Hi!
 
I've been reading this food debate for several days now and was concerned
about the diet I was feeding my ferrets (Max/Iams/Sci-Diet).  Must say that
William Killians's post has so far matched my findings/opinions.  But I'd
like to add a bit.
 
Everyone seems to agree that a ferret's food should include a high level of
protein (32-36% being good) and that these be from animal sources (chicken
being probably the #1 provider).  Corn shouldn't be in the first 4
ingredients as it 'inflates' the percentage.  I've heard that fish isn't
exactly the best source of protein either...but could be wrong about that.
Fat content should be high also (18-22% suggested).  If these guidelines are
wrong, I'd like to know.
 
Iams and NutroMax do well by these guidlines, but Science Diet has corn
listed as its second ingredient and I'm not going to purchase any more.
Eubanuka is made by the same people that make Iams and has better
percentages/ingredients.
 
8 in 1 Ultrablend but that also has corn as a second ingredient and the fat
percentage is a little on the low side.  Kaytee fortified ferret food was
also low on the fat percentage and had fish as its second ingredient.
Marshall's premium had a horrible fat percentage (only 10%!!!!) and also has
fish as its second ingredient.  I can't find any Totally Ferret so don't
know what its stats are, but if anyone could send me the figures I'd
appreciate it.
 
All in all...the 'ferret' foods I've seen fall short in one area or another.
I have no problem spending a few extra bucks for a good quality food...but I
try to be informed about what is good and what is not for my ferrets.  Just
because a food says its for ferrets doesn't really mean its for ferrets.
Reading the ingredients and checking the percentages is what makes me
purchase and feed my ferrets any particular product.
 
Chris, Cookie and Candy
[Posted in FML issue 1701]