*Note that freeze dried TREATS are NOT a balanced meal, but great treats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Your ferret’s feet may slip on the floor of a bath or sink. However, something very important to keep in mind – treats are given primarily for the human’s pleasure. Is it only a treat, and does this cause health concerns when given too little or too often? It is the best choice for the first 48 hours. American Journal of Pathology. As mentioned above, sugar increases the risk of developing insulinoma. Chen, C., Pearson, A.M., Gray, J.I. Fat Excretion: The quantitative relations of the fecal lipoids. Below are some Do’s and Don’ts for giving treats to your ferrets. Duck eggs: Many ferrets have difficulties with how incredibly rich duck eggs are. Health experts recommend serving salmon to pets to maintain good digestion. Never give your ferrets essential oils for ingestion. Many Salmon Oils use Rosemary Extract as a preservative. 75: 149-155. da Silva Lima, R., Block, J. My dog is just 2 years old and I am feeding him salmon which keeps him fit and healthy. To read more, read our page on Raw Eggs, and note the bottom article about safety concerns. Next, get a bottle of your ferret's preferred oil (whether salmon oil, Ferretone, coconut oil). These are also great sources of omega-3 fatty acids which help skin, coat, and heart health.Â. You can use coconut oil to help your skin … Consider using a rubber so she can stand steady and therefore feel safe; Having some of your ferret’s favorite toys in the water can help her relax during the bath, as well. Journal of Dietary Supplements. Overall, supplementing with salmon oil is good for pet health; however, too much of a good thing may have adverse effects. Let's see your best ferret photos, videos, and stories! HFF may receive a small percentage of your purchase price as a result of connecting our visitors directly with products that we have found useful in caring for our ferrets. 1: e9-e16. One simple option is to add salmon to your weekly meal plan. (1986). Mechanisms of increased gastric protection after NSAID-administration in rats consuming virgin olive oil diets. Furthermore, if a ferret’s diet is properly balanced and varied, additional vitamin/nutritional supplementation is not needed. Moderate coconut oil supplement ameliorates growth performance and ruminal fermentation in Hainan Black Goat kids. Make sure it has preservatives so it could last for long. We still have very little consistent and reputable data about the benefits and effects of coconut oil use in humans’ health, which is being studied intensively, much less knowing enough about its use in our carnivorous pets. One of the most popular and convenient ways to use Salmon Oil is to give it from a dropper bottle. Cod Liver oil ingested in excess can cause Vitamin A toxicity (unlikely when giving only a small amount of laxative, but important to be aware of). The glucose-lowering effects of coconut oil: A case report and review of the literature. If they handle a small amount of yolk well, then the next meal you can whisk some yolks and whites together and try offering a slightly larger amount. (2019). If your ferret has soft stools, you are giving too much oil and need to cut back. Journal of Biological Chemisty. 4: 521-562. Food Chemistry. The ferret's scent is partially due to the natural oils from the ferret's skin. Iranloye, B., Oludare, G., Olubiyi, M. (2013). In addition to its cancer promoting properties, dietary BHT has been shown to cause liver and kidney damage in rats. Ekeleme-Egedigew, C., Nwali, S., Agbo, N., Obi, J., Ezechukwu, G. (2017). As such, we simply cannot recommend the use of coconut oil in ferrets without more data.Â. If they experience GI upset, vomiting, or diarrhea, then they should not be offered any further duck eggs. Alarcon de la Lastra, C., Barranco, M.D., Martin, M.J., Herrerias, J., Motilva, V. (2002). Recommended Dose for Salmon Oil is up to 1tsp per ferret per week (preferably spread over the course of the … Pets fed excessive amounts of salmon oil … Hence, they could be included in the diet of your ferret. Regarding salmon oil, what is the maximum amount they should have weekly/daily? An ideal meal for a baby ferret should be a combination of raw meat, water, and low lactose milk 4 times a day. I mix canned salmon, tuna or sardines in my dogs’ kibble at least once a week. After 48 hours with our vet’s blessing; we switch from the canned wet food to our duck soup for a few … Unless a treat consists of meat-based ingredients only, with minimal preservatives, we do not recommend their use in ferrets.Â. Note: When feeding raw egg, it is important to feed the WHOLE egg, or the Yolks only. Grizzly Salmon Oil: One of the most popular brands. © Copyright Holistic Ferret Forum 2011-2020. Yes, it’s perfectly fine to feed your ferret fish oil, salmon oil, or veggie oil, as a treat. Fish Oil can be made from many different varieties of fish and quality varies significantly from product to product. Liquid forms of salmon oil are easy to adjust the dose, especially for smaller dogs. Mineral oil is not recommended for ingestion; this is an old constipation remedy that has since been found to be unsafe due to a risk of lipoid pneumonia with inhalation of small particles of the oil when ingesting it.Â. Shampoo your ferret. Ferret oil or "Ferretone" is simply a blend of oils such as Rapeseed, Sunflower, Salmon and Cod Liver oil with a few vitamins and minerals. If they will accept EVO, you can slowly add an increasing amount of salmon/fish oil into their dropper bottle to introduce them to the taste and transition them over to salmon/fish oil. Motilva, V., Sanches-Fidalgo, S., Barranco, M.D., Herrerias, J.M., Alarcon de la Lastra, C. (2008). The following are 2 recipes that I’ve used for homemade ferret treats, that my ferrets eat and love with no problems. Half a teaspoon is too much for one dose of either Ferretone or salmon oil. Be sure to always READ THE INGREDIENT LIST of any product you purchase prior to feeding it to your ferrets, so that you can determine if it should be fed, and in what capacity. While these studies are small and were not conducted in ferrets, H pylori and ulcers are problems ferrets are relatively common issues in ferrets; therefore, it is proposed that it may be beneficial to offer the occasional EVO as a treat or supplement. They should not … 2. Some other oils like you mentioned are salmon oil, fish oil, and Totally Ferret Vivify oil (which is an Emu oil.) But this is the only treat my ferret likes… If your ferret will not accept salmon/fish oil as an alternative to ferretone or vitamin paste, you can put some into a dropper bottle and slowly add an increasing amount of salmon/fish oil into their dropper bottle to introduce them to the taste and transition them over to salmon/fish oil. Final report on the safety assessment of BHT(1). Do not duplicate or disseminate this information without the express written consent of the Holistic Ferret Forum or the original author of this document. Varieties of Fish Oil include (but are not limited to): Krill Oil, Sardine Oil, Trout Oil, Pollock Oil, Anchovy Oil. Contrary to popular belief, while Rosemary OIL can cause problems, the EXTRACT does not pose a significant health concern. It can also be used to help entice them to try new foods by drizzling it on top. Our goal is to help ferrets live their best lives through education and community building. Salmon oil is made from animal proteins and is fully digestible and provides actual health benefits like improved skin and fur health. Welcome to the forum. As such, we strongly recommend against the use of any product containing BHT. Quail eggs are rich in nutrients and a very popular treat. We also do not know whether the specific types of fats found in coconut oil are in a healthy balance for a carnivore’s diet. Because ferrets have not tasted this before, we have found that if you add a drizzle of Furo-tone / Salmon oil (or whatever oil you currently give your ferret ) will entice the ferret to try it. As SherryLynn suggested, I highly recommend about a dime-size amount of fish body oil (salmon oil, sardine, oil, etc. 38 (2): 151-160. Ensure that your ferret has enough mental stimulation and physical activity to tire them out each day and prevent boredom, and that they have a proper diet. To clean a ferret’s ears, … This means that it is very important to use EVO ONLY IN MODERATION. Treats can be a great way to provide positive reinforcement for training purposes, giving medications, and for a light snack. Any treat you give should be something that is HEALTHY for the ferret and that aligns with their natural carnivorous diet. Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. Feel free to post any questions you have on our Facebook Group to get some more feedback and ideas in dealing with your chewer. What should a ferret eat? International Journal of Toxicology. Lindenschmidt, R.C., Tryka, A.F., Goad, M.E., Witschi, H.P. Pacific salmon may contain flukes that cause salmon poisoning if it has not been frozen for at least 7 days or cooked before being fed. It particularly lacks calcium due to the immature skeletal system, and some ferrets fed diets heavy in juvenile whole prey have had significant health issues due to malnutrition. 43 (3): 177-183. We simply do not know if the fats in plant based oil might have too much of specific fats that they don’t need/could possibly be unhealthy in excess. (2020). Small smelt fish or mackerel, and raw prawns can be offered as an occasional treat. European e-Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. I believe you should give salmon to your pet. Food and Chemical Toxicology. IMPORTANT NOTE: Ferrets should not need a laxative on a routine basis. Additionally, rawhides are highly processed using glues, dyes, and preservatives. If you are worried that your ferret is mildly constipated, or could develop constipation, due to “hairballs” (bezoars), we recommend the use of whole raw egg in their regular diet as a preventive measure during shedding season. Research in Veterinary Science. EVO has been shown in some small studies (conducted in vitro, and on rats and humans) to have gastroprotective benefits, including potentially reducing the risk of H. pylori, and protect the stomach against gastric ulcers and inflammation with NSAID use. While we generally do not advocate using plant products for ferrets, EVO is one exception. Canine hyperlipoproteinemia and atherosclerosis: Accumulation of lipid by aortic medial cells in vivo and in vitro. Romero, C., Medina, E., Vargas, J., Brenes, M., DeCastro, A. Just squirt on your dog's food. If you decide to try duck eggs, we recommend starting with a very small amount of the yolk first to test how your ferret tolerates it. The chewy texture is great for ferrets who like chewing or have rubber fixations. Coconut oil: What do we really know about it so far? A good brand of salmon oil to buy is Grizzly Salmon Oil. Learn why you should not wash your ferret or give your ferret a bath regularly! It is critical that their play space be well Ferret Proofed, and that any items your ferret has a penchant for chewing be REMOVED until the behavior stops – even the bedding if necessary. So breaking it down…these laxatives have vaseline, oil, and sugar. HFF uses any funds generated to help area rescues, as well as to sponsor Rescuers Relief and Euel and Connie’s Wooly Flyer ferret wheelchairs. Of note, most ferrets treat these more as  toys and less as edible treats. Given whole they are fun for ferrets to roll around and crack open. We like to use salmon oil, as long as it’s in moderation. Check out this helpful article on Rawhides to learn more: Why Rawhide is Dangerous for Your Dogs! Ferrets LOVE oil and will often do anything for a lick of it! Most importantly, ferret just aren’t made to eat plants so why would they need plant-oils added to their diet? A balanced diet and proper nutrition will lead your ferret to a long, active, and healthy life. Journal of Dairy Science. If you are looking for an all-natural treat for your beloved pet, then giving him an egg is a good choice. Oils, regardless of their origin, are simply fats. However, they do require supervision to ensure they are not eaten in one sitting. ( function() { Thanks for your question. Malaeb, S., Spoke, C. (2020). Salmon oil is one of the best treats you can give your ferrets. Not only do they love it, but it is a fantastic supplement and is easy to give with meds or from a dropper bottle. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. EDIT: Sassy is wrong. Fish oil soft-gels are usually large and quite difficult to get dogs to swallow. Fish oil can result in itchy skin for some ferrets, and won’t necessarily do the ferret any good health wish. Their small size allows them to be used more frequently without overdoing the egg content of the diet. If you have a chewer on your hands, we recommend that you take your ferret to your veterinarian to be assessed for a medical cause of the chewing. Ever. I bought the 182 ferret nation cage, and I have ordered some liners from Etsy, but they're quite pricey, does anyone have any good recommendations for cheap … If your ferret ingests a piece of rawhide, it could be devastating. Small slivers/chunks of raw meat are a great treat for training and rewards. Hand feeding slivers of their regular food also helps them get used to hand feeding and makes for a great bonding opportunity. into a paste. If you are concerned about severe constipation (from any cause) or a blockage, please see our page on the Blockage Protocol and call your vet immediately.Â, There are many other processed treats that are marketed towards ferrets or cats that you may be tempted to offer. It can be tricky to get your ferrets to accept the flavor of Salmon Oil at first, and can be helpful to initially dilute it with a treat that they already like. 47: 283-2790. Salmon oil is made from animal proteins and is fully digestible and provides actual health benefits like improved skin and fur health. EVO (olive oil) can also help with this transition as it is more mildly flavored; see above. Ideally, your ferret should only be submerged up to her chest. Mahley, R., Innerarity, T., Weisgraber, K., Fry, D. (1977). The soup would help them out, giving them omega fatty acids and everything else. They are often referred to by ferret lovers and vets alike as “little cancer machines.” Anything that could increase their risk of developing cancers should be avoided whenever possible. If you are unable to find a good source of Salmon Oil, Fish Oil is also a good, healthy treat for your ferret. The most popular method to keep your ferret cooperative while you cut their nails is to place a pea-sized amount of oil (salmon oil or Ferretone work fine) on the middle of their belly. Incorporating salmon oil into your diet is easy. Sperry, W., Bloor, W.R. (1924). Juvenile whole prey lacks the nutrients to be considered acceptable as a regular meal-item. A good brand of salmon oil to buy is Grizzly Salmon … This allows you to give them treats daily, without giving them too much because they only get a drop or two at a time. This is something that you can make at home as needed by mixing a small amount of 100% petroleum jelly and salmon/fish oil (sugar not needed!) Homemade Ferret Jerkey It’s used as a supplement to enhance canine health, but in some cases, it does more harm than good.Dogs need specific amounts of omega-3 fatty acids to maintain shiny coats and healthy skin. Are there particular brands of salmon oil to get/avoid? Extra-virgin olive oil =-enriched diets reduce indomethacin-induced gastric oxidative damage in rats. These products generally contain vegetable/plant based ingredients (which means that they have carbs – aka sugar! We recommend giving up to one (chicken) egg per ferret per week as part of a regular diet, or up to 2-3 eggs per week as tolerated during shedding season. What's a healthier supplement for ferrets, ferretone or salmon oil? Young ferrets who are removed from their mothers are more likely to chew inappropriately due to being weaned too early; in some this can develop into a persistent behavioral issue (Pica), but most will outgrow the behavior.Â. If it is given the right kind of meals early on, you will not have to struggle with its eating habits in the future. Rawhide treats/products should NEVER be offered to your ferret or frankly, any pet. Distinct effects of virgin coconut oil supplementation on the glucose and lipid homeostasis in non-diabetic and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Dietary supplementation with virgin coconut oil improves lipid profeil and hepatic antioxidant status and has potential benefits on cardiovascular risk indices in normal rats. Seek advice, share your knowledge. It is important to note that ferrets DO NOT need “chew toys.” They are not habitual chewers like dogs. Dried Rabbit Ears can be a great treat/toy. I have tried the flax seed oil, and I've found that the fish body oil has produced the nicest coats and sin. 2020 (8841781): 1-6. Ferrets most definitely love to eat whole eggs. Durasevic, S., Nikolic, G., Zalatel, I., Grigorov, I., Memon, L., Mitic-Culafic, D., Vujovic, P., Dordevic, J., Todorovic, Z. This is done at no additional cost to you, the buyer. We all love giving treats to our ferrets – there is so much joy in watching them enjoy a tasty morsel. Journal of Diabetes Mellitus. Also, the large size means that the entire egg should not be fed in one sitting. If your ferret has a chewing problem, this can be an indication of an underlying medical issue; chewing is frequently a sign of dental or stomach pain. 65 (103601): 1-11. According to Veterinarians and other medical professionals: 1. And eggs, just like salmon, are great sources of protein. Two very popular and reputable brands of Salmon Oil (click on names for link) are: Yummy Chummy Salmon Oil: Made with fresh, wild-caught Alaskan Salmon and processed in Anchorage Alaska. 7 (622259): 1-10. Another great treat for your ferrets. Furthermore, there are several studies noting that coconut oil may lower blood glucose and increase insulin sensitivity – while this might be beneficial in humans, lowering the blood glucose of ferrets, who are prone to insulinoma, could prove quite dangerous. Effects of synthetic antioxidants (BHA, BHT, and PG) on the mutagenicity of IQ-like compounds. The use of FerreTone and similar products is not recommended, due to the use of the preservative BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), which is a known carcinogen. They are so much fun to play with, to watch them sleep, and to … Toxicology. (1992). All of the material on this site is an original work of authorship of the Holistic Ferret Forum or the individual original author mentioned herein. If feeding freeze dried meat products that contain vegetable/plant matter, ensure that the vegetable/plant content is <5% of the ingredients.Â, Important Note: Freeze dried food is a dry food product and is very dehydrating when fed dry, Freeze dried food should ONLY be offered dry as a treat. Check our our page on Vaseline. Be sure to read the ingredients and look for products without additional additive ingredients. Annual Review of Nutrition. These oils are great supplements and do wonders for their fur. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Journal of functional foods. Ferrets do not NEED treats, but as humans we derive great pleasure from giving them treats. The Holistic Ferret Forum (HFF) will not ever sell or share your information or use it in any way not authorized by you. Bathing ferrets is a somewhat controversial topic. Shi, L., Zhang, Y., Wu, L., Xun, W., Liu, Q., Cao, Ting, Hou, G., Zhou, H. (2020). How much of it should be given? As an infant, your ferret will adapt to eating whatever you feed it. https://www.chewy.com/iceland-pure-pet-products-unscented/dp… Ferrets are very prone to developing many different cancers at baseline, including lymphoma, sarcomas, insulinoma, malignant adrenal tumors, and more. Journal of Agricultural and Food Cemistry. There's usually no dosage instructions on soft-gels for dogs. One of the most popular and convenient ways to use Salmon Oil is to give it from a dropper bottle.