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Post by Dezi on Dec 31, 2019 23:25:00 GMT -5
So I hadn't been feeding bone in meat until recently. The foster ferret were very much used to it it took my Rikki a minute but now he is all about it and seems much healthier. The vet did not approve and suggested a get a meat grinder. Have any of you had any trouble feeding whole bone? I'm worried that pregrinding doesn't give the ferrets a chance to self regulate. I've noticed Rikki either gobbles up or ignores certain organ meats for example depending on if he needs it. Any thoughts?
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cockneyferret
Adolescent Member
Raw and Whole Prey Feeder
Posts: 253
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Post by cockneyferret on Jan 1, 2020 5:01:00 GMT -5
Ferrets are obligate carnivores and need to consume bone. Ferrets can't process fibre like humans so they need bone like we need fibre. They have a short but efficient digestive tract which breaks down bone very quickly, so they can get all they need from it. Bones also help to keep their teeth clean by the scratching action they have on plaque deposits.
It's not uncommon to have vets that disapprove of feeding raw. This could be lack of specific knowledge of raw diets, they might be somewhat sponsored by feed companies, they may simply look at kibble as the "balanced diet" that the manufacturers will have you believe, or look at kibble as easy to feed, and you can't easily mess it up.
Feeding any raw diet is harder than simply pouring out a measured dose of kibble, but I believe we take on the obligation to feed any animal we take on correctly. You wouldn't give a parrot dog food!
You do need to exercise caution when feeding whole bones, especially in young ferrets or ferrets that are transitioning to raw. They can often get over excited and literally bite off too much to handle. I had to stop giving ours lamb ribs when they were younger as they'd just try to swallow them, but now they smash them up easily.
So, yes, bones are crucial for a healthy raw diet.
Personally I have a very understanding vet, she told me that out of all the ferrets she see's regularly our two have the best skin, teeth and coats of any of them. She does not advocate raw feeding but has freely admitted that with a little planning and knowledge it clearly and undeniably works! I got all this planning and knowledge from this forum.
Cheers
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Post by Sherry on Jan 1, 2020 10:22:18 GMT -5
I'm with cockneyferret in the only times I've noticed any issues are too young/hungry, or just in the process of transitioning.
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Post by Dezi on Jan 1, 2020 13:03:04 GMT -5
Thanks for that. I have noticed Rikkis fur is looking better already and he seems much calmer. I'm glad I accidentally bought that bone on meat or else I wouldn't have revisited this issue.
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Post by Thérèse on Jan 3, 2020 9:11:43 GMT -5
Just a quick heads up for anyone referencing this thread for info. Raw bones are very safe for ferrets but never give cooked bones because that is dangerous as they can splinter.
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