How long can a ferret go without food? This is a question asked by an animal lover who does not have a ferret. Ferrets can eat dead small animals and rodents, but for those of us that do not supply ferrets with rodents on a regular basis, how long can they survive without food?
How Long Can a Ferret Go Without Food?
Ferrets can go without food for two or three days. They are designed to survive periods of fasting, so don’t worry if you have to keep your ferret from eating for a day or two. However, you need to make sure that your ferret is getting plenty of water during this time.
If your ferret does not eat for more than three days, then it is time to take action. Ferrets need food every day and cannot go without it for more than a few days without suffering severe health problems. If your pet has not eaten for more than three days, then it is time to take them to the vet immediately.
Ferrets are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to survive. They are not able to digest plant matter like dogs and cats.
Ferrets require a high-protein diet and should eat a variety of foods. Ferrets require about 20 percent protein in their diets, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). A diet too high or low in protein can cause health problems for ferrets.
If your ferret has stopped eating for two days or more, he may be sick and you should take him to the veterinarian immediately. If he is acting normally, but hasn’t eaten in two days, try feeding him softer food until he begins eating normally again.
Can Ferrets Eat Dry Food?
Ferrets can eat dry food, but it is not recommended for them. Dry food is not very nutritious and can cause dental problems in ferrets. The best option for feeding ferrets is a mixture of wet and dry foods.
Dry Food
Dry food should have no more than 10 percent protein, according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Ferrets are obligate carnivores and need a high-protein diet that contains at least 26 percent protein. Dry food often has less than 10 percent protein, which means your ferret may be getting less nutrition than it needs from the diet.
The main issue with dry food is that it does not contain enough moisture for your pet to digest properly. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that when cats were fed a dry diet over a period of time, they developed severe kidney disease. This could happen in ferrets as well because their kidneys are similar to those of cats.
Human Foods That Are Safe for Ferrets
There are many foods that are dangerous for ferrets, so it is important to learn what they can and cannot eat. However, there are also some human foods that are safe for ferrets.
Ferrets love cheese, and it’s one of the few human foods they can eat. They also love yogurt, cottage cheese and eggs. Ferrets do not need to eat a lot of these items because they contain a lot of fat and sugar, which will cause them to become overweight if they eat too much of them.
When feeding your ferret any type of human food or treat, make sure it is in small pieces so your pet does not choke on it. You should also only feed him a small amount at each meal so he does not get sick from overeating too much at one time.
Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Ferrets
Ferrets cannot eat chocolate since it contains caffeine and theobromine which can be poisonous to your pet if ingested in large amounts over time. Chocolate can also cause diarrhea and vomiting in ferrets, which can lead to dehydration if left untreated by your veterinarian immediately after eating the chocolate.
Ferrets: The Good, The Bad, And The Long
Ferrets are obligate carnivores and can go up to 72 hours without food. However, they should not be fasted for more than 24 hours. Fasting puts stress on the kidneys and liver of ferrets, which can lead to renal failure in some animals. When fasting is necessary (for example, during surgery), it’s recommended that you feed your ferret with FortiVet® Critical Care® before beginning fasting and continue feeding at regular intervals until your pet is able to eat normally again.
Ferrets are very independent. They are not likely to starve themselves if they don’t like their food. However, if a ferret does not eat for an extended period of time, he or she will become weak and lethargic. The bad:
If your ferret does not eat for an extended period of time, he or she may develop digestive problems such as diarrhea and vomiting. Ferrets who have stopped eating should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. The long:
Ferrets can go without food for up to two weeks before they become dangerously malnourished and need medical attention.
Ferrets as Pets
Ferrets are small carnivores that can make wonderful pets. While they are very active and playful, ferrets need to eat about every 12 hours and can go for several days without food.
If you need to leave town for an extended period of time with your ferret, you can usually leave a supply of dry food at home, but it is best to give your pet fresh water every day. You should also have a litter box available and clean it daily.
Ferrets need a lot of attention from their owners during the first few weeks of their lives. If you are unable to devote sufficient time to raising your new baby ferret, then it may be better not to get one at all.
Conclusion
If your ferret is healthy, it can go one or two days without food as long as you keep him warm and hydrated. If your ferret is old and unhealthy, it may only last a few hours before its health is compromised. The bottom line: if your ferret is not acting normally (is listless, not responding to stimuli, appears ill), it needs to be taken to the veterinarian immediately.