Ferret Digestive System
Ferrets are small animals with a very fast metabolism. As carnivores, they require a high-protein diet that is very low in carbohydrates and sugars. Despite being very short for such a small animal, it has a very large stomach and a complex intestine.
A good understanding of how a ferret’s digestive system works can help keep your ferret as healthy and happy as possible.
stomach
A ferret’s stomach is basic and simple. A small stomach can hold quite a lot. 80% of a ferret’s diet is retained in his gastric cavity.
Acid in the stomach breaks down food quickly, taking about 3 hours. However, while ferrets can break down simple carbohydrates, they are less able to break down complex carbohydrates. Lipids and glucose stimulate the stomach to start releasing acids and start the digestive process.
small intestine
After the food is broken down, it is forced into the small intestine. This actually he consists of three different parts.
The first is the duodenum. Food comes here first and mixes with more digestive juices. The liver and pancreas secrete fluid here to keep the food digested.
The next two parts are the jejunum and ileum. They work together to absorb all the nutrients from food.
colon
The small intestine pushes what is left over into the large intestine. The large intestine consists of the colon and rectum. It collects all waste products, forms stool, and sends it to the rectum. Unlike humans and other animals, ferrets do not have a cecum or ileum.
pancreas and gallbladder
Other major organs that aid digestion are the pancreas and gallbladder. The pancreas secretes into the small intestine enzymes that break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
The liver has two main functions. Produces and secretes bile to purify and filter blood coming from the small intestine. Ferrets (and humans too!) need these secretions for proper digestion.
What are the nutritional needs of ferrets?
Good food and the brand name that goes with it is irrelevant. It’s good food if it contains what your ferret needs to stay healthy. This is just a quick overview of what works best and is most digestible for ferrets.
Your ferret’s food should contain:
- 35% to 30% meat protein (no by-products if possible)
- 18% to 25% fat (lower fat content is better for older, slower ferrets, otherwise keep higher)
- low carb. Limit dietary fiber to less than 3%.
- B vitamins, A, D3, E. These can be supplemented, but are more effective when included in the diet.
- Rice or corn as a binder. Rice is preferred because it is easily digested and corn can be an allergy to some ferrets.
gastrointestinal problems
There are several issues that affect a ferret’s digestive system. If you think your ferret is suffering from any of these, seek out a veterinarian.
- Gastrointestinal foreign body (swallowing something that shouldn’t be swallowed)
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
- proliferative bowel disease (prolapsed anus)
- Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines)
A healthy ferret is a happy ferret
Once you understand how the ferret’s digestive system works, you can understand the importance of having certain requirements in your diet.
Remember, you don’t have to buy the most expensive food item on the shelf. Buy the best you can within your budget. As pet parents, we all want the best for our pets. People face difficult times. Don’t feel guilty if you need to downgrade temporarily. Take care of your furry friend with all the love and care you can.
Keep them healthy and happy and they will surely reward you with love and funny behavior for years to come!
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not a substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescribing or formal, individualized advice from a veterinarian. Animals showing signs or symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2019 Tanya Huffman
comment
Daniel Reeves August 26, 2020:
I think there should be an article about the tongue of the mouth. If not, it’s a very good resource for scientific reports and the like.