About feeding a ferret
Ferrets are obligate carnivores with an extremely short, fast gut — food passes through in three to four hours, so they eat little and often around the clock. They cannot digest plant matter and must never be fed dog food or fruit-heavy treats.
How much should a ferret eat?
Calorie needs use the veterinary formula 70 × weight(kg)0.75 (the Resting Energy Requirement), multiplied by a lifestyle factor of ×1.8 for a typical ferret at the life stage shown. Enter your own animal's details in the calculator for an exact figure.
| Body weight | Daily calories | High-quality ferret kibble (Zupreem, Marshall's) ~3,500 kcal/kg |
|---|---|---|
| 600 g | 86 kcal | 25 g |
| 800 g | 107 kcal | 30 g |
| 1 kg | 126 kcal | 36 g |
| 1.2 kg | 144 kcal | 41 g |
| 1.4 kg | 162 kcal | 46 g |
| 1.6 kg | 179 kcal | 51 g |
| 1.8 kg | 196 kcal | 56 g |
| 2 kg | 212 kcal | 61 g |
What to feed
Ferrets need a high-protein, high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet: a quality ferret or high-meat kitten kibble, whole prey, or a properly-formulated raw diet. Protein should be 32-40% and largely animal-based; carbohydrates and plant fibre should be minimal.
How often to feed
Because their transit time is so short, ferrets graze — they should have food available almost constantly, or be fed many small meals. A ferret that skips food for a day needs veterinary attention.
Common feeding mistakes
- Feeding dog food, which is too high in carbohydrate and plant protein for an obligate carnivore.
- Sugary treats (raisins, fruit), which can contribute to insulinoma, a common ferret cancer.
- Low-quality kibble with grain or vegetable fillers.
- Letting a ferret go without food for extended periods.
Weight & health
Insulinoma (pancreatic tumours causing low blood sugar) is very common in ferrets and is aggravated by high-carb diets and sugary treats. A meat-based, low-sugar diet is genuinely protective.
Frequently asked questions
What should I feed my ferret?
A high-protein, high-fat, low-carb diet: premium ferret kibble, high-meat kitten kibble, whole prey, or a balanced raw diet. Protein should be mostly animal-based at 32-40%.
How often do ferrets need to eat?
Almost constantly. Ferrets have a very fast metabolism and short gut, so they graze on small amounts through the day and night. Always keep food available.
Can ferrets eat cat or dog food?
High-quality kitten food can work in a pinch, but dog food should never be fed — it's too high in carbohydrate and plant protein for an obligate carnivore. Ferret-specific food is best.
Why are sugary treats bad for ferrets?
Sugar spikes contribute to insulinoma, a common ferret pancreatic tumour. Skip raisins, fruit and sweet treats; offer meat-based treats instead.