Coconut oil is considered to be a superfood, but can you give your ferret coconut oil?
Many people consider coconut oil, especially the organic and virgin ones, to be a superfood. They say coconut oil can be great for health reasons. It makes the skin supple, improves digestion, and clears up most of the simple health problems. Coconut oil can lower cholesterol, cure skin problems, and helpful for those with Alzheimer’s. Beauty wise, coconut oil has become really helpful for skin and hair purposes. It helps in removing makeup and gives a glowing skin.
Being a healthy food supplement, many studies are already been done to test its effectiveness with animals. This is the reason why many pet owners are also using this essential oil for their furry friends.
Can I Give My Ferret Coconut Oil?
You can, but in moderation.
Ferrets are obligate carnivorous. This means that their diet requires them to eat meat and lots of protein. They can only digest meat, while others may either be passed through their feces.
Many ferret owners give their pets a quarter spoonful of VCO (virgin coconut oil) daily. This is to prevent hairballs and also acts as a laxative in case your ferret has constipation. This allows feces to be passed easily. Others give this in order to give their ferrets healthier and shinier fur.
Never give your ferret too much VCO. This can often lead to diarrhea. Other ferrets also experience other effects with such essential oils. Make sure that you keep an eye on your pet after giving him oils. They may have different reactions with new oil.
If you are giving VCO for the first time, make sure that they don’t have any reaction to it. It would be best to give it once every few weeks to prevent any alteration in his diet. Observe any possible changes in his disposition or the way he eats. If has any weird reaction, then it would be best to stop fiving him coconut oil. Don’t force your pet to take it if he doesn’t like it.
Other pet owners use VCO topically. They just apply the oil on the skin injuries and balding areas to help the fur grow back and to make it look healthier. Coconut oil can also be used as a moisturizer the have better coats.
Always be careful with what you’re feeding to your pet. Since ferrets are picky pets, there are certain foods that you cannot feed them. Partly this is also because of their diet. Always give them high-protein meat-based food. Make sure that you pick high-quality food pellet and ferret food. Read the labels and check the nutrients and ingredients. If you have time, you can also feed them natural food and prepare them yourself. You can start with cooked meat, like chicken, lamb, turkey, and others. Make sure that you don’t add flavors and salt when preparing them. These aren’t healthy for ferrets.
Remember that ferrets have a fast metabolism. They have to eat at least eight times a day. Ensure that you feed them every once in a while with meat and food pellets. Vary the food that you are giving them so they have all the nutrients they need in a day. This also makes sure that they are not bored with the food that they are eating. Lots of water is also important to their diet.
There are certain foods that must be avoided for ferret’s health. Never give your ferret fruits, nuts, vegetables, sweets, and processed food. Although your pet may enjoy these foods, these may pose a health risk. Even if you are giving them as fun and new treats, these are not healthy and do not provide your ferret with any nutrients at all. Fruits and vegetables, for one, can cause intestinal blockage which can harm your pet. Chocolate and other sweets can cause heart attack if your ferret ate a lot of them.
You need to be a responsible owner and control your ferret in nibbling every treat. Although they will eat most, if not all, of the food that you give them, ensure that they are only consuming healthy food. Make sure that you research and know what kind of meals and dishes are appropriate for your fuzzy pet. Keeping your ferret in a good shape is your responsibility. Of course, you want your pet to be with you for a longer time. Play with him always and keep him happy. It’s not just what food you give your ferret, but also the quality time you give him that makes you a good pet owner.