One of the biggest challenges for pet owners is maintaining their pet’s diet. Dogs are relatively easy to deal with since most breeds are not picky eaters. Feeding a dog and a ferret together is a different story. Some days, you might feel the need to give the ferret’s treats to your dog as well, but are you sure your dog can eat ferret food safely?
Can dogs eat ferret food?
No, dogs better avoid ferret food. It contains little to no vitamins and minerals, which suits ferrets but doesn’t suit dogs at all. There’s a reason it’s called ferret food and not dog food. You may think that all animal food can be fed to all animals whatsoever, but you couldn’t be more wrong.
Ferrets are small, furry animals that belong to the weasel family. They are super friendly rodent-like creatures that make the perfect companion. Since they are tiny, they tend to get hyperactive very quickly. They might just be your dog’s best friend in the house.
That being said, ferrets require a different set of nutrition as opposed to a dog. Their body and structure are nothing like that of a canine. There is no reason to think that your dog can eat ferret food without getting sick.
What does ferret food contain?
Ferrets are carnivores. Their diet must include high levels of protein and fat. In the wild, they would hunt rabbits and other small animals. They don’t need any minerals and vitamins to stay healthy. This is why commercial ferret food is made exactly per a ferret’s requirements.
Ferret food contains large amounts of protein and fats, which are very much suitable for a ferret’s diet. It contains little to no minerals and vitamins. Plus, it is low in carbohydrates and fiber too.
On the other hand, dogs need minerals, vitamins, proteins, and fibers in a balanced ratio. If they don’t get that through their diet, they can’t be healthy and happy pets. Dogs can eat ferret food, but the chances are high that they’ll be sick often, leaving you worried all the time.
What are a dog’s nutritional requirements?
Each element of a dog’s balanced diet is worth something for its health. Deficiency or excess of any of it may cause serious concerns, whether it’s a puppy or an adult dog. Here is a list of nutritional requirements that a dog needs per day:
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Vitamin A | 379 μg |
| Vitamin E | 8 mg |
| Folic Acid | 68 μg |
| Calcium | 1 g |
| Magnesium | 150 mg |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Fiber | 2.5 – 4.5% |
What would happen if my dog ate ferret food?
Surprisingly, your dog might prefer eating ferret food. Why? Because the high amount of protein and fat makes it delicious. Since your dog has enjoyed eating that bit of ferret food, you might have thought that nothing could go wrong. But in fact, it does more harm than good.
Consumption of ferret food in small amounts may not do anything to your dog. But if you continue feeding it to them, you may notice bloating, vomiting, or even diarrhea. In that case, you should immediately stop feeding ferret food to your dog.
What should I do if my dog ate ferret food?
You should be absolutely concerned if you see your dog getting uneasy or worse; its tummy is bloated. But getting all panicked is not really a feasible solution.
Feed small amounts of fluids to your dog. Remember, ferret food does not contain any fiber, so it will be difficult for your dog to digest it. Avoid feeding anything to your dog for at least 24 hours. If your dog starts vomiting or passing runny stools, call up the vet and see if it needs a visit.
After the 24 hours have passed, you can resume feeding your pup plain white rice or boneless boiled chicken breast until it is well again.
Related FAQs to dogs and ferret!
Can ferrets eat dog food?
It is not recommended to feed a ferret dog food. Dog food is low in proteins and fat, while ferrets require a much higher amount.
Can dogs eat cat food?
Yes, dogs can safely eat cat food. However, feed your pup a small quantity of it because cat food is high in protein.
What weird foods can dogs eat?
Dogs can eat vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and corn. They can also eat peanut butter in small amounts.
Concluding our thoughts on whether dogs can eat ferret food
You can be sure that feeding ferret food to your dog is synonymous with inviting unnecessary illnesses. It may seem tasty to your dog’s palate but remember, your dog does not know what is good for their health. It is your job to take care of it! Only feed your pup food that has the proper nutritional balance and is safe for it to eat.
