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10 Best Ferret Foods in 2023 (Veterinary Technician-Reviewed)

Ferrets that are kept as pets require just as much care and attention as any other house pet (sometimes even more!) Whether you're a new ferret parent or just browsing for new dried food to feed your furry friend, we've got you covered.

We've scoured the Internet for the best and most nutritious dried ferret food on the market to date and came up with a top 10 list. Wysong's Ferret Epigen 90 took first place because of its high meat ratio and strictly starch-free ingredients. Take a look at nine other great options, and read until the end for our buying guide, which was checked by a veterinary technician and is full of helpful shopping tips!

Last updated 06/15/2023
Cheyenne Williams
Expert
Shiney Day Specialized Pet Care
Cheyenne Williams

Cheyenne Williams is a Certified Veterinary Assistant, currently enrolled in college for veterinary technology, working in vet hospitals since she was 16. She is also the owner of Shiney Day Specialized Pet Care in Sarasota, Florida, founded in 2015. Cheyenne has worked with professionals from pet sitters and groomers to veterinary specialists in a hospital setting.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Ferret Food - Buying Guide

Buying ferret food that meets your pet's nutritional needs should be simple, but that's not always the case. We're here to help you with this handy buying guide that will show you what food is best for your furry friend. 

① Go for a Diet High in Protein and Fat

Go for a Diet High in Protein and Fat

Ferrets are strict carnivores, much like cats, and require a solely meat-based diet. These animals have a very high metabolism and sometimes eat up to 10 small meals in a day! Because of this, they must get a lot of energy from their diet to grow and survive.

Any ferret that is weaned after two months is already considered an adult. Baby and adult ferrets consume the same diet high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates and fiber. 


Protein should consist of around 30 to 40 percent of the diet, while fat should be approximately 15 to 20 percent. Fiber, on the other hand, should only be about three percent of their diet. 


When analyzing the ingredients of processed dry foods, the foods listed at the top are generally the ones with the highest content.


Whenever possible, go for protein sources that are not labeled as meat by-products. These by-products are the leftover meat and poultry that don’t make it into human food; they are difficult to digest and not a good source of protein. 


Instead, go for dried pellets that list chicken and other high protein meat as their main ingredient. Look for ingredients such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that are typically found in poultry fat; these fats are beneficial for your ferret. Taurine, an amino acid that strengthens your ferret's heart and eyes, is another ingredient to look for. 

Cheyenne Williams
Shiney Day Specialized Pet Care Cheyenne Williams

Ferrets require a diet that is very high in protein and fat, and low in carbohydrates and fiber. The best way to provide your ferret with the nutrients they need is to feed them a commercially prepared ferret food. These foods are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of ferrets, and will help keep them healthy and happy.

② Make Sure the Food Is Easily Digestible

Make Sure the Food Is Easily Digestible

When buying ferret food, always go for one advertised as easily digestible. Tied to a ferret’s high metabolism is their unique digestive system, which replenishes their energy in a span of three to four hours! This means that if the food they consume can not easily be digested, they might lose out on needed nutrients.

Go for slow-cooked commercial foods rather than over-processed ones. Slow-cooked food ensures good nutrient absorption for your furry friend, while over-processed food could lead to dental disease, kidney stones, and other health issues. 

Cheyenne Williams
Shiney Day Specialized Pet Care Cheyenne Williams

When it comes to what you should avoid feeding your ferret, steer clear of foods with artificial preservatives and sweeteners. These can cause digestive problems and might even be toxic to your ferret. It’s also best to stay away from dog and cat food, as these do not have the right nutrients that a ferret needs to stay healthy.

③ Avoid Plant-Based and High-Carbohydrate Foods

Avoid Plant-Based and High-Carbohydrate Foods

Because ferrets are strict carnivores, they cannot properly digest carbohydrates and plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, and grains. In addition, steer away from dairy products and foods high in sugar.

A ferret’s digestive tract lacks the bacteria-producing cecum that breaks down complex carbohydrates. If a ferret consumes a high carbohydrate diet, it leads to disease and poor growth.


So, even though ferrets love sweet fruity tastes, keep these off their dinner plate for their own good.

Cheyenne Williams
Shiney Day Specialized Pet Care Cheyenne Williams

Additionally, avoid feeding your ferret foods with high sugar content. While they might enjoy the sweetness, too much sugar can lead to obesity and other health problems down the road. Instead, opt for foods that are high in protein and low in fat.


The same goes for dairy products. Ferrets are unable to properly digest lactose, the main sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance in ferrets can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. When in doubt, always consult with your veterinarian to find out what type of food is best for your ferret’s specific dietary needs.

④ Give Your Ferret Occasional Treats

Give Your Ferret Occasional Treats

Apart from vitamin supplements that boost the immune system of a ferret, you can also give them occasional treats. Ferrets love treats and they make good training aids.

Some treats you can give your ferret are hard-boiled or scrambled eggs, bits of cooked meat like turkey or lamb, cat treats, or even freeze-dried liver treats.


Giving eggs as treats should be limited to once or twice a week; too much of this treat could lead to constipation. Always remember to give treats in small quantities

Cheyenne Williams
Shiney Day Specialized Pet Care Cheyenne Williams

Just like with anything else, too much of a good thing can be bad. Treats should only be given in moderation and as part of a well-balanced diet. When giving your ferret treats, always keep an eye on their weight to make sure they are not becoming overweight. Obesity is a serious health concern for ferrets and can lead to many problems including diabetes.

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10 Best Ferret Foods

Here are the best ferret foods we've found on the market. We made sure to pick a wide variety of products to meet your furry friend's needs!
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Wysong

Ferret Epigen 90

Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 1枚目

Meat-Based Dried Pellets With No Starch

2

Wysong

Ferret Archetype

Wysong Ferret Archetype 1枚目

Chicken Formula Cooked at a Low Heat

3

ZuPreem

Ferret Diet

ZuPreem Ferret Diet 1枚目

Easy-to-Digest Pellets for Ferrets

4

Marshall

Premium Ferret Diet

Marshall Premium Ferret Diet 1枚目

Food for a Diet Rich in Fatty Acids

5

Wysong

Epigen Canned Diets

Wysong Epigen Canned Diets 1枚目

Add High-Quality Wet Food to Your Ferret's Meals

6

Kaytee

Forti Diet Pro Health Ferret Food

Kaytee Forti Diet Pro Health Ferret Food 1枚目

Crunchy Pellets in a Variety of Shapes

7

Higgins

Intune Ferret Food

Higgins Intune Ferret Food 1枚目

Grain-Free Ferret Food Containing Alaska Pollock

8

Marshall

Premium Ferret Diet

Marshall Premium Ferret Diet 1枚目

Canned Ferret Food in Chicken Flavor

9

Marshall

Bandits Premium Ferret Treats

Marshall  Bandits Premium Ferret Treats 1枚目

Ferret Treats in 5 Different Flavors

10

Marshall Pet Products

Uncle Jim's Original Duk Soup Mix

Marshall Pet Products Uncle Jim's Original Duk Soup Mix 1枚目

Food Supplement Great for Picky Eaters

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No.1

WysongFerret Epigen 90

Ferret Epigen 90 Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Ferret Epigen 90 Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$21.87

Meat-Based Dried Pellets With No Starch

Wysong's ferret food is well-known for its high-quality meat content. Protein amounts to around 60 percent of all ingredients. It also has a healthy amount of fat and other essential nutrients. The number one selling factor of this ferret food is its no-starch filler ingredients; your ferret will only consume food beneficial to them. 


When introducing your ferret to this food, reviewers recommend following the recommended dosage to avoid diarrhea due to the high protein. Meanwhile, satisfied buyers loved how this food improved their furry babies' coats, making them shinier and softer! Buyers also said that their ferrets smelled better after using this food. 

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No.2

Chicken Formula Cooked at a Low Heat

If you're looking for ferret food rich in meat and cooked over low heat, try Wysong's Ferret Archetype. This meat-based diet strictly has no starch and contains vitamins, probiotics, and an array of minerals and nutrients. This one is made primarily of chicken meat, but you can also purchase the product in a quail or a rabbit formula. 


Some reviewers found the formula a bit too dry and full of crumbs, making it hard for ferrets to eat. Still, most buyers liked how healthy and easy this formula was to feed their furry friends. Even picky ferrets ate this food. Pet owners also said that their ferret's coats became glossier and thicker.

No.3

ZuPreemFerret Diet

Easy-to-Digest Pellets for Ferrets

Introduce your ferret to this dried food containing real chicken and egg protein; it does not contain any meat by-products. Protein makes up 40 percent of all the ingredients, while fat makes up 20 percent. This ferret food is highly digestible and can be fed as your ferret's primary food. 


A few reviewers reported that their ferret's waste smelled different after using this food. Other than that, happy buyers liked the transparency over all the ingredients in the food. People said their ferrets loved this food, and the size of the pellets was also a plus for some buyers. 

No.4

MarshallPremium Ferret Diet

Food for a Diet Rich in Fatty Acids

This ferret food is suitable for all ferret ages and provides complete nutrition for each stage! It provides enough protein and essential ingredients like omega-3 and -6 fatty acids that are beneficial to your ferret's health. You can also purchase the food in a four and 35-pound option. 


Some reviewers reported that their ferrets' waste became noticeably smellier when on this food diet. However, satisfied ferret parents liked that the food could be used for all stages. Buyers also appreciated the multiple size options. A few reviewers also said that ferrets loved the flavor of this food, even making fussy eaters dig in. 

No.5

Add High-Quality Wet Food to Your Ferret's Meals

Epigen's canned food is made to copy the natural eating habits of a carnivorous animal. The wet food comes in beef, chicken, duck, rabbit, salmon and turkey flavors. There is an option to buy the products in a variety pack, which might be good if your little weasel is a picky eater. 


This ferret food is starch-free. It also has no filler ingredients or preservatives. The canned diet is more than 95 percent meat and can be fed to ferrets, cats, and dogs, but it doesn't provide complete nutrition. Use it as a supplement to their dry food.

No.6

KayteeForti Diet Pro Health Ferret Food

Crunchy Pellets in a Variety of Shapes

Ferrets love to chew. Kaytee's Forti Diet Pro Health has your ferret's habits in mind with large and crunchy pellets that are still easy to eat. It also has prebiotics and probiotics that strengthen your ferret's digestive health. 


Some reviewers did not like that this food contained grains and wheat products that are generally not healthy for your ferret. Past this, reviewers liked how their picky ferrets had no trouble eating this food. Pet owners also appreciated the value and size of the package. 

No.7

HigginsIntune Ferret Food

Grain-Free Ferret Food Containing Alaska Pollock

This four-pound bag of dry food for ferrets of all ages contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, or meat by-products. The diet is rich in calcium and phosphorous, which make your ferret's teeth and bones stronger!


This ferret diet also contains Alaska pollock, a rich source of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. These fatty acids make your ferret's skin healthy and shiny. Higgins's ferret food has 40 percent protein and 20 percent fat. Reviewers who switched to this food say their ferrets took right to it with no issues.

No.8

Canned Ferret Food in Chicken Flavor

Spice up your ferret's diet with this chicken-flavored wet food in a can. This ferret diet is not meant to be fed on its own but should be used as a treat or as an add-on to your ferret's dried food diet. Marshall's premium ferret diet is gluten- and grain-free and can be fed to ferrets of all ages. 


Each can is nine ounces and contains no meat by-products. When feeding your ferret this wet food, you can add up to three tablespoons to your ferret's dried food. Refrigerate the remaining food and use it again when needed. 

No.9

Marshall Bandits Premium Ferret Treats

Ferret Treats in 5 Different Flavors

Treat your ferret to occasional tasty goodies! Each purchase comes with five packs of treats in different flavors - chicken, raisin, peanut butter, banana, and meaty bacon! The pouches are resealable and three ounces each. The treats are chewy and sure to make your ferrets happy. 


A few ferret owners noted that some ingredients used to make these treats are not healthy for your ferrets if fed regularly. Meanwhile, happy customers loved the wide range of flavors and the resealable pouch that kept the treats fresh for longer periods. Reviewers also said that these treats made training their ferrets a whole lot easier! 

No.10

Marshall Pet ProductsUncle Jim's Original Duk Soup Mix

Food Supplement Great for Picky Eaters

Uncle Jim's Original Duk Soup Mix is a food supplement and dietary aid designed to increase your furry friend's appetite. This supplement is used on picky or sick ferrets and post-surgery recovery. You can mix it with warm water to make a gravy or paste or sprinkle it dry over their regular food.


A few reviewers did not like some of the ingredients in this food supplement. However, most buyers liked this product because it helped nurse their ill ferrets to better health. Some pet owners also said that it did wonders for picky eaters. 

Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to checking our buying guide for accuracy, Cheyenne took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about ferret foods.

What do ferrets eat in the wild?

Cheyenne says, "A diet of primarily raw meat, raw bones, other tissue, and digested vegetable matter is what a ferret requires in the wild. They prey on and consume entire creatures that include raw flesh, raw bones, other tissue, and digested vegetable waste."

Why won't my ferret eat?

"The causes of a loss of appetite are numerous, ranging from liver or kidney problems to poisoning, viral or bacterial infections, and direct damage to the gastrointestinal system," Cheyenne told us.


"More often than not, the underlying cause can be easily determined and treated. However, in some cases, a loss of appetite may be due to an underlying psychological problem (and yes, ferrets can develop psychological problems)."

Running Low on Pet Supplies?

Do you have more hungry mouths to feed apart from your ferret? We've added some other pet food links below. 

Top 5 Ferret Foods

No. 1: Wysong | Ferret Epigen 90

No. 2: Wysong | Ferret Archetype

No. 3: ZuPreem | Ferret Diet

No. 4: Marshall | Premium Ferret Diet

No. 5: Wysong | Epigen Canned Diets

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