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Ferret FoodsHelping You Find the Best
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Ferret FoodsHelping You Find the Best
  • Best Ferret Foods of 2025 (Veterinary Technician-Reviewed) 1
  • Best Ferret Foods of 2025 (Veterinary Technician-Reviewed) 2
  • Best Ferret Foods of 2025 (Veterinary Technician-Reviewed) 3
  • Best Ferret Foods of 2025 (Veterinary Technician-Reviewed) 4
  • Best Ferret Foods of 2025 (Veterinary Technician-Reviewed) 5

Best Ferret Foods of 2025 (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 was one of our top picks 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 03/09/2025

Quick List - Top Ferret Foods

1

Oxbow

Oxbow Animal HealthEssentials Ferret Food
Essentials Ferret Food

Formulated With High-Quality Animal Proteins for Optimal Ferret Health

2

Marshall

Premium Ferret Diet
Premium Ferret Diet

Developed with Veterinarians and Nutritionists for Optimal Ferret Health

3

N-Bone®

N-BoneFerret Soft Treats Chicken Flavor
Ferret Soft Treats Chicken Flavor

Healthy Soft Treats for Ferrets

4

Wysong

Ferret Epigen 90 - Starch FreeWDFE905
Ferret Epigen 90 - Starch Free

The First Starch-Free Extruded Dry Diet for Ferrets, Promoting Natural Health

5

N-Bone

Ferret Chew Sticks
Ferret Chew Sticks

Tasty, Healthy, and Chewy

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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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

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!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
Details
Protein
Fat
Flavor
Age
Item Form
Weight
1

Oxbow

Oxbow Animal HealthEssentials Ferret Food

Oxbow  Essentials Ferret Food 1

Formulated With High-Quality Animal Proteins for Optimal Ferret Health

42%

20%

Chicken

All

Pellets

1.81 kg

2

Marshall

Premium Ferret Diet

Marshall Premium Ferret Diet 1

Developed with Veterinarians and Nutritionists for Optimal Ferret Health

38%

18%

Premium

Mature Adult

Dry

1.81 kg

3

N-Bone®

N-BoneFerret Soft Treats Chicken Flavor

N-Bone® Ferret Soft Treats Chicken Flavor 1

Healthy Soft Treats for Ferrets

20%

8%

Chicken

Adult

Pellet

3 oz

4

Wysong

Ferret Epigen 90 - Starch FreeWDFE905

Wysong  Ferret Epigen 90 - Starch Free 1

The First Starch-Free Extruded Dry Diet for Ferrets, Promoting Natural Health

62%

18%

Chicken

All

Grain

2.27 kg

5

N-Bone

Ferret Chew Sticks

N-Bone Ferret Chew Sticks 1

Tasty, Healthy, and Chewy

24%

4%

Salmon

All Ages

Sticks

3.74 oz

6

Wild Harvest

Wild HarvestFerret Advanced Nutrition Diet

Wild Harvest Ferret Advanced Nutrition Diet 1

Premium Balanced Nutrition Formulated Specifically for Ferrets

34%

14%

Chicken

Adult

Powder

1.3 kg

7

Higgins

inTune® Ferret Food

Higgins inTune® Ferret Food 1

Complete and Balanced Grain-Free Diet for Ferrets

40%

20%

Chicken

All

Chunk

1.81 kg

8

ZuPreem

ZuPreemPremium Ferret Diet

ZuPreem Premium Ferret Diet 1

Balanced Nutrition and Digestibility for Active Ferrets

40%

20%

Chicken

All

Dry

3.6 kg

9

Marshall

Premium Ferret Diet

Marshall Premium Ferret Diet 1

Complete Nutrition for Ferrets

unknown

unknown

Chicken

All Ages

Semi Moist

4 lbs

10

Sunseed

Sunseed Vita Prima Ferret Food

Sunseed Sunseed Vita Prima Ferret Food 1

High-Protein Diet for Ferrets

unknown

unknown

Milk

All Ages

Pellets

3 lbs

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Oxbow
Oxbow Animal HealthEssentials Ferret Food

Essentials Ferret Food 1
Source:amazon.com
Essentials Ferret Food 2
Source:amazon.com
Essentials Ferret Food 3
Source:amazon.com
Essentials Ferret Food 4
Source:amazon.com
Lowest price
$26.34
Mid
Lowest price
$26.34
Mid
Protein42%
Fat20%

Formulated With High-Quality Animal Proteins for Optimal Ferret Health

Oxbow Animal Health Essentials Ferret Food is specially designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of ferrets, focusing on providing high-quality animal-based proteins and fats to support muscle mass and overall body condition. The first five ingredients are animal-based, ensuring a diet that aligns with the carnivorous nature of ferrets. This formulation avoids unnecessary fillers such as corn, peas, and potatoes, and includes essential Omega fatty acids to promote heart, skin, and coat health.

This diet delivers 100% of the daily recommended vitamins and minerals to support the immune system and whole-body health, ensuring complete and balanced nutrition. The ingredients are purposefully selected and uniformly mixed to prevent selective eating habits, promoting consistent intake of nutrients. Additionally, the food contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, making it a natural and wholesome choice for ferrets. The guaranteed analysis includes 42% crude protein and 20% crude fat, catering to the high-energy needs of active ferrets.
FlavorChicken
AgeAll
Item FormPellets
Weight1.81 kg
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No.2

Marshall
Premium Ferret Diet

Lowest price
$29.99
High Mid
Protein38%
Fat18%

Developed with Veterinarians and Nutritionists for Optimal Ferret Health

Marshall Premium Ferret Diet is crafted to meet the dietary needs of ferrets at all life stages, offering a high protein content with essential amino acids. This diet is formulated using a low-heat process to retain vital nutrients, ensuring freshness and enhancing digestibility. The inclusion of increased poultry content aims to support ferret growth and overall health while addressing concerns about odor. The guaranteed analysis reveals a balanced nutrient profile, featuring 38% crude protein and 18% crude fat, essential for maintaining a ferret's active lifestyle and muscle mass.


This diet is made from high-quality ingredients, such as chicken by-products, chicken meal, and essential vitamins and minerals, without artificial preservatives. The formulation supports digestive health and desirable stool consistency. The feeding directions recommend offering the diet as the primary food, ensuring ferrets receive balanced nutrition daily. Developed by a team of experts, this diet aligns with the natural dietary needs of ferrets, promoting overall well-being.

FlavorPremium
AgeMature Adult
Item FormDry
Weight1.81 kg
No.3

N-Bone®
N-BoneFerret Soft Treats Chicken Flavor

Lowest price
$3.75
Low
Protein20%
Fat8%

Healthy Soft Treats for Ferrets

N-Bone Ferret Soft Treats Chicken Flavor offers a nutritious and delicious reward for ferrets, designed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat. These treats are made with real chicken and contain no wheat, gluten, soy, grains, dairy, or corn, making them suitable for ferrets with food sensitivities or allergies. The heart-shaped treats are soft and easy to digest, making them an ideal choice for ferrets at all life stages.

The guaranteed analysis of N-Bone Ferret Soft Treats includes a minimum of 20% crude protein and 8% crude fat, ensuring a healthy snack option. The treats also feature a moisture content of up to 22% to maintain their soft texture. Feeding guidelines recommend offering these treats as a supplement to your ferret's regular diet, always supervising your pet during consumption to prevent choking hazards. Store treats in a cool, dry place to preserve their freshness.
FlavorChicken
AgeAdult
Item FormPellet
Weight3 oz
No.4

Wysong
Ferret Epigen 90 - Starch FreeWDFE905

Lowest price
$31.09
High Mid
Protein62%
Fat18%

The First Starch-Free Extruded Dry Diet for Ferrets, Promoting Natural Health

Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 - Starch Free is a pioneering ferret food designed to closely resemble the natural diet of ferrets, providing them with a high-protein, meat-based nutrition devoid of starch. This unique formulation is rich in critical food elements, including probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, phytonutrients, nutraceuticals, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, all of which contribute to the overall health and well-being of ferrets. Additionally, it is enriched with omega-3 and other essential fatty acids to support a healthy coat and skin.


Made in the USA with ingredients sourced from USDA and FDA-approved domestic suppliers, Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 ensures high-quality standards. It is the first significant innovation in extruded dry pet food in nearly 60 years, aimed at providing a diet that meets the genetic and nutritional needs of ferrets. To avoid digestive disturbances, it is recommended to gradually introduce this food over 15 days, mixing it with the current diet to allow for a smooth transition.

FlavorChicken
AgeAll
Item FormGrain
Weight2.27 kg
No.5

N-Bone
Ferret Chew Sticks

Lowest price
$7.87
Low Mid
Protein24%
Fat4%

Tasty, Healthy, and Chewy

Give your ferret a delicious and nutritious treat with these salmon-flavored chew treats, made with real salmon and no added corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. Designed to satisfy natural chewing instincts, these long-lasting chews also help reduce plaque and tartar buildup for better dental health.


With added taurine for essential ferret nutrition, these low-salt, low-sugar treats provide a safe and satisfying snack your ferret will love. Perfect for treat time, training, or just a little extra indulgence, these chews are a healthier way to spoil your furbaby!

FlavorSalmon
AgeAll Ages
Item FormSticks
Weight3.74 oz
No.6

Wild Harvest
Wild HarvestFerret Advanced Nutrition Diet

Lowest price
$8.50
Low Mid
Protein34%
Fat14%

Premium Balanced Nutrition Formulated Specifically for Ferrets

Wild Harvest Ferret Advanced Nutrition Diet is a high-protein, nutritionally balanced food designed to meet the unique dietary needs of adult ferrets. Formulated with high-quality animal proteins, this diet provides the essential amino acids necessary for ferrets' overall health. It also includes taurine, which is vital for maintaining healthy heart and eye function. The inclusion of chicken meal and poultry by-product meal ensures a palatable and nutritious blend that supports the digestive health of ferrets.

This diet is crafted to offer a balanced mix of protein, fat, and vitamins, catering to the carnivorous nature of ferrets. The ingredients such as brewer's rice, corn gluten meal, and dried egg product contribute to a comprehensive nutritional profile. Additionally, fish oil and other essential nutrients help maintain a healthy coat and overall well-being. The product is designed to be easily digested and highly palatable, ensuring that ferrets receive optimal nutrition without overeating.
FlavorChicken
AgeAdult
Item FormPowder
Weight1.3 kg

Complete and Balanced Grain-Free Diet for Ferrets

Higgins inTune® Ferret Food is formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet specifically for ferrets, featuring a grain-free and gluten-free composition. With 40% protein and 20% fat, this diet relies on high-quality protein sources like chicken meal, Alaska Pollock, and turkey meal to support muscle metabolism and overall health. The food is enriched with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat, and includes essential vitamins and minerals for comprehensive nutritional support. Additionally, the absence of artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors ensures that your ferret receives a natural and wholesome diet.


The guaranteed analysis of Higgins inTune® Ferret Food highlights its commitment to nutritional excellence, with minimum crude protein and fat levels of 40% and 20%, respectively. The diet also contains beneficial lactic acid bacteria to support digestive health. Feeding guidelines suggest providing ¼ to ½ cup per day for adult ferrets, adjusted based on their specific needs and conditions. For kits and pregnant or lactating females, free-choice feeding is recommended. Always ensure fresh drinking water is available and maintain clean feeding dishes to promote your ferret's health and well-being.

FlavorChicken
AgeAll
Item FormChunk
Weight1.81 kg
No.8

ZuPreem
ZuPreemPremium Ferret Diet

Lowest price
$18.99
Mid
Protein40%
Fat20%

Balanced Nutrition and Digestibility for Active Ferrets

ZuPreem Premium Ferret Diet is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of ferrets with a high-energy lifestyle. This diet is made with real chicken, providing a highly digestible source of protein, and includes essential nutrients necessary for maintaining good health. The guaranteed analysis features a minimum of 40% crude protein and 20% crude fat, ensuring a diet that supports muscle maintenance and energy levels. Key ingredients such as chicken meal, chicken fat, and dried egg product offer a balanced nutritional profile, while the inclusion of taurine supports heart health.


Feeding directions recommend using this diet as the primary food source, with treats and other foods limited to 10% of the ferret's overall diet. Daily replenishment of fresh food and water is advised to ensure optimal nutrition and hydration. The formula also contains beneficial additives like probiotics for digestive health and yucca schidigera extract to reduce stool odor. This comprehensive diet aims to support the overall well-being of ferrets, enabling them to thrive in their active routines.

FlavorChicken
AgeAll
Item FormDry
Weight3.6 kg
No.9

Marshall
Premium Ferret Diet

Lowest price
$59.99
High
Proteinunknown
Fatunknown

Complete Nutrition for Ferrets

Give your ferret the balanced nutrition they need with this protein-rich, chicken-flavored formula, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for optimal health and vitality. Specially designed for easy digestion and nutrient absorption, this diet supports muscle maintenance, growth, and energy levels to keep your ferret active and thriving.


With an irresistible taste that ferrets love, this high-quality food comes in easy-to-store packaging to maintain freshness and convenience. Because when it comes to your ferret’s health, only the best nutrition will do.

FlavorChicken
AgeAll Ages
Item FormSemi Moist
Weight4 lbs
No.10

Sunseed
Sunseed Vita Prima Ferret Food

Lowest price
$18.96
Mid
Proteinunknown
Fatunknown

High-Protein Diet for Ferrets

Support your ferret’s health, energy, and digestion with this high-protein blend, crafted with animal protein, flax, milk, and eggs for species-specific nutrition. Each kibble pellet is designed to promote dental health, while natural probiotics aid in digestion and overall wellness.


Fortified with essential vitamins and taurine, this sugar-free, preservative-free formula provides the balanced nutrients your ferret needs for a strong heart, healthy coat, and an active lifestyle. No artificial colors or flavors—just pure, wholesome ingredients for your furry friend.

FlavorMilk
AgeAll Ages
Item FormPellets
Weight3 lbs

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)."

Top 5 Ferret Foods

No. 1: Oxbow Oxbow Animal HealthEssentials Ferret Food

No. 2: MarshallPremium Ferret Diet

No. 3: N-Bone®N-BoneFerret Soft Treats Chicken Flavor

No. 4: Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 - Starch FreeWDFE905

No. 5: N-BoneFerret Chew Sticks

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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