The key to feeding treats to ferrets is in moderation, as fruits, vegetables and grains are not digestible. Treats should be an addition to an already healthy diet, not a primary source of food. Snacks should always be reduced to ferret size. Cut or tear them into bites that a ferret can chew and swallow easily. Their human needs to take the lead on this because most fuzzies will try to run off with a whole chicken.
Although they are considered obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet of meat in order to survive, most ferrets also enjoy a treat of certain fruits or vegetables and even grains. Feeding dairy products to ferrets is not a good idea. Many are lactose intolerant and what goes in quickly comes back out.
Meat Lovers
The staple of any ferret’s diet should be meat-based protein. Therefore, treats that are comprised of meat are a top choice as well. Whether to serve the snacks raw or cooked is all up to preference on both the part of the pet and the pet parent. Some ferrets have lost touch with their killer nature and will snub uncooked meat while others will dive right in.
Chicken and other poultry products are a favorite on the menu, as is egg yolk. Many ferrets also enjoy a bite of beef or a bit of ham. Pork products can be processed with lots of sodium so keep an eye on the content before giving any to a ferret.
Going Bananas
Most pet ferrets also enjoy a vegetarian snack. Bananas are a favorite treat but a slice or two is plenty. Cut off two half inch slices of banana and then quarter each slice.
Other fruits and veggies that seem to attract ferrets include mushrooms, bits of sweet red pepper, apples, peaches and pears.
Peanut Butter
Ferrets love just about anything containing or flavored with peanut butter. Sweets like peanut butter cookies should be avoided. However, the sticky stuff itself is packed with protein and healthy fats. A little dab of the smooth variety on a spoon, a piece of fruit or even the critter’s nose will keep a ferret licking his sticky chops for awhile.
Breakfast Cereals
While they offer little nutritional value to a ferret, breakfast cereals are another favorite snack for ferrets. The fuzzies enjoy the crunch factor. Feed them in moderation and avoid any super sweet varieties or those with additions like marshmallows.
Raisins and Grapes
A debate continues to be held about whether or not to feed raisins and grapes to ferrets, who love the sugary sweet treats. Some argue that they are perfectly fine to give to fuzzies in moderation but others allege raisins and grapes could be harmful to the animal’s kidneys. Anyone who chooses to give raisins and grapes to ferrets should do so in moderation. As an alternative commercial treats that are raisin flavored abound in the ferret aisle at the pet stores.
Foods to Avoid
Ferrets should never be allowed to eat raw potatoes, onions, tomato skins or eggplant because of potential toxins. Chocolate and other sweets should be avoided as should dairy products, even though some ferrets will dive right into a bowl of ice cream.
Where the Treats Go
Ferret owners should not be surprised to find that their fuzzies are not actually eating all of the treats that they snatch and hurry off with. Many of those precious treasures will end up stowed away for future consumption under a bed or sofa, in a closet corner or possibly even in their owner’s underwear drawer.
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