Exotic pet Raccoons make very interesting pets. They are curious, mischievous, playful, and get into everything. Exotic Pet raccoons eat quite a variety of foods. There are no formulated raccoon-specific diets but there are pre-made omnivore diets ready for you to purchase which can provide a proper, well-balanced diet for your pet raccoon. In addition to using an omnivore-based diet, you can add in other food items by learning what a raccoon eats in the wild.
Despite their reputation for being meddlesome, disease-carrying scavengers, raccoons are highly intelligent, playful creatures that can make great pets if cared for properly. These nocturnal, opportunistic creatures have adapted extremely well to life in suburbia, feeding on the garbage of households across America. In captivity, raccoons will eat everything from table scraps to high-protein cat food.
Proper nutrition is vital for the health and well-being of exotic pet Raccoons, whether they are pets or being rehabilitated. As omnivore creatures, Raccoons require a balanced and specialized diet to meet their nutritional needs. In this informative article, we will explore the key elements of a specialized diet for Raccoons, helping you ensure optimal nutrition for these curious and intelligent animals.
Raccoons as Exotic Pets: Are They a Good Choice?
Exotic pet Raccoons are intelligent animals. If you come across a raccoon that has been tamed or trained you can be sure it will be your best companion. The raccoons which are tamed can be house-trained and they even show affection to their masters. However, pet raccoons have the same level of enthusiasm for playing as they have for cuddling. Although domesticated raccoons can be rather capricious and ill-tempered. They love to climb and as much as they can roam around and are not good for cages or small rooms at all. Keeping pet raccoons is a big responsibility as these animals require a lot of attention and require special supplies.
Raccoon Plant Food
- Fruits
- Berries
- Nuts
- Corn
- Grains
Raccoon Animal Food
- Insects like Grubs, Snails, Worms
- Amphibians like Frogs and Turtles
- Small mammals like Mice and Rabbits
- Birds like chicken and their eggs
- Water animals like Crayfish, Clams and Fish
What Food Does a Wild Raccoon Eat?
These animals are omnivores meaning they eat just about anything one can lay their hands on; That means they will be eating something different in summer than in spring, winter, or autumn, consuming insects, fruits, nuts, and little amphibians. The natural diet of this bird is mostly insect and plant matter in which they feed on worms, bugs, and invertebrates with fruits and other plant products. Reptiles, amphibians, birds as well as other vertebrates that are relatively small form the smallest percentage of what they feed on. What they will eat is what is out there, when it is out there and their preferences are nuts and fruits. Raccoons are omnivores or foragers and thus, depending on the type of habitat they are in, they feed off different things.
What Food Does a Pet Raccoon Eat?
An exotic pet Raccoon has to be fed rather diversely. First, use dry food for neither carnivores nor cat or dog biscuits. Include poultry, fish, or eggs. Add other fresh vegetables & a small portion of the fruit. Whole prey is also acceptable such as mice. Provide some additional foods such as gut-loaded crickets, mealworms, and earthworms. Nuts, fruits, and seeds should only be consumed occasionally.
Does a Pet Raccoon Eat Food Out of a Bowl?
Exotic Pet Raccoons can eat from a bowl, but they like it more if they have to find their food. Hide their food in boxes or put live insects in a container. This makes them think and move around, keeping them happy and less likely to get bored or cause trouble.
How Much Food Does an Exotic Pet Raccoon Eat?
A young exotic pet raccoon should be allowed to eat all the food that he or she wants in a day. Once they have reached about six months old, start limiting their diet. Quality dog food or omnivore-based dry food will have a high-calorie count; therefore, a handful goes a long way. Start with about 1/8 of a cup of dry dog food/omnivore food two to three times daily and add in some other fresh items. A tablespoon or two of fresh veggies along with some egg, chicken, insects, and an occasional mouse or fruit item should create a balanced diet without causing your raccoon to become overweight. If your raccoon looks like he has no more defined waistline or if you cannot palpate the ribs of your raccoon anymore, it is high time to take him/her to a veterinarian for advice on feeding.
How much does an exotic pet Raccoon Drink
- An exotic pet raccoon needs water for about 1 to 2 cups a day.
- The amount may differ depending on diet, activity level, and conditions surrounding the animal’s life.
- Always provide fresh water.
- Ensure that they take water in the right intake throughout the day.
Conclusion
Learning about the best diet for your pet raccoon is essential to keep it healthy and active. About the diet and needs of a pet raccoon, it is necessary to find out everything. These include dry food for omnivores or dog kibble if ever available. Include poultry and fish products, eggs, vegetables, and a small amount of fruits as well. Add whole prey and insects to give some more nutrition to the snake. They should take 1- 2 cups of water daily. They are healthy animals if provided with different foods and good health care. I like raccoons but I would like to state that they need much attention.