Last Updated on June 16, 2023 by Pauline G. Carter
When it comes to the well-being of our beloved ferrets, providing them with the right nutrition is crucial. Ferrets are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet should consist primarily of meat-based products. While there are specially formulated ferret foods available, finding the best cat food for ferrets can be a viable alternative that offers a wide range of options. Cats share similar dietary requirements with ferrets, emphasizing high protein content and essential nutrients. Cat food can provide a balanced diet, supporting their overall health and vitality. We will explore some top cat food brands that are suitable for ferrets, ensuring they receive the nutrition they need for a happy and active life.
Our Top Picks
Your Ferret’S Nutritional Needs
Why Ferrets Need A High-Protein Diet
Ferrets are obligate carnivores, which means they need a high-protein diet to stay healthy. Here are some key points to keep in mind when choosing the right cat food for ferrets:
- Ferrets require 32-38% protein in their daily diet.
- Protein should come from animal sources such as meat, fish, or poultry, not vegetable sources.
- Avoid foods that contain grains or excessive carbohydrates as they may lead to obesity and health problems.
The Role Of Taurine And Other Nutrients In Ferret Health
Taurine and other essential nutrients are an essential part of the ferret’s diet. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Taurine is critical for a ferret’s heart health, vision, and reproductive system. Ensure that the cat food you choose contains an adequate amount of taurine.
- Other essential nutrients include fat, vitamins, and minerals. Look for cat food that contains these essential nutrients to ensure your ferret receives a balanced diet.
- Avoid using supplements unless recommended by a veterinarian.
The Difference Between Cat And Ferret Nutritional Needs
Although cat food is usually a good option for feeding ferrets, it’s important to understand the key differences in their nutritional needs. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Ferrets need a higher protein content than cats, which should come from animal sources.
- Ferrets cannot digest plant-based proteins as efficiently as cats.
- Avoid foods that contain grains or excessive carbohydrates. Ferrets need a minimal amount of carbohydrates in their diets.
- Ferrets require more fat in their diets than cats to meet their energy needs.
8 Best Cat Food For Ferrets Of 2023
1. Wysong Epigen Chicken Canine Formula Dog/Cat Ferret Food
- Brand: Wysong
- Manufacturer: Wysong
- Dimensions: Height: 12.0 Inches Width: 9.0 Inches Length: 4.0 Inches Weight: 9.75 Pounds `
Features
Wysong Epigen Chicken Canine/Feline Canned Formula is a superior 95% chicken pet food, specially crafted to replicate the natural, carnivorous dietary habits of your beloved pets. It provides genetically appropriate, wholesome nutrition for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Free from starches, grains, fillers, and artificial additives, this delicious pet food is palatable and loved by both dogs and cats. Use it to supplement Wysong’s dry diets or as a standalone meal on occasion. Trust in Wysong, a trusted name in pet nutrition since 1979, to ensure your pet’s optimal health.
Pros:
- High Quality Ingredients: The Wysong Epigen Chicken Canine/Feline Canned Formula is composed of 95% chicken, ensuring that your pet gets high-quality protein.
- Species-Appropriate Diet: This pet food is formulated to mimic the natural eating patterns of carnivorous pets, providing genetically appropriate nutrition.
- No Harmful Additives: This product is free from starches, grains, fillers, and artificial additives which could harm your pet’s health.
- Versatility: The formula can be used as a supplement to Wysong dry diets or as a standalone meal, providing flexibility in feeding.
- Established Brand: Wysong has been a leader in pet nutrition since 1979, adding a level of trust and reliability to the product.
Cons:
- Single Protein Source: While the high chicken content is beneficial, it lacks variety and might not be suitable for pets with chicken allergies.
- Occasional Standalone Meal: It is suggested to be fed as an occasional standalone meal which may not be convenient for all pet owners.
- Price: Premium ingredients and high quality often come with a higher price tag compared to other pet foods, which may not fit into everyone’s budget.
2. Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support – Dry Ferret Food
- Brand: Wysong
- Manufacturer: Wysong Corporation
- Dimensions: Height: 11.0 Inches Width: 4.0 Inches Length: 7.5 Inches Weight: 5.0 Pounds `
Features
Experience premium pet nutrition with Wysong Ferret Epigen 90 Digestive Support. This dry ferret food offers a genetically appropriate diet, free of starch ingredients, packed with a whopping 62% protein, 16% fat, and other essential nutrients. Boasting of an unequalled organic meat content, it caters to your ferret’s natural carnivorous craving. It aids in maintaining digestive health and promotes desirable stool consistency. Enriched with probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, phytonutrients, nutraceuticals, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, it ensures a balanced diet. Trust Wysong, leading in pet nutrition since 1979, to care for your ferret’s dietary needs.
Pros:
- Genetically Appropriate: The diet is specifically designed to be appropriate for ferrets, devoid of any starch ingredients that they aren’t naturally equipped to digest.
- High Protein Content: Contains an impressive 62% protein, essential for a ferret’s health and well-being.
- Digestive Support: Supports digestive health and encourages desirable stool consistency, a crucial aspect of overall health for ferrets.
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, phytonutrients, nutraceuticals, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for a well-rounded diet.
- Trusted Brand: Wysong has been a leader in the pet nutrition industry since 1979, providing credibility and trustworthiness.
Cons:
- Price: Given its high-quality ingredients and nutritional content, this product may be more expensive than other ferret foods on the market.
- Palatability: While it’s designed to cater to ferrets’ natural taste, individual ferrets’ preferences may vary, potentially leading to lower acceptability.
- Availability: Depending on the geographical location and distribution, the product may not be readily available for purchase everywhere.
3. Instinct Original Grain Free Dry Cat Food
- Brand: Instinct
- Manufacturer: Nature’s Variety
- Color: Chicken
- Dimensions: Height: 14.0 Inches Width: 8.0 Inches Length: 4.0 Inches Weight: 5.0 Pounds `
Features
Instinct Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food presents a balanced meal for cats, created with 81% real animal ingredients, and 19% veggies, fruits and wholesome elements. Its #1 ingredient is responsibly sourced, cage-free chicken. This all-natural food is enriched with protein, probiotics, and omegas, all beneficial for digestion, skin, and coat. Free from grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives, it’s a choice you can trust. The unique raw-coated kibble provides an authentic, minimally processed meal. Made in the USA, Instinct offers real nutrition derived from raw ingredients. A delicious, healthful choice for even the fussiest cats.
Pros:
- High Protein Content: With 81% of its content from real animal ingredients, this cat food offers a high protein diet ideal for cat health.
- Grain-Free: This cat food avoids grains, which can be problematic for cats with certain allergies or sensitivities.
- Nutritious Additions: Enriched with probiotics and omegas, the food supports healthy digestion and promotes a shiny coat and healthy skin.
- No Artificial Additives: Free from artificial colors, preservatives, and by-product meals, it ensures natural nutrition for your cat.
- Raw-Coated Kibble: Each kibble piece is coated in freeze-dried raw for added nutrition and taste that cats love.
Cons:
- Allergenic Ingredients: Despite being grain-free, it may still contain ingredients that can cause allergies in some cats.
- Price: Higher quality ingredients may make this product more expensive than other commercial cat foods.
- Palatability: Although it’s designed to be tasty, some picky cats might not prefer the taste of freeze-dried raw coating.
4. Wysong Dream Treats Chicken
- Brand: Wysong
- Manufacturer: Wysong
- Color: Brown
- Dimensions: Height: 6.0 Inches Width: 9.0 Inches Length: 3.0 Inches Weight: 0.3 Pounds `
Features
Wysong Dream Treats Chicken provides an all-natural, raw snacking experience for your dogs, cats, or ferrets. Crafted with our unique Non-Thermal freeze-drying method, it retains all its nutritional value, never heated above 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Free from fillers and additives, these treats offer pure, wholesome goodness. Easy-to-carry discs make them perfect for training treats. This product is rich in natural protein and fat, supplemented with plant nutrients, nutraceuticals, prebiotics, and probiotics. Experience guilt-free snacking with this high-quality treat from Wysong, a trusted leader in pet nutrition since 1979. A bag of health for your beloved pet companions!
Pros:
- Nutrient-Rich: The Wysong Dream Treats Chicken product is a nutrient powerhouse, packed with proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, and probiotics.
- Natural Ingredients: There are no fillers or non-nutritional additives in this product, ensuring that your pet is consuming only what’s beneficial for them.
- Innovative Processing: The use of Non-Thermal freeze-drying technology allows for the preservation of nutrients, without heating above 118 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Multipurpose Treat: These treats are suitable for dogs, cats, and ferrets, making them a versatile choice for multi-pet households.
- Trusted Brand: Wysong has been a leader in pet nutrition since 1979, so you can trust the quality and care that goes into their products.
Cons:
- Price: Given the high-quality ingredients and advanced processing technology, this product may be more expensive than other pet treats on the market.
- Texture: As the treats are freeze-dried, the texture may be different from what some pets are used to, which could be off-putting for them.
- Availability: Depending on where you live, these treats might not be readily available in local stores and may need to be purchased online.
5. ORIJEN® Dry Original Cat Food Premium
- Brand: ORIJEN
- Manufacturer: Champion Petfoods
- Color: Orange
- Dimensions: Height: 14.0 Inches Width: 4.0 Inches Length: 9.0 Inches Weight: 3.9 Pounds `
Features
Immerse your feline in the nutrient-dense, delectable world of ORIJEN® Dry Original Cat Food. A blend of free-run chicken, turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs form 90% of this culinary masterpiece. The grain-free formula adheres to a cat’s biological dietary needs, featuring fresh, raw ingredients including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone for comprehensive nutrition. Ensuring unmatched freshness and quality, our ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers and arrive at our kitchen in their most natural and nourishing state. This 4lb pack of premium, high-protein cat food is perfect for fueling your cat’s predatory spirit.
Pros:
- High-Quality Protein: Contains 90% quality animal ingredients from free-run chicken, turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs, catering to the natural dietary needs of cats.
- Fresh and Raw: The inclusion of fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, ensures comprehensive nutrition.
- Biologically Appropriate: The grain-free recipe respects the evolutionary dietary requirements of cats.
- Trusted Suppliers: Ingredients are sourced from trusted individuals, maintaining consistent quality and safety.
- Nutrient-Dense: Offers a diet rich and varied, supplying the energy and nutrients essential for optimal feline health.
Cons:
- Price: Given its premium ingredients, the product might be more expensive compared to other cat food options.
- Dietary Changes: Some cats might have difficulty adjusting to the high-protein, grain-free diet if they are used to a different formula.
- Allergenic Potential: Despite its quality, some ingredients could potentially trigger food allergies in sensitive cats.
6. ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Cat Food
- Brand: ZIWI
- Manufacturer: Ziwi Peak
- Dimensions: Height: 10.75 Inches Width: 2.56 Inches Length: 7.09 Inches Weight: 0.875 Pounds `
Features
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Cat Food is a high-protein, nutrient-dense feast for felines, offering 96% free-range chicken, organs, bone, and New Zealand Green Mussels. This grain-free, low-carb cat food is a Limited Ingredient Diet (L.I.D), making it suitable for food-sensitive cats. Packed with a 10% superfood boost including poultry heart, organic kelp, and New Zealand Green Mussels, it promotes optimal digestion, weight management, and reduced shedding. This versatile food is perfect as a topper or a complete meal, ideal for cats of all life stages. Ethically sourced from free-range, grass-fed New Zealand farms, it’s as sustainable as it is delicious.
Pros:
- High Protein, Nutrient-Dense: ZIWI cat food is packed with 96% free-range chicken, organs, bone, and New Zealand Green Mussels, offering a rich source of essential nutrients.
- Grain-Free, Low Carb: This diet is perfect for food-sensitive cats, omitting cheap fillers such as grains, potatoes, or peas that are often linked with obesity and allergies.
- Superfood Boost: The product includes a 10% superfood infusion, including poultry heart, organic kelp, and New Zealand Green Mussels, promoting improved digestion, healthier weight, and reduced shedding.
- Versatility: Whether used as a topper or a complete meal, it provides optimal nutrition for cats of all life stages.
- Ethical and Sustainable: All ingredients are ethically sourced from free-range, grass-fed New Zealand farms, ensuring sustainability and animal welfare.
Cons:
- Price: Given the high-quality ingredients and the ethical sourcing, the product might be more expensive than other brands on the market.
- Availability: Depending on your location, this product may not be readily available in all pet stores, possibly necessitating an online purchase.
- Taste: While nutritious, some picky cats may not favor the taste of the air-dried food compared to other alternatives.
7. Wysong Epigen 90 Starch Free Canine Feline Dry Formula Dog Cat Food
- Brand: Wysong
- Manufacturer: Wysong
- Dimensions: Height: 4.0 Inches Width: 11.0 Inches Length: 7.5 Inches Weight: 5.0 Pounds `
Features
The Wysong Epigen 90 Starch Free Canine Feline Dry Formula Dog Cat Food is an innovation in pet nutrition. As the first extruded dry diet that’s starch-free, it mirrors the natural diet your pet is designed to eat. Bursting with an unmatched meat content, including organic sources, it also includes essential fatty acids like omega-3’s. Wysong’s formula is nutrient-dense, brimming with probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, phytonutrients, nutraceuticals, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It also boasts a natural flavor pets love. Introduce slowly for optimal digestion. This product stands as a testament to Wysong’s commitment to pet nutrition since 1979.
Pros:
- Starch-Free Formula: The first of its kind, this extruded dry diet is free from starch, closely resembling the natural diet pets are designed to eat.
- High-Quality Ingredients: It boasts an unprecedented meat content, including organic sources, and is rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3’s.
- Nutrient Dense: The food is replete with critical elements such as probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, phytonutrients, nutraceuticals, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- Natural Flavor: It’s crafted with the natural flavor and taste that pets truly desire.
- Trusted Brand: Manufactured by Wysong, a leader in pet nutrition since 1979, ensuring strict quality control protocols.
Cons:
- Slow Introduction: As it’s very nutrient-dense, it needs to be introduced slowly to your pet’s diet according to the feeding guidelines.
- Might be Costly: Given the high-quality and organic content, the product might be more expensive than regular pet food.
- Limited Flavor Variation: The product currently only offers a chicken flavor, which might not suit all pets’ preferences.
8. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Dinner Morsels
- Brand: Stella & Chewy’s
- Manufacturer: STELLA & CHEWY’S LLC
- Dimensions: Height: 16.1 inches Width: 9.7 Inches Length: 10.18 inches Weight: 0.5 Pounds `
Features
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Dinner Morsels bring a taste cats love, mirroring their ancestral diet with protein-rich, real raw meat. Crafted for cats and kittens, these morsels support digestion, oral health, skin vibrancy, and vitality. Made from 98% poultry, organs, and bone, even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. Enriched with vitamins, minerals, fiber, probiotics, antioxidants, and taurine, they bolster whole-body health. Grain and gluten-free, they feature premium, responsibly sourced ingredients with no unnecessary fillers. Omega fatty acids from pumpkin seeds promote skin and coat health. No peas, lentils, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, or by-products included. Made in the USA. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Pros:
- Mirrors Ancestral Diet: Cats naturally crave raw meat. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Dinner Morsels meet this need, providing a meal rich in real, raw protein.
- Health Support: With a combination of vitamins, minerals, fiber, probiotics, antioxidants, and taurine, these morsels support overall health, including digestion, oral health, and vitality.
- Ideal for Picky Eaters: The high-quality ingredients and delicious taste appeal even to cats known to be finicky about their food.
- Grain and Gluten-Free: Suitable for cats with allergies or sensitivities, the recipe is devoid of grain, gluten, and unnecessary fillers.
- Responsible Sourcing: All ingredients, including cage-free chicken, are responsibly sourced and crafted in the USA, offering ethical and quality assurance.
Cons:
- Price: Higher quality often comes with a higher price tag. The cost of this food may be higher compared to other commercially available cat foods.
- Limited Flavor Variety: This particular product offers only a chicken recipe, which may not suit cats that prefer a variety of flavors.
- Availability: Depending on location and availability, this premium product may not be as readily available as other commercial cat foods, making it less convenient for some cat owners.
How To Choose The Right Cat Food For Ferrets?
Choose the right cat food for ferrets based on their protein, fat, and nutrient requirements. Ferrets are obligate carnivores that require high levels of animal-based protein and fat to maintain a healthy metabolism and immune system.
To meet their dietary needs, look for cat food that contains at least 32% protein and 18% fat. Not all cat foods are suitable for ferrets, as some may contain inappropriate ingredients such as grains, fruits, or vegetables, which can cause digestive problems. It’s essential to carefully evaluate the food’s ingredients and nutrition information to ensure it meets the specific nutritional needs of your ferret.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Cat Food For Ferrets
Ferrets are obligate carnivores, which means they require a diet that mainly consists of meat. Choosing the right cat food for ferrets can be challenging. To help you make an informed decision, consider the following factors:
Protein Content And Quality
Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in a ferret’s growth and development. When choosing cat food for ferrets, it’s crucial to check the protein content and quality. Look for brands that contain at least 32% protein and no more than 3% fiber.
Ingredients such as chicken, turkey, and lamb are excellent protein sources for ferrets.
Fat And Calorie Content
Ferrets need a high-protein, high-fat diet. The fat content is especially important because it provides the energy they need for their active lifestyle. Look for cat food brands that contain 18% fat or more. Additionally, check the calorie content to make sure it meets the ferret’s daily requirements without causing obesity.
Ingredient Quality And Sources
The quality and sources of the ingredients used in cat food can significantly impact a ferret’s health. Look for brands that use whole meat, rather than by-products. Avoid fillers, such as corn and soy, that offer little to no nutritional value.
It’s also crucial to check the ingredient sources. Cat food brands that use locally sourced, free-range, or organic ingredients are generally of better quality.
Avoiding Fillers, Additives, And Artificial Preservatives
Ferrets may have a sensitive digestive system, so it’s best to avoid cat food brands that contain fillers, additives, and artificial preservatives. These ingredients can cause digestive problems, allergic reactions, and even cancer. Choose brands that use natural preservatives, such as vitamin C and vitamin E.
Dry Vs. Wet Cat Food For Ferrets
Both dry and wet cat food can be suitable for ferrets. They have different nutritional values. Dry cat food is higher in carbohydrates, while wet cat food is higher in protein and fat. It’s recommended to feed a combination of both to ensure a balanced diet.
Alternatively, you can opt for a raw or homemade cat food diet, but it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist to develop a suitable diet plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should You Feed Your Ferret?
Feed your ferret a high-protein diet made specifically for ferrets. Avoid cat food.
Is Cat Food Okay For Ferrets?
Cat food is not recommended for ferrets because they require more protein than cats.
Can Ferrets Eat Raw Meat?
Yes, ferrets can eat raw meat, but it must be fresh and high-quality, and you need to ensure it’s balanced.
Should You Feed Your Ferret Vegetables?
Vegetables aren’t necessary for a ferret’s diet, but adding small amounts can provide variety to their meals.
Why Is It Important To Buy Food Made Specifically For Ferrets?
Ferret-specific food has the right balance of protein, fat, and nutrients designed for a ferret’s needs.
Conclusion
Feeding your ferret a well-balanced diet is essential for their health and happiness. Choosing the best cat food for ferrets can be tricky, but keeping in mind the nutritional needs of ferrets, their digestive system, and their taste preferences can help make the decision easier.
Always check the ingredients and nutritional information on the cat food label and avoid foods with excessive amounts of fillers, grains, and carbohydrates. Offering a variety of meat-based foods and supplements, such as taurine, can help keep your ferret in optimal health.
Remember to introduce new foods slowly and monitor their reaction for any signs of sensitivity or digestive issues. With a little research and a commitment to your ferret’s happiness, you can find the perfect cat food for your ferret and ensure they live a long and healthy life.
About Author (Pauline G. Carter)
Pauline G. Carter is a well-known pet blogger who has written about the world of pets for several years. She is passionate about pets, from cats and dogs to birds, reptiles, and poultry. Her blog, which is updated regularly, is filled with articles and guides on pet care, nutrition, and training. She also shares her experiences and observations on pet ownership, making her blog relatable and informative for pet lovers. She is a true animal advocate and is dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership. Let’s Go …
