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5 Effects of Poor Diet in Ferrets

By Jake Willhoite · · Updated

effects of poor diet in ferrets
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Ferrets are carnivores with a short digestive tract, so they need a diet built around animal protein. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends commercial ferret food that is high in protein, moderate in fat and low in carbohydrates.

Ferrets typically live 6 to 10 years, but a poor diet can cause health problems that shorten that time. Below are some of the most common effects of poor diet in ferrets.

Sudden Weight Loss

A ferret that isn't getting the nutrition it needs will lose weight. Ferrets are very active and have a high metabolism, so they need to eat often.

Merck notes that food and fresh water should be available at all times. Weight loss can also signal illness, so have a vet check any ferret that is getting thinner.

Smelly Ferret

Ferrets have a natural musky smell. A diet that doesn't suit them can upset digestion, which often shows up as changes in their droppings and a stronger odor.

Watch the litter box. Diarrhea or tarry black stool can be a sign of an intestinal blockage. Green, watery or slimy diarrhea is a classic sign of epizootic catarrhal enteritis, a contagious intestinal infection.

Both need a vet's attention right away. Once your ferret is well, review its diet with your vet.

Insulinoma

Insulinoma is a common tumor of the pancreas in ferrets. It makes too much insulin, which causes the blood sugar to drop. Read more about developing Insulinoma in ferrets.

Merck lists weight loss, weakness, dragging of the hind legs and, in some cases, seizures as signs. If you see these, have your ferret examined right away.

Merck advises against sugary foods such as honey, raisins and fruit, and other high-carbohydrate treats. These make the pancreas release insulin and may worsen the signs of insulinoma.

Skip sweets and fruit as training rewards. Better treats include small pieces of cooked meat, egg or freeze-dried meat, kept to no more than about 5% of daily calories.

Unwilling to Interact

Healthy ferrets are curious and playful, and most love interacting with people. A ferret that becomes quiet, lethargic or withdrawn may be sick.

Poor nutrition is one possible cause, but many illnesses look the same. Take a ferret that suddenly loses interest in play to a vet, and keep it on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate ferret diet.

Intestinal Blockage

Ferrets have small intestines, and blockages are a real risk. Most are caused by swallowed objects, not by meat.

Ferrets love to chew rubber, foam, sponge and soft plastic, and pieces can get stuck in the gut. Keep these items out of reach and choose sturdy toys.

Signs of a blockage include loss of appetite, teeth grinding, drooling, belly pain, diarrhea and tarry black stool. A blockage is an emergency, so get your ferret to a vet right away.

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