Posted: July 1, 2008, 5 a.m. EDT
Q: I have had my ferret Elvira for about 2 years, and she is 2 years old. I know that ferrets are meat eaters, but Elvira refuses to eat meat. I've tried everything, cooked/raw, and still she won't eat it. But she loves fruits, all kinds, and I know that it's bad for her. I only give her a little bit every once in a while. Is there some way to get her to eat meat, and if so what is it? Also, I was wondering if there are some kind of vitamins/supplements I could give her instead, and if so what?
A: Switching a ferret’s diet can be challenging, but it can be done. A meat-eating ferret is the ideal, but unless a ferret is offered meat at a young age, it is difficult to get it to switch.
You didn’t mention what her main diet is currently, but if you are feeding a ferret kibble that is high is protein and low in carbohydrates, then you don’t need to switch her to a meat diet. You do, however, need to get her to stop eating fruit and anything else that isn’t a meat-based food item. Many appropriate ferret treats are available, just search for treats made mostly of meat.