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Ferrets require higher amounts of meat protein and fat than most other pets. Many ferret and cat diets use meals and grains to substitute for meat-based protein. Because a ferret's digestive system is much shorter than a cat's (A cat's digestion is approximately 5 hours where a ferret's is closer to 2 hours), his digestive system results in rapid food passage. If a diet is high in grain or other poorly digested and metabolized protein fillers, the ferret misses out on valuable nutrients that pass out of his body more quickly than they break down.
Ferrets that are fed on low or no-grain diets will normally eat less and receive more nutritional value than ferrets fed low quality high-grain diets. That actually makes higher quality ferret food more economical to say nothing of the clean-up. Ferrets fed high quality diets will excrete less, making clean up much easier. (You will notice the stools will be smaller, dryer, darker, and less smelly). Some ferrets smell worse if eating low quality fats such as beef tallow or when eating fish oils. Experiment with different diets to find the one best for your ferret and you.
Many ferrets are subject to hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) problems that cause them to go into a spacey, uncoordinated or unconsciousness state. Several causes have been identified, but poor nutrition is one of them. Because his digestive tract is so short, ferrets need food available at all times to "nibble" continuously. If left without food for too long, he has no way to get the nutrients needed to sustain his mental and physical state.
Should your ferret exhibit an acute attack of hypoglycemia, immediately administer a small dose of corn syrup or sugar followed by a high protein, high fat snack to stabilize his system. Keep a high-calorie supplement on hand. (see Nutrical) Make an appointment with your veterinarian to determine his actual needs after the attack.
Mammals cannot digest raw minerals. ie: eating a nail will not provide utilizable iron for nutritional needs. Most diets do not process minerals in a substantially nutritional way. If you find a diet that uses Chelated Mineral Proteinates which are minerals that have been bonded to amino acids for increased availability to the animal.
Probiotics are added to help change the microbial flora in the color. This aids in digestion by increasing the concentration of helpful bacteria. Better digestion means that your pet eats less to get more; Less cost in food, less stool to clean up!
Natural preservatives, in the form of mixed Tocopherols (vitamin E-type compounds), Vitamin C, beta-Carotene and Rosemary, are common in many diets. They help preserve the fat to prevent oxidation and the resulting rancidity. Better yet, use a diet with only natural or no preservatives. It is better to purchase smaller amounts and keep in a cool place than to purchase in higher quantities and have to store the food.
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