Switching Ferret Foods

Question
Hi Cynthia,
I have two older female ferrets, eight and five years old, who have been raised on Marshall Ferret Food. However, after learning that Marshall food isn't as great as I thought, I am considering switching my fuzzies to a more nutritious food. I am looking for something I can get at the pet store since it is more convenient than online orders. Would you recommend 8-in-1 Ultimate Crunchy Advanced Nutrition Diet, Zupreem Ferret, or Innova Evo for Felines or Ferrets?  I also read that older ferrets such as mine may benefit from a lower protein diet that is less harsh on their kidneys. What is your opinion on this and do you know of any low protein foods that I could try?  Lastly, as much as I want my fuzzies to reap the benefits of better nutrition, I am worried that switching their food at this point in their lives, even gradually, may cause some problems with their digestion or upset them otherwise.
Thank you so much for your time. Not many people are knowledgeable on ferrets and I really appreciate the input :)
-Chelsea

Answer
Hi Chelsea,

Thank you for doing your research.  YES, diet is the #1 most important thing for an owner to be aware of.  Poor nutrition can cause all sorts of health problems.  Also, you are right... look for lower protein (roughly 35%) for ferrets over 5 years of age.  This is a bit easier on the kidneys.  

Diet is essential for ferrets, and could proper nutrition could potentially prevent future health problems.  You have to be VERY careful... MOST brands are NOT healthy.  NOT all brands of ferret food are good to feed!  

With any kibble, the first three ingredients should be meat-based, and not contain by-products since these are mostly devoid of valuable nutrition.  Also, the food should be low in carbohydrates (corn, rice, etc) since ferrets are obligate carnivores and cannot digest them.

Here are some brands I recommend:

Wysong Archetypal-1 (beef) or Archetypal-2 (chicken)
http://www.wysong.net/products/archetypal-1-natural-healthy-ferret-food.php
http://www.wysong.net/products/archetypal-2-natural-healthy-ferret-food.php

Wellness Core Feline
http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/cat_wellness_dry_core.html

Innova Ferret EVO (Or cat version if not available)
http://www.evopet.com/products/default.asp?id=1502

Serengeti Cat (Timberwolf brand)
http://www.timberwolforganics.com/Pet-Foods/Serengetii

Wilderness by Blue Buffalo
http://www.bluebuff.com/products/cats/wilderness-cat.shtml

All but the Wysong kibble can be purchased from PetFoodDirect.com  I find ordering is far easier than driving all over the state to find some of the more obscure brands such as EVO Ferret and Serengetii Cat.  

Brands I Do not recommend:  Marshall Farms, Totally Ferret, 8-in-one, IAMS, Kaycee ferret, etc.   

This list is by no means all inclusive.  There are many other good types available, just check the labels. Not all premium kitten/cat kibble is good for these guys, and not even all brands of ferret-specific food!  Every brand is different, and that is why I tend to choose 3 of the best, and create a mixture. I currently feed a mix of Core Wellness, Wilderness and Serengeti Cat, although it varies from month to month with what is available. Since your guys are a bit older and should have less protein, you can mix a brand that has more with one that has less.  It does not HAVE to be exactly 35%.  Each brand has it's good points and downfalls.  By mixing, you will gain the benefits of each.        

I do not recommend feeding a raw diet.  Bacteria and other harmful pathogens and can be transferred by feeding raw meat.  These can include tapeworms, salmonella, and e-coli.

It is difficult to change a ferret's diet once they have imprinted on a certain brand.  Imprinting on certain foods happens at a very young age, and most will turn up their noses to anything else!   If you decide to switch brands, always introduce the new type by mixing it in with the old kibble.  I generally start with a 25/75 mixture, then increase the amount of new food over the next few days.  This allows the sensitive ferret tummies and taste buds to get used to the new diet.  Changing food too quickly can result in nasty vomiting and diarrhea.  Changing their diet can be done at any point in their life.  As long as you transition slowly, there should be no problems.  

Remember to store all extra food in airtight containers (Such as for cereal storage).  If you buy three kinds of kibble, it will last you awhile!  Also, change the kibble in your ferret's bowl DAILY.  Some types (such as those that contain vitamin E) can go rancid quickly and cause stomach problems.  

Also, stay away from vegetables, fruits and milk products as treats.  Raisins can cause kidney failure, and too much sugar (anything that ends with -ose) can lead to insulinoma and other complications. I feed my guys dehydrated 100% chicken treats with no additives as snacks.  These can be found in the canine section of your local pet store.  Another obscure (but healthy) treat is live meal worms.  These can be found at any pet store, and I haven't met a ferret who didn't love them yet.

There is a short FAQ that contains some info on nutrition from the AFA's Official Website:

http://www.ferret.org/read/faq.html

Remember... Always check the ingredients for whatever you buy, since most store bought brands are not good for the little guys! You will notice a BIG change in your ferret's coat health and condition once you switch to a healthier diet.      

-Cindy P.