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No, ferrets should never eat raisins. Blue Cross lists grapes and raisins, with chocolate, as foods poisonous to ferrets. VCA tells owners to avoid raisins and fruit because they can cause diarrhoea and swings in blood sugar, and PetMD lists raisins and other fruits as foods ferrets should not eat. If your ferret has eaten any, ring your vet.
| Safe? | No, poisonous |
|---|---|
| How much | None |
| How often | Never |
| Best served | Not at all; offer a small piece of cooked meat |
| Watch out for | Vomiting, diarrhoea, tiredness, not eating, weeing less |
Why are raisins bad for ferrets?
Two reasons. First, Blue Cross names grapes and raisins as poisonous to ferrets. Second, ferrets are obligate carnivores, like cats, and must have meat; the RSPCA calls them strict carnivores. Their bodies are not built for sugary fruit. VCA says raisins, fruit and sweets may cause diarrhoea and erratic swings in blood sugar.
Raisins, sultanas, currants and grapes
| Food | OK? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raisins | No | Blue Cross: poisonous to ferrets |
| Sultanas and currants | No | Dried grapes, the same as raisins |
| Grapes | No | Blue Cross: poisonous; see can ferrets eat grapes |
| Fruit cake, hot cross buns, flapjacks, trail mix | No | Contain raisins, plus sugar |
| Any other fruit | No | VCA and PetMD say avoid fruit for ferrets |
What if my ferret ate raisins?
- Take away the rest. Remove any raisins or food containing them.
- Work out how many. Note roughly how many and when.
- Ring your vet now. Tell them your ferret's weight and what was eaten. Do not wait for signs to appear.
- Watch closely. Look for vomiting, diarrhoea, tiredness, not eating or weeing less, and tell your vet straight away if you see any.
Do not try to make your ferret sick at home. Ring your vet, who will tell you whether to bring them in.
Sugar and ferrets
VCA explains that some ferrets develop tumours in the pancreas that make them produce too much insulin, so they can easily get low blood sugar. PetMD says many vets link this condition to feeding ferrets the wrong foods. A sweet, dried fruit like a raisin is exactly the wrong kind of food.
Safe treats instead
The RSPCA suggests pieces of meat and cat or ferret treats, in small amounts. VCA says a piece of cooked meat is fine as an occasional treat. Blue Cross says whole raw eggs in their shells can be given occasionally. Try a little plain cooked chicken.
Keep handbags, lunch boxes and children's snacks out of reach. Ferrets are curious and good at finding a dropped box of raisins.
See our ferret food list, the ferret diet guide, can ferrets eat fruit and the ferret care hub.
Questions owners ask
Are raisins toxic to ferrets?
Yes. Blue Cross lists grapes and raisins among foods poisonous to ferrets. Never give them, and ring your vet if your ferret eats any.
Can ferrets eat sultanas or currants?
No. Sultanas and currants are dried grapes, the same as raisins, and should never be given.
My ferret ate one raisin. What should I do?
Ring your vet for advice, telling them your ferret’s weight and how many were eaten. Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, tiredness or not eating.
Can ferrets eat any fruit?
No. VCA and PetMD both say ferrets should avoid fruit, which can cause diarrhoea and swings in blood sugar.
