Oxbow Essentials Natural Ferret Pellets Food (4 lb)

Species-Specific Nutrition for Obligate Carnivores

Product Description

Oxbow Essentials Natural Ferret Food is formulated exclusively for obligate carnivores, delivering 42% animal-based protein and 20% fat to support ferrets' high-energy lifestyle. The first five ingredients are animal proteins and fats, including chicken meal, chicken, and chicken fat, while purposefully excluding unnecessary plant-based ingredients like corn, peas, and potatoes that ferrets cannot properly digest.

Benefits

• Optimal Animal Protein: 97% of crude protein derives from animal sources, providing complete amino acid profiles essential for muscle maintenance and energy.
• High-Energy Fat Content: 20% fat content supports ferrets' rapid metabolism and provides sustained energy for their active lifestyle.
• Complete Nutrition: Delivers 100% of the daily recommended vitamins and minerals, including taurine (0.50%), omega fatty acids, and vitamin supplements. 
• Digestive Health Support: Excludes plant-based starches and includes prebiotics (inulin) to promote healthy gut flora in carnivorous digestive systems.
• Uniform Pellet Formula: Prevents selective feeding habits common with mixed diets, ensuring complete nutrition in every bite.

Ingredients

Guaranteed Analysis

• Crude Protein (min) ........................................ 42.00%
• Crude Fat (min) ............................................. 20.00%
• Crude Fiber (max) ........................................... 3.00%
• Moisture (max) ............................................. 10.00%
• Calcium (min) .............................................. 1.20%
• Phosphorus (min) ........................................... 0.90%
• Vitamin A (min) ....................................... 20,000 IU/kg
• Vitamin D3 (min) ...................................... 1,500 IU/kg
• Vitamin E (min) ......................................... 200 IU/kg
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids (min) ................................. 1.50%
• Omega 6 Fatty Acids (min) ................................. 4.00%
• Taurine (min) .............................................. 0.50%

Active Ingredients

Chicken Meal, Chicken, Chicken Fat, Egg Product, Gelatin, Rice Flour, Flaxseed Meal, Cassava Root Flour, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, L-Lysine, Natural Chicken Liver Flavor, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Salt, Citric Acid (preservative), White Vinegar, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Brewer's Dried Yeast, Inulin, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Rice Hulls, L-Carnitine, Vitamin E Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Copper Proteinate, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Monophosphate (Vitamin C), Mineral Oil, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Cobalt Carbonate, Calcium Iodate, Rosemary Extract.

How to Use

• Provide fresh food for free-choice feeding.
• Replenish food daily to maintain freshness.
• Adjust the amount as needed to maintain ideal body weight.
• Consult a veterinarian if underlying health conditions exist.
• Store in a cool, dry place; reseal bag after each use.

Recommended Feeding Chart

Disclaimer: This dosage information is provided by the manufacturer. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any diet for your pet.

Additional Information

Precautions

• For ferrets only; not suitable for other small pets or carnivores.
• Monitor body weight regularly and adjust portions to prevent obesity.
• Consult a veterinarian before use if the pet has underlying health conditions.
• Store in a cool, dry place to maintain nutritional integrity.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our refund policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What percentage of protein comes from animal sources?

Ans: Approximately 97% of the crude protein in Oxbow Essentials Ferret Food derives from animal sources, ensuring optimal amino acid profiles for obligate carnivores.

Q2: Can I use this food for other small pets?

Ans: No. This formula is specifically designed for ferrets' unique nutritional needs as obligate carnivores and does not meet the requirements for herbivorous or omnivorous small pets.

Q3: Why are corn, peas, and potatoes excluded from this formula?

Ans: Ferrets cannot efficiently digest plant-based starches and carbohydrates. These ingredients are excluded to prevent digestive issues and support optimal carnivorous metabolism.

Q4: How often should I feed my ferret this food?

Ans: Ferrets require free-choice feeding with fresh food always available due to their rapid metabolism and frequent eating patterns throughout the day.

Q5: What makes this superior to cat or kitten food for ferrets?

Ans: This formula provides higher protein (42% vs. 30-35%) and fat content specifically calibrated for ferret metabolism, plus essential taurine levels that standard cat foods may lack.