Ferrets can eat tuna in small quantities. In fact, they are highly nutritious for them. Tuna is a rich source of protein, omega 3- fatty acid, and other essential nutrients.
But it should be given only as a treat and not as a substitute for their meal because tuna cannot fulfill the nutritional requirement of your ferrets.
And it can make their poop extremely smelly.
So, should you feed tuna to your ferrets?
Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
Can Ferrets Eat Tuna?
Ferrets can eat tuna, that’s too, with pleasure. They are a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients.
Moreover, they are low in carbohydrates, so it’s perfect for ferrets.
But it should be given only as a treat.
This is because fish is not a staple part of their diet, and too much fish can upset their digestive system.
Additionally, tuna is an incomplete source of nutrients which means it cannot provide all the nutrients needed for their survival.
They still need to consume most of their regular food like chicken, lamb, turkey, pellets, etc.
So, it should be considered only a treat, not a staple part of their diet, and not a substitute for their regular food.
Do Ferrets Like Tuna?
Ferrets are picky eaters when it comes to their food.
In the wild, they eat animal meat, bone, organ, and other edible matters.
Fish is not something they usually eat in the wild.
Moreover, tuna has a strong taste and smell.
However, some ferrets may like the taste of tuna fish while others dislike it.
The good news is that you can always give a small bite of tuna and observe, and you will know whether your ferrets like them or not.
Whatsoever do not force your ferret to eat something they don’t like!
Is Tuna Good For Ferrets?
Yes, tuna is loaded with goodies!
Tuna can be healthy for ferrets in many ways.
They are rich in protein and amino acids which is essential for ferrets. The omega fatty acid keeps your ferret’s coat shiny and healthy.
Additionally, tuna contains selenium which prevents developing the cancer cells and improves the lifespan.
Tuna can be a great addition to their diet along with their regular meat-based diet.
It should be given in small quantities as a treat and not as a substitute for their meal.
This is because tuna cannot fulfill the nutritional requirement of your ferrets. So, they must need meat to get the rest of the nutrients for a healthy life.
Is Tuna Bad For Ferrets?
Unfortunately, it can be!
Technically ferrets are carnivores and require a high protein diet and tuna has it, but they still don’t provide all nutrients that a ferret needs.
So, ferrets can’t survive only on a fish diet; leaving them on it could lead to malnourishment.
Ferrets usually eat a meat-based diet and are not habituated to eating fish, so eating fish can conflict with their digestive process.
As a result, ferrets are likely to experience diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Keep in mind that tuna is a saltwater fish, so while feeding tuna, be aware of the risk of mercury toxicity.
Lastly, feeding tuna often makes their poop and fur smell terrible.
Can Baby Ferrets Eat Tuna?
Not really!
This is because baby ferrets are still in the developing stage, and it’s the time when they need the most nutrients for healthy growth.
Their digestive system is yet to develop is feeding something they are not habituated could lead them to digestive issues.
And not to forget, mercury could be really toxic for your baby ferrets.
So, it’s best to feed your baby ferrets a high-quality meaty diet rather than experimenting with a bunch of things.
Can Ferrets Eat Canned Tuna?
Unfortunately no!
Ferrets shouldn’t be fed canned tuna for various reasons.
Canned tuna might seem an easy treat option for ferrets but trust me; they are worst than anything.
Firstly, processed food like canned tuna is often precooked, which can do more harm than good.
This is because ferrets must eat raw meat to gain the maximum amount of nutritional benefits from the food, and cooked meat can upset their digestive system.
Additionally, canned tuna is loaded with salt, seasoning, and preservatives, and by no means should they be fed to ferrets.
So, if you want to treat your ferret with tuna, it’s best to choose fresh and raw tuna for your ferrets, and then you can steam, grill, or serve it raw.
Of course, without added seasoning – not even salt.
How Often Can Ferret Eat Tuna?
1-2 times a week should be fine!
They are a great source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids, which is essential for ferrets, but too much tuna can be harmful.
Tuna can be a great addition to their diet along with their regular meaty food like chicken, beef, turkey, or kibble.
If you are feeding fish for the first time. It’s best to start with a small portion first to adjust to their digestive system.
Keep in mind that tuna is a saltwater fish with mercury, so it should be given once in a while as a treat.
What Should I Feed My Ferrets?
It’s simple!
If you look at what they eat in the wild, you will know what you should be feeding to your ferrets.
They are obligate carnivores, meaning they should eat raw animal meat, including bones, organs, etc.
Fish contain protein and amino acids, which is good for ferrets, but it doesn’t provide them with all the nutrients they need for healthy growth.
So, it cannot be a staple part of their diet.
However, there are plenty of things that can be given to ferrets.
Raw Meat:
Meat is the primary food source for ferrets. Chicken meats are an excellent and cheap protein source for ferrets.
Minced beef, turkey, lamb, and pork are a great addition to their diet as well. And the best part is that it provides all nutrients that ferrets need. So it can be a staple part of their diet.
Bones & Organs:
Apart from quality meat, ferrets need a good amount of bones and organs in their diet to complete their nutritional requirements.
They should be fed about 10% raw bones, 5% liver, and 5% other secreting organs.
Liver, kidney, gallbladder, and other glands could be a good sources of secreting organs.
Bones provide them calcium and good exercise for their teeth, which is essential to keep them sharp.
Whole Prey:
Ferret’s diet is not completed unless whole prey is included. They are necessary for the growth of your ferrets.
This is because, in the wild, ferrets catch and eat their prey.
So to mimic their natural eating habit, you must include whole prey in their diet.
The best whole prey for your ferrets would be a mouse, rat, whole-quail, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.
These are easily available in local pet stores.
Do not temp to catch them yourself as they might have parasites.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, ferrets can eat tuna in small quantities. Tuna is rich in protein and amino acids, which are great for ferrets.
However, tuna can be given as a treat only and shouldn’t consider a staple part of their diet.
This is because tuna is not a complete nutritional food source for ferrets. Ferrets must eat high-quality food comprised of animal protein, fats, and minimal carbs.
Tuna can be a great addition to their diet along with other animal meat like chicken, beef, and turkey mixed with eggs and whole prey.
Also, tuna can make your ferret’s poop smell terrible, so it’s best to feed fish products in moderation.
As always, consult your vet before making any significant change in their diet.
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