Dr. Williams,
 
Thank you so much for responding to my question regarding softened foods.
I'm relieved to know that Snickers can continue on this diet with a little
assistance from me in taking care of her teeth.  Thankfully she continues
to eat small amounts of the dry kibble when I am not there to hand feed
her - but I will be sure to keep an eye on the condition of her teeth.
 
Another question I graciously ask your opinion on is soy protein.  Included
with Snickers softened food, I have been supplementing her with a liquid
diet of First Born Formula (used for nursing kittens) diluted with soy
protein (milk) and water.  Three of my kids have absolutely gone nuts over
this liquid.  I'm quite enthusiastic because it seems to be an excellent
food source for sick ferrets that need to add weight or ferrets who have
stopped eating.
 
Someone mentioned to me that soy is not an acceptable food source for
ferrets.  I have been a vegetarian for over 8 years and have replaced meat
products with soy protein (tofu).  I have not had any health problems
related to the lack of meat in my diet.  I have always believed that soy
milk was a "good" product for anyone that could stomach the flavor.  Let me
stress that this is not the ONLY food source my ferrets are receiving - it
is just in addition to their kibbles and mush.  But mostly it has been for
my sick ferret and also a reward source for my other two who are very
healthy.
 
Can you please enlighten me if I am jeopardizing my ferrets' health?  How
long can I continue to give this liquid mixture without compromising their
health?
 
Thanks again Dr. Williams, I appreciate your expertise and will respect
your opinion!
 
Sincere dooks~
 
Tanya G.
[Posted in FML issue 3303]