In a pinch, feed ferrets cooked chicken, beef, salmon, rice, eggs, bananas, and sweet potatoes. Avoid dairy, raisins, chocolate, raw meat, bones, and seeds.
So you've realized your ferret’s normal food is running low, their next mealtime is approaching, and you won't be able to get to the pet store for a bag of their regular chow.
What do you feed them in the meantime so their cute little tummies don't go empty? Have no fear, concerned ferret owner.
This situation can happen to any of us, but luckily ferrets can safely eat a variety of human foods.
Here’s a guide on nutritious improvised meals while you wait to restock your fuzzy buddy’s kibbles and treats also can ferrets eat cat food? Let's see.
Stock Up Just in Case
Before an emergency strikes and your ferret food stock runs perilously low, assemble a backup stash of suitable substitutes on hand just in case.
That way if you suddenly can’t make it to the pet store for a day or two, you’ll be prepared to feed nutritious emergency ferret meals with ingredients easily on hand at home.
Here’s a quick grocery list of wallet-friendly items with long shelf lives to have waiting in your pantry:
Canned salmon or tuna packed in water
Cooked chicken, beef, eggs
Baby food with meat or vegetables
Plain Cheerios or grape nuts cereal
Rice, sweet potatoes
Bananas, blueberries Rotate out anything past expiration dates to keep the emergency stash fresh. Now when your ferret’s kibble unexpectedly runs out, you’ll already have backup meal ingredients ready to prepare safe, temporary nourishment.
Read the Ingredient List
When choosing packaged human foods like cereal or baby food for emergency ferret meals, always read the full ingredient list on labels before purchasing.
Make sure prepared or processed items don’t contain:
Onions/garlic
Raisins/grapes
Chocolate
Xylitol sweetener
Seeds or nuts
These ingredients, even in small amounts, can be toxic or fatal to ferrets. Stick solely to plain, single-ingredient items free of additives when preparing makeshift meals.
Thoroughly check labels for red flags before selecting any pre-made human foods for your ferret.
Safe Proteins
When your ferret’s regular kibble runs out, the key is replacing the protein in their diet.
The main component of commercial ferret food is animal-based protein like chicken, lamb, or salmon. Without sufficient protein from meat, ferrets can develop severe health issues.
Luckily you likely have suitable meat substitutes for emergency ferret meals already in your kitchen or with a quick grocery run.
Never feed ferrets raw meat due to bacteria risks. Safely cooked protein sources include:
Skinless chicken or turkey
Lean beef
Salmon, tuna
Eggs
Dice cooked meats into bite-sized pieces. Mash hardboiled eggs into a paste for easier eating. Plain meat baby foods also work well for ferrets.
Canned salmon or tuna packed in water provides essential oils. Offer several small meals rather than one large serving.
Perfect Produce
To supplement emergency protein while ferret kibble is unavailable, also incorporate fruits and vegetables into balanced meals. Some products to try include:
Cooked sweet potatoes
Bananas, blueberries
Peas, carrots
Applesauce
Fruits offer vital nutrients and carbohydrates. Veggies like sweet potatoes give much-needed fiber.
Avoid lettuce/greens as ferrets can’t digest them. Dice, mash, or purée veggies/fruits for easy eating. Limit sugary produce like bananas or apply as treats only.
Fabulous Fillers
For essential vitamins, while emergency ferret food shopping awaits, mix in modest amounts of:
Cooked white rice
Plain Cheerios
Baby cereal
Rice gives calories for energy. Low-sugar cereals offer trace nutrients. Look for easily chewed varieties. Use more as mix-ins rather than main dishes. These starchy sides supplement nutrition but shouldn’t completely replace meat proteins.
Say No to Dairy
It may seem appealing to feed a protein-rich food you commonly have on hand, but never feed ferrets any dairy products like:
Milk
Cheese
Yogurt
Ice cream
Ferrets lack the digestive enzymes needed to process lactose. Consuming dairy leads to intestinal issues or even proves fatal.
No matter how convenient or protein-packed, strictly avoid all milk-based options for ferrets. Healthy animals shouldn’t ingest any dairy.
Provide Plenty of Water
While substituting regular kibble with temporary homemade meals, also remember ferrets need unlimited access to clean drinking water at all times.
Especially when feeding produce like fruits containing natural sugars, freshen water bowls frequently.
Proper hydration aids food digestion and waste elimination. Don’t neglect this necessity when whipping up homemade grub.
Transit Back to Kibble
Once you’ve restocked your furry buddy’s standard kibble supply, gradually reintroduce their regular food over several days.
Sudden diet changes upset sensitive ferret digestive systems. Mix a little more commercial kibble and less emergency food at each meal until fully transitioned back.
Watch for any gastro issues like diarrhea or lethargy. Consulting an exotic veterinarian provides peace of mind when home-cooking.
Comments