Ferrets are popular pets in the United States. They’re cute and cuddly and very playful, so it’s no surprise that they’re so popular.
But can ferrets eat cabbage? We’ll answer this question and more about these furry creatures that make such great pets.
What is cabbage ?
Cabbage is a leafy vegetable that belongs to the cruciferous family, which also includes broccoli and cauliflower. Cabbage can be green, red or purple in color, depending on its variety and age.
The word “cabbage” comes from the Latin word “caput,” meaning head–so named because its leaves resemble heads with long stems attached to them.

Cabbages contain many vitamins and minerals including vitamin C (good for your immune system), folate (which helps prevent birth defects) as well as potassium that helps control blood pressure levels by reducing fluid retention in your body’s cells; plus they’re packed with antioxidants too!

Can ferrets eat cabbage? The simple answer is no.
The simple answer is no. Ferrets are carnivores, not omnivores. They have the digestive system of a carnivore and cannot digest cabbage or other vegetables well at all.
This will cause health problems for your ferret if you feed it vegetables like cabbage or kale, even if they are cooked or pureed into.

Why can’t ferrets eat cabbage ?
Ferrets are carnivores, so they don’t need any vegetables in their diet.
It’s actually a myth that ferrets eat cabbage—they can’t even digest it.
Cabbage is high in fiber and contains no nutrients that ferrets need.
They also can’t digest it because they lack the enzyme needed to break down cellulose, which is found in whole grains and vegetables.
Cabbage is not good for ferrets because it contains too much fiber and can have a negative effect on the digestive system.
Ferrets are carnivores, which means that their bodies are designed to eat meat. When you feed them foods that are not meat, like cabbage, it can lead to a condition called megacolon.
Megacolon is an enlargement of the colon (the last part of the digestive system) that causes the animal to lose control over its bowel movements. The result is often diarrhea and constipation or the inability to defecate at all.
If you suspect your ferret has this condition, take him or her to your veterinarian immediately.
What are the side effects of feeding ferrets with cabbage?
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Sudden weight loss
- Kidney failure
- Malnutrition

Cabbage and other vegetables in general are not good for ferret digestion.
Ferrets are carnivores, not omnivores. They have a short digestive tract and can’t digest vegetables well. Ferrets need to eat meat, bones and healthy treats in order to get the nutrients they need for good health.
In addition to being a poor source of protein (ferrets need high-quality protein), cabbage can cause gas which can lead to bloat (a serious condition where too much air accumulates in the stomach).
Cabbage also contains goitrogens that may increase thyroid hormone production in your pet’s body; this could result in hyperthyroidism if consumed regularly over time.
Will eating cabbage kill a ferret ?
No eating cabbage will not kill a ferret but it can cause a host of health problems in them.
A lot of people ask if ferrets can eat cabbage, but it’s not a good choice for them. Cabbage contains a lot of water and very little nutritional value, so it’s mostly filler food.
If you feed your ferret regular amounts of cabbage over time, they may develop health problems like:
- Stomach problems (bloating)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Intestinal issues (gas)

Can ferret kits eat cabbage ?
Ferret kits can’t eat cabbage.
You should feed ferrets with a good quality ferret food, and not give them cabbage or any other vegetables.
What should ferrets ideally eat ?
Ferrets are carnivores, which means they need to eat meat, bones and healthy treats. They should avoid vegetables and fruits.

Ferrets are carnivores, meaning they require meat in their diet. They should not be fed vegetables or fruits because these foods do not contain the nutrients ferrets need to stay healthy.
Dairy products should also be avoided as well as grains, nuts and seeds.
Final verdict : can ferrets eat cabbage ?
Ferrets are carnivores, so they need to eat meat and other animal products. Cabbage is not an ideal food for ferrets because it’s hard to digest and can cause health problems in your ferret if you feed it too much cabbage.

If you want to give your ferret a treat, try giving them some cooked chicken or rabbit instead of cabbage!
In conclusion, we can say that cabbage is not an ideal food for ferrets. It can cause many health problems .
So make sure you do not feed your ferret with cabbage at all costs!
We hope this blog post has answered any nutrition-related questions you had about whether ferrets can eat cabbage or not! If there is anything else we didn’t cover in detail or if you still have more specific questions on this topic, feel free to reach out with your concerns by clicking the contact button below.
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Contact us today by leaving your questions in the “Ask A Question” segment and let us help you make the best choices for your beloved pet.
Meow For Now 😉
XoXo
Genie