Excessive Weight in Ferrets

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Treatment

Treatment for obesity is a long-term project that requires serious lifestyle and dietary changes. All sweet-tasting or high-fat treats and dietary supplements should be eliminated from the ferret’s diet immediately. If possible, obese ferrets should be let out of their cages to exercise during the day.

Prevention

Obesity is a preventable disease. Limit the animal’s intake of sweet treats, and if possible, encourage exercise outside of the cage. Ferrets have a higher protein and fat requirement than cats and dogs. For general maintenance of diet in pet ferrets, a high-quality kitten or ferret chow with “animal protein” listed as the first ingredient is recommended. If you are not sure which brands are the best, ask your veterinarian for some recommendations.