Can I give My Ferret an Apple?
Apple is a popular and common fruit with many uses. It is also known to be one of the most nutritious fruits on the planet. In fact, there have been a lot of studies that proved its value in maintaining a healthy body.
Apples are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and nutrients, that’s why they have preventive and curative properties. They also contain anti-oxidants like Vitamins C and E, which help boost immunity, slow aging and fight chronic illnesses. Vitamin B is likewise present. Apples are also proven to have more phosphorous and iron compared with other fruits and vegetables.
Can I Give My Ferret Apples? It is NOT recommended.
While having an apple a day keeps the doctors away for humans, it is not applicable for ferrets. Apples can cause harm to your pet. Apples contain fiber. And fiber content slows up the digestive process. Therefore, apples are digested slower than other types of food having the same sugar content. On the other hand, ferrets are known to be obligate carnivores and they lack the organ and enzyme that can digest fiber.
Raw hard fruits like apples can harm you beloved pet as it can cause intestinal blockages. Never let your ferret eat seeds and nuts, because they simply lack the ability to digest them.
It is not recommended to let your ferret eat too many vegetables as well. Since they have a very short and narrow digestive tract, vegetable protein cannot be digested properly. A small piece of undigested apple peel could cause a bowel obstruction. This condition should never be underestimated as it can endanger the life of your pet.
Because ferrets are carnivores in nature they do not need fruit, vegetables and grains in their diet. The best diet for them would be a whole prey animal, bones and all.
It is also important to understand that there is a high occurrence of diabetes in ferrets these days. And apples, just like any other common fruit, do contain sugar in the form of fructose. Too much sugar can severely damage your pet’s pancreas. So stay away from fruits with high sugar levels such as grapes, mangoes and bananas. Any ferret owner should avoid feeding their pets with high sugar foods. Meat-based diets are still the best. Ferrets survive better when fed with low fiber and high protein diet.
When it comes to food, ferrets are one of the most delicate pets to have. Because they have such unique biological structure and special nutritional requirements, they need to be fed specialized diet designed just for them. When buying food for your ferret, make sure it contains 35 percent protein, 20 percent fat and only two percent fiber.
For baby ferrets the food should likewise be in high protein and fat content. The suggested protein for baby ferrets is between 30 and 40 percent, while fat content must be around 20 percent. Giving proper attention to a baby ferret’s nutrition may lead to malnourishment, and lack of energy and vibrancy.
Although some high quality cat food can be given to baby ferrets, it should not be your first option. Look for foods that are naturally healthy. Some of the greatest sources of nutrition for your pet include cooked eggs, chicken liver, kidneys etc.
Treats can be given to your ferret but it is important to understand that treat and snacks must be given in moderation and occasionally. Giving your pet too much treats or snacks could lead to bad eating habits. Also, never feed you pert with unsuitable treats such as sugary foods. Fruits can be given but only in small amounts. Cooked meats and hard boiled eggs are naturally good homemade treats.
Lastly, but equally important as well, always give your pet fresh water 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Ensure easy access to fresh water. Proper nutrition for your pet also requires plenty of water to prevent diseases such as kidney stones.
Without proper knowledge on what and what not to give you ferret, you can be sure that his health would be at risk in no time. Ferrets often suffer from health related problems such as malnutrition, intestinal blockage and even tooth decay.
Remember that in order to know what kind of food to give your pet, you must first understand his physiological make up and how his digestive system works. It may be a challenge at first but it is definitely rewarding. A well balanced ferret diet is critical to ensure a happy and healthy pet.
Photo credits go to Peas and Crayons.