They also have no cecum or ileocolic valve. They need to eat frequently, so it is best to offer food free choice. Cannabalism may increase if jills are left too long without food. Pregnancy toxemia also may result if a ferret near term is withheld food for even 24 hours. This must be in the form of high-quality meat protein with highly digestible amino acids because they digest plant proteins poorly.
Ferrets frequently develop dry brittle coats when deprived of sufficient fat in the diet.
Results should be noted in two to three weeks. In Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, ferrets are fed primarily a raw or cooked meat diet including both organ and muscle parts, with variations including the addition of dairy products, egg, meat fat, and other supplements. In these areas, ferrets seem to thrive on these diets. In the United States, the current recommendation is to feed a high-quality dry cat food or one of the specially prepared pelleted ferret foods. Check the label to determine that the protein source is primarily high-quality animal and not plant.