Food guide
Ferrets food: the complete PetFoodRate 2026 guide
Ferrets are obligate carnivores like cats, but with even faster metabolism and a shorter digestive tract. They cannot digest plant matter at all and need a diet of at least 35 percent animal protein and 20 percent fat from animal sources. Most cat food is not concentrated enough for ferrets, and dog food is fundamentally wrong for them. PetFoodRate grades ferret food from A to E on animal protein content, fat source, taurine, and absence of plant-based fillers.
What to look for
- Minimum 35 percent crude protein, ideally 40 percent or more, from animal sources
- Minimum 18 percent fat from animal sources (chicken fat, salmon oil)
- Named animal protein in the first 3 ingredients with no plant fillers
- Added taurine and L-carnitine on the label
What to avoid
- Cereals, peas, lentils, potato in the top 5 ingredients
- Fruits and vegetables (ferrets cannot digest them and they cause insulinoma)
- Generic cat food (insufficient protein, may include too much plant matter)
- Dog food (entirely wrong macronutrient profile)
Our PetFoodRate top 5 ferrets
- #1 A Totally Ferret Furet Haute Énergie 88/100 dry food
Selections by type for ferrets
Recommended brands for ferrets
Frequently asked questions
Can ferrets eat cat food?
Only premium high-protein kitten kibble in an emergency. Most adult cat food is too low in protein and may contain too many carbs. Never feed budget cat food long-term. Always prefer a ferret-specific formula like Totally Ferret or, if unavailable, the highest-protein grain-free kitten kibble you can find (Acana First Feast, Wellness CORE Kitten, Orijen Cat Kitten).
How often do ferrets need to eat?
Ferrets have a fast transit time (3 to 4 hours) and need food available 24/7. They typically eat 8 to 10 small meals throughout the day. Always leave dry food in the bowl. Fresh water must also be available at all times (some ferrets prefer a bowl, others a sipper bottle - offer both).
Are raw diets good for ferrets?
Yes if done properly. Many ferret owners feed a whole-prey raw diet (mice, chicks, quail) or a balanced raw mix similar to BARF for cats. The benefits are excellent dental health and natural nutrient profile. The risks are nutritional imbalance if not formulated carefully and bacterial contamination if hygiene is poor. Consult an exotic vet before switching, especially for older ferrets.
Compare ferrets foods side by side
Pick two products from our database and get an ingredient-by-ingredient, sub-score-by-sub-score comparison.