Ferrets are extremely expressive animals, although it is not always clear how to interpret what they are trying to communicate. Bad odor, bulky stools, listlessness or dull coat are problems signs that many guardians normalizebut they may hide an underlying problem.
According to Isabel Peña, expert in ferret nutrition and education with more than 15 years of experience and broadcaster through Little paws at homebehind these symptoms there is generally the same origin: a diet not adapted to its species.
Peña reminds that “ferrets are strict carnivores,” meaning their bodies are designed to obtain nutrients “from meat, organ meats, fleshy bones and animal fat, not the carbohydrates, flour, by-products and sugars that food usually contains.” When this biology is not respected, the body reacts and signs begin to appear. which, he warns, should not be considered normal.
Among the most frequent manifestations There are bulky and very odorous stools (a ferret that assimilates its food well produces small and odorless stools), a rough and dull coat or with excessive excretions, changes in body odor, gas, intestinal noises or recurrent digestive episodes.
“Diarrhea, occasional vomiting, lack of energy, or difficulty gaining muscle mass may also occur,” says Peña. “These signs are clear: They are the body that says “This is not what I need”“.
The specialist insists that the problem does not come from the lack of interest of tutors, but THE widespread disinformation. “Most of us started to believe that animal food was the best food there was,” he admits. “I was there too. Change is scary, but staying the same also has a price…and your health pays the price.”
Most of us started out believing that food was the best there was. I was there too
This is why it invites you to reflect. “Does what you eat nourish you…or does it make you sick?” ask. “The good news is that ferrets improve dramatically when they are given a diet more consistent with their nature.”
Peña says he sees it daily: more energy, better mood, smaller and less odorous stoolsand visibly healthier hair. “It’s not magic. It’s respecting their needs,” he summarizes.
For those who identify any of these symptoms but don’t know where to start, Peña offers personalized support. “If you have seen any of these signs and you don’t know where to start to improve your diet, write to me. I will accompany you without judgment, step by step, so that your ferret has the health it deserves,” he concludes.
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