A healthy ferret diet is critical to making sure your favorite furry friend lives a long and happy life. Even more so than other animals, without the right nutrition ferrets can suffer serious health problems. Some people don't realize that ferrets are carnivores and as such their metabolism demands a diet low in fiber and high in protein.

Cat food used to be the best solution for providing ferrets the right balance of protein and high quality fat in a food that is also low in carbohydrates. But that was back in the 1980's. Now there are foods blended especially for ferrets. This foods have the right ingredients in the right ratios to help your ferret live a long and active life.

35% to 40% high quality protein along with 18% to 30% fat are the first things you should look for on the label of your ferret food. Then look to ensure that there is no more than 2% fiber and less than 7% ash level. And finally make sure the source of the carbohydrates are good quality like rice flower or brewer's yeast.

Also beware that some ferret foods are made of low quality frozen fish and chances are your ferret will just stick up its nose and want nothing to do with it. It's not unheard of to have a ferret be so finicky and stubborn that they will go to the point of starving themselves to death before they will eat food they don't like.

It is more expensive but worth it. The reason is that what you save on cheap food you will spend on the proper vitamin supplements. So why not just do some research and buy the right high quality ferret food to begin with.

Feeding time should be at least twice a day. This will help fuel the frisky animal's high metabolism and give him the energy to really thrive. But do not overfeed your ferret. That way you won't waste too much food. If you are using moist ferret foods pick up the food and dispose of it after 45 minutes. Supplementing the moist food with dry pellet food can help. They will keep longer and will help clean your ferret's teeth. And put out plenty of water in a bowl so he can keep hydrated enough to process that high protein diet he enjoys.

Now let's talk snacks. Only feed your ferret healthy snacks like cooked meat and eggs. Sugary snacks like candy and fruits are a big no, no as are nuts and nut products. And small ferrets have a hard time digesting grains and vegetables so steer clear of those food items. But most importantly never let your ferret eat onions. They are poison to ferrets.

Just follow these basic dietary guidelines and your ferret should live a long and active life. A healthy ferret is a happy ferret and I just gave you some good advice on how to keep your ferret healthy.

Want to find out more about ferret care, then visit Pat Jessup's site on how to choose the best ferret diet for your pet.