Can Ferrets Eat Cat Food: Best 5 Ferret Cat Foods

Whether or not can ferrets eat cat food is a question that ferret owners have debated for years. 

Some say that it’s okay to give a small amount of cat food to ferrets as a treat, while others believe that it can be dangerous to their health.

Ferrets are carnivores, and their natural diet consists of small prey animals such as rodents, birds, and rabbits. 

While cat food is not the best diet for ferrets, it can be used to supplement their regular food. 

Ferrets that only eat cat food may develop health problems, so it’s important to mix in some other foods too. 

This blog post will discuss what foods are good for ferrets and how much cat food they can safely eat.

Can Ferrets Eat Cat Food?

You might be wondering if your ferret can eat cat food. The answer is yes, but only in small amounts, and it should not make up the majority of their diet. 

Ferrets need to get a balanced mix of protein and carbohydrates for their body to function properly. Remember that ferrets are carnivores, so they need meat! 

They can also eat some vegetables, fruit, and kibble (dry cat food). You don’t want them to eat too much of is dry cereal or table scraps like chicken bones or chocolate cake because these things aren’t good for them.

How Much Cat Food Can Ferrets Eat?

Now that ferrets can eat cat food, the next question is how much is okay?

Again, it’s best to give them a variety of foods and not just rely on cat food. But if you must give them some, start with a very small amount and make sure they’ve eaten some other foods first.

The general rule is that ferrets eat one meal every day, and the meal should be no more than 10% of their daily food intake (about 30g for a 1kg ferret). It should only be about 30 – 50g maximum if you give them cat food. 

What Types Of Cat Food Are Good For Ferrets?

The best type of cat food for your ferret isn’t fish-based because fish contains a lot of water and protein compared to other meats. This means it makes them drink more, which can upset their stomachs.

Another thing to keep in mind with the ingredients in cat food is that they shouldn’t contain any onion or garlic powder. Onions can make your ferret sick and even kill them, so it’s best to avoid foods with these ingredients.

Some good cat food brands for ferrets are Mother Hubbard’s, Meow Mix, and 9 Lives. These are all pretty cheap too, which you can’t usually say about top-quality ferret food.

Remember, treat your ferret with cat food only in very small amounts and make sure they receive a balanced diet from other sources.

Ferrets can eat some types of cat food, but not all of them, so it’s best to use caution. Ensure they’re getting a good variety of foods and not just cat food.

A Ferret’s Nutritional Needs: What to Feed Your Ferret

Your ferret’s nutritional needs are quite specific, as they are obligate carnivores. This means that their bodies have evolved specifically to require a high-in animal protein diet. This means they prey on small mammals, reptiles, and birds in the wild.

While cat food can be a part of your ferret’s diet, it should not make up the majority of their intake. Kibble or dry cat food is okay in small doses, but mix in some other protein sources as well, such as:

• Rodents (mice, rats, hamsters)
• Poultry (chicken, turkey)
• Pork
• Beef

These foods should be raw or thoroughly cooked. Canned cat food is not recommended, as it contains high amounts of carbohydrate fillers.

Ferrets are obligate carnivores; they need meat to survive and can’t process large amounts of carbohydrates.

The Best Cat Food for Ferrets: How Much is Too Much?

Many ferret owners wonder if they can feed their ferrets cat food. The answer is yes, but it must be done in moderation and not replace a nutritionally balanced diet.

Ferrets require a high protein diet, so most cat foods don’t work well since they have a high carbohydrate content.

The general rule is that ferrets eat one meal per day, and the meal should not exceed 10% of their daily caloric intake.

This would be about 30 grams for a 1-kilogram ferret. If you choose to give your ferret cat food, keep the serving size between 30 and 50 grams.

Top 5 Ferret Cat Foods That You Can Feed Your Ferret

1. Drs. Foster & Smith Signature Series Ferret Food

This is a high-quality cat food containing chicken meal, which is one of the best animal protein sources for your ferret.

This formula contains high-quality carbohydrate sources, including brown rice and pearled barley. It has no corn, wheat, or soy which are common allergens for ferrets.

2. Orijen Six Fish

This cat food is made with fresh fish, which is a good source of protein for your ferret. It also contains a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide important vitamins and minerals. The kibble is small and easy for ferrets to chew.

3 Mother Hubbard’s Organic Cat Food

This is another high-quality cat food containing chicken meal, brown rice, and dried chicory root. The kibble is small and easy to chew.

This formula also has no corn, wheat, or soy which are common allergens for ferrets. Your ferret will get the essential vitamins and minerals they need with this food.

4. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food

This food contains high-quality ingredients such as whitefish, chicken meal, and salmon meal which provide a variety of proteins.

The kibble is small and easy to chew for your ferret. This formula also has no corn, wheat, or soy which are common allergens for ferrets. It also contains a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide important vitamins and minerals.

5. Weruva Caloric Harmony Venison & Brown Rice Meal

This cat food is made with venison as the only meat source, which is a good source of protein for your ferret. The kibble has a unique texture that makes it easy for ferrets to chew. This formula also contains brown rice as a healthy carbohydrate source.

The kibble is small and easy to chew for your ferret. Your ferret will get the essential vitamins and minerals they need with this food.

Can Cat Food Kill Ferrets?

No, cat food will not kill your ferret. However, it is important to remember that ferrets require a high protein diet, so most cat foods don’t work well since they have a high carbohydrate content.

What Can I Feed My Ferret If I Run Out Of Food?

If you run out of ferret food, there are a couple of things that you can feed your ferret. You can give them scrambled eggs or cooked chicken breast.

These will not provide all of the nutrients they need, so it is best to only do this in an emergency and for no more than a day or two.

Can Ferrets Eat Fish Cat Food?

There is a variety of cat food containing fish as the main protein source. Ferrets can eat certain types of fish, but it is important not to give your ferret oily fishes such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel since they can be toxic.

Can Ferrets Eat Cat Food With Grains?

Ferrets do not need any grains in their diet. These can be harmful to your ferret and cause obesity and diabetes.

Can Ferrets Eat Cat Food With Peas?

Some cat food contains peas as a carbohydrate source. Although pea protein is considered high quality, too many carbohydrates are bad for your ferret and can cause obesity and diabetes.

Can Ferrets Eat Wet Cat Food?

Ferrets can eat wet cat food, but the food mustn’t contain guar gum or carrageenan. These ingredients make wet cat foods moist and extend shelf life. However, they are dangerous for ferrets.

Can Ferrets Eat Dry Cat Food?

You should never feed your ferret dry cat food. Dry food contains many carbohydrates, which can be harmful to your ferret.

Can Ferrets Eat Poultry Cat Food?

Ferrets can eat poultry cat food as long as it doesn’t contain high-fat ingredients such as by-products, soy, corn, and grains. These ingredients are not good for your ferret.

Can Ferrets Eat Lamb Cat Food?

Yes, ferrets can eat lamb cat food if it doesn’t contain high-fat ingredients such as by-products, soy, corn, and grains. These ingredients are not good for your ferret.

Can Ferrets Eat Salmon Cat Food?

Ferrets cannot eat salmon cat food because it contains high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are toxic.

Can Ferrets Eat Cat Food With Tuna?

Ferrets cannot eat cat food with tuna because it contains high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are toxic.

The Bottom Line

Ferrets are carnivorous and should eat meat, not cat food. They can be fed a boiled or raw chicken diet with vegetables and dried fruits that they will enjoy.

Cat food can be used as a treat but should never make up the majority of your ferret’s diet. If you have any more questions about what ferrets can or can’t eat, feel free to comment below.