Every week we have a contest on our Facebook page and invite Evanger's feeders to ask a nutrition question about their pet. Our certified On-Staff Nutritionist picks one question to weigh in on. Here are this week's question and answer.
Question from Sarah Crothers:
I have two ferrets in addition to cats. Living in a small town, it is hard to find ferret food locally, so we must order online. However, sometimes we forget to reorder and they end up running out before the new food gets here.
The nutritional needs of cats and ferrets differ, so it is always best to feed the foods that are specifically formulated for each. Cats and ferrets are both carnivorous (meat-eating) species, but ferrets are even more carnivorous than cats.
Ferrets are very sensitive to carbohydrate overload and often develop a type of diabetes when sugar or starch are over fed. Also, excess carbohydrates and not enough meat can actually reduce a ferret's lifespan. Domesticated ferrets live on average five to eight years, while wild ferrets eating a natural diet often live twelve years or longer.
Evanger's has responded to ferrets' unique dietary needs by formulating three high meat content
canned diets that are free of any added sugars. The foods also contain no added salt, colorants, or preservatives. Evanger's ferret foods are maintenance diets-- they contain the necessary vitamins and minerals for all ages-- and they can also be used to supplement other foods.
So try transitioning your ferret to our Beef Dinner, Turkey Dinner, and/or Chicken Dinner by first mixing them with your current food. When your ferret is accustomed to them, feed them full time or stock your pantry for those times when you run out of kibble.
Thanks for sharing your question! We host a #GetPetHealthy Question of the Week every Monday on our Facebook page. The winner receiving a FREE bag of JERKY TREATS, so check in on Mondays at http://www.facebook.com/Evangers
Question from Sarah Crothers:
I have two ferrets in addition to cats. Living in a small town, it is hard to find ferret food locally, so we must order online. However, sometimes we forget to reorder and they end up running out before the new food gets here.
Is it safe to feed ferrets the cat's food (which contains taurine) for the short-term until their food arrives? Thank you!
Answer:The nutritional needs of cats and ferrets differ, so it is always best to feed the foods that are specifically formulated for each. Cats and ferrets are both carnivorous (meat-eating) species, but ferrets are even more carnivorous than cats.
Ferrets are very sensitive to carbohydrate overload and often develop a type of diabetes when sugar or starch are over fed. Also, excess carbohydrates and not enough meat can actually reduce a ferret's lifespan. Domesticated ferrets live on average five to eight years, while wild ferrets eating a natural diet often live twelve years or longer.
Evanger's has responded to ferrets' unique dietary needs by formulating three high meat content
So try transitioning your ferret to our Beef Dinner, Turkey Dinner, and/or Chicken Dinner by first mixing them with your current food. When your ferret is accustomed to them, feed them full time or stock your pantry for those times when you run out of kibble.
Thanks for sharing your question! We host a #GetPetHealthy Question of the Week every Monday on our Facebook page. The winner receiving a FREE bag of JERKY TREATS, so check in on Mondays at http://www.facebook.com/Evangers
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