|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2016 12:07:09 GMT -5
Hello!
I was here some time ago but due to unstable housing situation had to rehome my wonderful babies. I'm in a stable situation now and have missed my boys so much that I've decided to get another ferret. I don't have one yet, I'm waiting until I have a vet fund set aside.
I would like to feed her raw, but if for some reason I cannot then I wanted to ask if dry kibble (orijen is my choice) or a wet canned food (such as wellness or other quality foods) is healthier for a ferret? I know wet is better for cats, and I know ferrets can be prone to dehydration, so I wanted to ask since I know you all are very wise on the matter.
Thank you!
|
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Dec 19, 2016 17:14:11 GMT -5
A species appropriate raw diet is the best food and the best way to prevent adrenal
ciao
|
|
Lily
Junior Member
Posts: 172 
|
Post by Lily on Dec 19, 2016 17:26:36 GMT -5
I strongly recommend feeding raw due to the numerous health benefits, which I assume you're already aware of.  Another prevention for adrenal disease is fixing at appropriate, matured ages. Orijen is good for kibble standards, but of course isn't better than raw. I don't recommend feeding canned food to ferrets as the primary diet, because it can cause a lot of tar build up and it's mostly just water. You shouldn't have an issue with dehydration if you have a healthy ferret. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2016 19:41:01 GMT -5
As I said I do plan to switch her to raw, but in the case that it's not possible I'll go with Orijen cat and kitten, then!
I known an appropriate raw diet is the best, I just need to find a freezer for sale, haha!
|
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Dec 20, 2016 10:02:24 GMT -5
Freeze dried raw is another option. You feed it rehydrate twice a day and leave a bit of dry to nibble on during the day.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2016 8:03:15 GMT -5
That's true for sure! I've been looking into freeze dried as well.
My original concern I suppose is that I know wet diets are better for cats than dry, which has to do with dental health and hydration. I was wondering if it is similar for ferrets.
I know any ferret not eating edible bone needs weekly tooth brushing anyways.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Dec 24, 2016 11:14:32 GMT -5
Wet diets are better for any carnivore. They are, after all, meant to get the vast majority of their fluid intake from their food. This goes for cats, dogs, and ferrets.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2016 18:04:19 GMT -5
So as far as dental health goes should the weekly brushing cover that just fine?
I've also been told that quality wet diets are easier on the digestive tract but I am not sure how true this is.
I figure I may have an easier time switching a kit to raw, anyways, if I move her to wet first.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Dec 25, 2016 11:57:13 GMT -5
If you can brush more than weekly that would be better.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 25, 2016 11:59:36 GMT -5
Oh yes, I definitely can. How often would be ideal?
Thank you!
|
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Dec 25, 2016 12:03:50 GMT -5
2-3 times a week |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 25, 2016 16:58:21 GMT -5
Awesome, thank you!
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday will work great. The boys I used to have loved having their teeth brushed, hopefully the next kit I get will be the same about it.
I think my plan so far is to go with a high-quality (pea free!) wet cat food and then from there transition to raw once I have the freezer space available.
|
|
