodness. These should be offered in moderation.

What happens if a ferret does not consume enough protein?

As we know, protein is vital for ferrets to function correctly. It helps to support their immune system, supports healthy growth and gives them heaps of energy. 

But, what are the consequences if a ferret does not have enough proteins in their diet? Possible problems could arise, including:

Dull coat and poor skin condition: 

A lack of protein can cause fur to become dull, or bald patches to occur. The skin can often become dry and flakey. Proteins help to support keratin production, as well as providing the body with amino acids. These are both essential for hair and skin growth.

A weakened immune system: 

With proteins helping the body to produce antibodies to fight infection, a lack of protein can cause an antibody deficiency. This can make ferrets more susceptible to infection, illness and disease.

Inadequate growth: 

Adequate protein in the diet is essential for healthy tissues to develop within the body. A lack of protein can stunt growth, which is especially detrimental to younger ferrets.

Muscle wastage: 

With protein being the building blocks for muscle development, a lack of protein can cause ferrets to become weak and skinny. They may have reduced energy levels and be reluctant to want to exercise.

Raw vs Cooked proteins for ferrets

There is a huge debate in the canine and feline world regarding the use of raw diets, but is this the same for ferrets? Raw diets can be a great option for ferrets, as long as they are prepared and offered to them in the correct way.

Raw meat

Hygiene and handling: 

One of the main concerns with a raw diet is that the meat should be prepared and handled safely. Avoid cross contamination with other foods, as raw meat can harbour dangerous bacteria.

Meat should also be thoroughly defrosted before offering it to your ferrets, and should be sourced from a trusted supplier. Meat that is available for human consumption is a safe option.

Hidden bones in raw meat: 

In some occasions, raw meat may contain fragments of bone and can cause gastrointestinal blockages and tears. Always make sure to fully examine and dissect raw meat to identify any potential hazards.

High concentrations of vitamins and minerals: 

A raw diet offers vitamins and minerals in their purest form. Raw food has not been manufactured and does not usually contain any additives or fillers to bulk them out.

Cooked meat

Reduced risk of bacteria: 

By cooking meat, we can reduce the risks of harmful bacteria, such as E. Coli and Salmonella. This not only reduces the risk of the health of the ferret, but also reduces exposing owners to bacteria too.

Easier on the digestion: 

Cooked meats make a great option for ferrets who have a sensitive stomach. Due to the elimination of bacteria, cooked meats are also unlikely to cause diarrhoea.

Safe and easy to prepare: 

Meats that have been cooked are safer than raw meats to prepare, due to the lack of bacteria that can be present. Caution should still be taken in defrosting cooked meats, and they should not be offered out of their expiration date.

Diminished nutrients: 

It could be said that cooking meats can reduce the concentration of essential nutrients and enzymes. However, this is not reduced by a drastic amount, but is not as nutritionally available as raw meats.

What other supplementation can be offered to ferrets?

A commercial diet should give ferrets everything that they need in order to function correctly. However, extra supplements can be offered to ensure that your ferret is fighting fit, and they are receiving as much goodness as possible.

Taurine: 

This is an essential amino acid and it is vital for ferrets to obtain this from their diet. It may be beneficial to supplement your ferret’s diet with extra taurine.

Vitamin E: 

Vitamin E is a powerful vitamin which acts as an antioxidant. This helps to protect the cells of the body from damage and can even help to prevent some types of cancer.

Omega-3: 

Often found in fish, omega-3 can help to maintain healthy skin as well as giving ferrets a lovely, shining coat. Omega-3 can also help to reduce inflammation in the body and support heart function.

If you are wanting to offer supplements to your ferret, it is important to discuss dosage with your vet.

Commercial diets

There are relatively few commercial diets available for ferrets in the UK, but if you are feeding a ferret food, make sure it’s produced by a member of UK PetFood, which means it will have to pass safety and nutritional balance tests.

It is possible and convenient to keep ferrets healthy on kitten (not adult cat) food, but we’d always recommend talking to your vet or a vet nurse for nutritional advice on choosing a diet.

Final thoughts on protein in ferrets

Protein is an essential part of a ferret’s diet and without it, they can suffer with different health conditions that can be detrimental to their health. It is important to offer a variety of different protein options for your ferret. 

A commercial diet can offer all of the protein that your ferret needs, but they are sure to appreciate other types of proteins such as eggs and organ meats.

If you are worried about your ferret’s diet, always seek the advice of a veterinary surgeon for more advice and information.

Further Reading: