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Nutritionists recommend that meals should include an adequate source of essential nutrients called vitamins. While the importance of these nutrients is generally accepted for humans, it is not less important for other animal species, especially ferrets.
Ferrets are classified as obligate carnivores by scientists, meaning that they rely mainly on meat for their nutritional needs because they lack the physiology to digest vegetable food.
The ferret possesses a small gastrointestinal tract to body ratio (5 times compared to 8 to 10 times in a cat). This means that digestion is rapid, and absorption is also inefficient.
Since ferrets do not adequately consume vegetables containing vitamins, their meal has to be supplemented with vitamins to compensate for this deficiency.
The best way to ensure that ferrets have an adequate supply of these essential nutrients is to provide them with vitamin supplements.
When selecting vitamin supplements for ferrets, experience has shown that palatability has to be considered as these animals are very selective in the food they consume.
Hence, special care must be taken to ensure that the ferret would readily consume the supplement chosen.
Some of the best vitamin supplements that can be found on Amazon include the following:
Ferretvite High-calorie Vitamin Supplement
One of the most popular choices among ferret owners is the 8 in 1 Ferretvite High-calorie Vitamin supplement, 4.25 oz./ 4 pack.
This particular delicious ferret vitamin paste is well-loved by ferrets all over and contains essential fatty acids and taurine.
Some key ingredients of this protein supplement include:
- Sugar molasses- giving it that delicious taste that ferrets love
- Folic acid
- Riboflavin
- Lecithin
- Ascorbic acid (source of Vitamin C)
- dl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (source of vitamin E)
- Cholecalciferol (Source of Vitamin D3)
- Niacinamide
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
- Vitamin A
- Thiamine Hydrochloride
- Taurine-an amino sulfonic acid that is not stored in the body of the ferret and needs to be supplemented regularly.
Interestingly, this particular vitamin paste can be given to ferrets that are ill and would not eat food.
Pros:
- It helps in proper energy metabolism and improved nerve function
- Aids in improved vision and skin health
- It leads to an enhanced digestive system
- Also helps to regulate minerals such as calcium within the cells of the ferret
Cons:
- It can lead to increased thirst
- It can also lead to increased urination
Marshall Furovite
This is another favorite among ferret owners. The paste means that ferrets can easily consume it.
This particular vitamin supplement has been adequately prepared with all the right ingredients to ensure that the nutritional needs of the ferret are well managed.
Key elements such as Ascorbic acid, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 supplement, Vitamin A Palmitate, Folic acid, Cholecalciferol, Taurine, and Lecithin.
This particular vitamin paste can also be given to ferrets that are ill and would not eat food. It can be mixed in their diet or even combined with their medicine.
Pros:
- Improved protein metabolism
- It aids the body of the ferret to produce more red blood cells
- It improves immune system health
Cons:
- It can lead to increased thirst
- Diarrhea is also a disadvantage that can result from this.
Ferret owners recommend this particular product for use in the meal of ferrets.
Some owners even report on the effectiveness of this product in distracting ferrets so that their nails can be clipped or the ears cleaned.
Other users have had much success in using it to calm a distressed ferret and administer medicine.
Beaphar Multi-vitamin/malt Paste
Beaphar Multi-vitamin/malt paste is one of the best vitamin paste for ferrets out there. This product combines unique product design and packaging with the results of the beaphar research into improving the nutritional diet of these animals.
Much research has been carried out to produce this particular brand of product. This has culminated in the introduction of a specific ingredient biMos, which aids digestion and also helps to prevent an upset in the tummy of the ferret.
Additional ingredients have also been introduced to ensure that hairballs do not form in the stomach (a common occurrence during the molting season).
Pros:
- It aids in iron absorption
- Helps in improved absorption of calcium and phosphorus
- It helps in maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance in the cells of the ferret
Cons:
- The increased sugar level of the ferret
- Diarrhea is also a disadvantage that can result from this.
Many ferret owners have found much success in combining this product while administering medicine to ill ferrets.
It has also been used for ferrets that have refused to eat. Adding some Beaphar Multi-vitamin/malt paste to the meal or using it alone has done the trick in most cases.
Many ferret owners also report that this product has also been useful in the training of ferrets.
Tomlyn High-calorie Nutritional Gel For Ferrets
Tomlyn High-Calorie Nutritional Gel for ferrets is one of the trusted names in the ferret market. The Tomlyn brand has been in the market since 1976, attesting to its expertise in this particular animal sector.
This product has been prepared to give the nutritional gel that malt tastes that ferrets just cannot resist.
Ingredients In Tomlyn High-calorie Nutritional Gel For Ferrets
This product has been formulated to provide the ferret with the very best when it comes to nutritional supplements.
Key elements include malt syrup, dl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Niacin supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Vitamin A palmitate, Vitamin D supplement, Riboflavin 5’-Phosphate Sodium (source of vitamin B2 and Phosphorus).
One distinct advantage is that this brand has been in the market for a very long time, making it a trusted brand for providing the nutritional needs of ferrets.
This brand is registered with the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) and proudly bears the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal of approval.
Pros:
- It regulates the immune system of the ferret
- Aids in antioxidant function
- Helps to regulate minerals such as calcium within the cells of the ferret
- It is beneficial for ferrets that have problems digesting hairballs
- Improves the heart health of the ferret
- Improves the strength of the joints of the ferret
- It promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat
Cons:
- It can also lead to increased urination
- Diarrhea
Tomlyn High-Calorie Nutritional Gel for Ferrets has been formulated so that ferrets can easily absorb it.
It contains ingredients that stimulate the appetite of ferrets, making it the welcome choice for ferrets that are having difficulty in eating their meals.
It has also proven to be very useful in taking care of depressed ferrets. The gel contains calories and vitamins, making it ideal for sick or even aging ferrets.
Growing kits also benefit from this product as it provides them with the caloric boost needed to enable them to develop into healthy and robust adult ferrets.
Ferretone Skin/coat Supplement
Ferretone Skin/Coat Supplement for ferrets is another product from the Eight in one (8 in 1) family.
This product has been formulated, applying scientific principles to ensure that the ferret is provided with essential nutritional value.
Routine use of this product offers ferrets the vitamins and minerals that they need for their development, keeping them healthy all year round.
Ingredients In Ferretone Skin/coat Supplement
Ferretone Skin/Coat Supplement has been prepared to provide your ferret with the nutritional value it needs for proper growth and good health.
Key ingredients include soybean oil, Vitamin D3 supplement, Vitamin E supplement, Lecithin, Vitamin A supplements, and Biotin.
Pros:
- It Improves the skin health of the ferret
- It leads to an improved digestive system
Cons:
- Excessive consumption can result in Diarrhoea
Ferret owners all over have recommended this product for use. It is especially useful in ferrets who are losing their fur or those with patchy hair.
It has also proven very useful when administering medication to ill ferrets. Mixing it would the drug makes even the yuckiest of substances a treat.
This product is intended for intermittent or supplementary feeding only.
Frequently Asked Questions (faqs)
Why Do Ferrets Need Vitamin Supplements?
The physiology of the digestive system of ferrets means that the absorption of nutrients in the meal they consume is inefficient. The result is that ferrets lack essential vitamins that are needed for their growth and development.
The solution to this particular challenge is to utilize vitamin supplements to augment the nutritional needs of the ferret.
What Should I Not Feed My Ferret?
Some people make the error of feeding their ferrets dog or adult cat food. These foods are unhealthy for the ferret. Dairy products are also not a good source of food to feed ferrets.
Cereal proteins and grains should also not be included in the meal of a ferret.
How Often Should I Feed My Ferret?
Ferrets should be fed 6-8 times daily under normal circumstances. However, since this can be tedious, leaving pellets out throughout the day will allow them to eat whenever they are hungry.
How Can I Administer The Vitamin Supplement To My Ferret?
Each brand of vitamin paste contains instructions on the quantity of the product that should be administered to the ferret and can be found in the section called Feeding Instruction.
For example, the Tomlyn High-Calorie Nutritional Gel for ferrets should be administered as follows; one-eight tsp per pound of body weight daily.
If your pet is not consuming its full ration, apply 1/4 tsp per pound of body weight daily.
You can put a small amount of the paste on its nose or in its mouth to acquaint your pet with the flavor.
Final Words
Taking care of a Ferret is no mean feat at all, as the curious nature of these small animals can make them wander into places that they are not supposed to be.
This task becomes even more difficult if their nutritional needs are not well catered for.
Every ferret owner wants to have a healthy ferret. A ferret that is lively and active, one whose growth and development are not hindered by nutritional deficiencies present in conventional ferret food.
These animals also deserve the best care possible.
This can only be guaranteed when their owners pay close attention to the food they consume. Thus, providing them with the adequate vitamin supplements necessary for their proper growth and development, especially while they are still little kids so that they can grow into healthy ferret adults.
Purrfect n’ Pawesome is the brainchild of Amanda, who has been into researching and writing about pets to help other pet parents in nurturing their adorable pets. Currently, she runs Purrfect n’ Pawesome along with her team of experienced and dedicated pet experts. Along with being an awesome writer and entrepreneur, Amanda is a cat mom to two innocently spoiled cats, Balanca and Scruffy.
She has been writing about pet care and nurturing and wants to share her readers’ experiences, learnings, and knowledge.
Over the years, she had the opportunity to work with various pet owners having multiple breeds, and that exposure gave her experience and the lessons of a lifetime.
Her family, her entire universe revolves around her two cats, who give her endless support and inspiration to move ahead with her objectives in life. Amanda is a live example of a balanced approach to all parenthood questions we all face in life.
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