To Jim March and others who feel comfortable feeding their ferrets whatever--
 
I am in complete agreement with Dayna.  Let's go over some points AGAIN.
Sure your ferrets seem content with Iams, but kids are happy with hot dogs,
chips and soda.  Ferrets are carnivores not herbivores therefore your points
on diet to that extent I fail to see.  Carnivores are meat eaters, not
vegetarians or necessarily fish eaters.
 
My attitude is this if you are happy feeding your ferrets inferior foods,
and do not mind the fact that their immune system could well be ( almost
guaranteed) impaired due to the inability to absorb the proper nutrients
from their food -- by all means be my guest feed them anything they are
HAPPY with.  In the end they will pay the price for your arguments and great
debate, you may well pay o (or opt not to) at the vets.  That is your
business too.  The one thing I would suggest is when they become ill from
long term malnutrition -- please DO NOT leave them on my doorstep.  You have
the opportunity to learn and refuse to.  You have the right, America gives
you the freedom to be ignorant, argumentative and such, but in the end your
ferrets suffer.
 
No one can force you to buy something you do not believe in, but as a
shelter operator I can truthfully say that in processing almost 200 ferrets
in 19 months I have seen these kids come in on anything from Iams to
Frisky's to the lowest of the gutter brands of grocery store cat food and as
I have weaned them over on to Totally Ferret food I have seen their health
improve on a daily basis.  Those who have switched from a premium cat to a
premium ferret food have reported better coats, clear and glossy eyes, more
energy all observed in a three week period.  I have had SEVERE STARVATION
CASES respond so well to Dr. Willard's food that you could visably see
improvements on a day to day basis.  I was one that needed to see the proof.
Now I strictly use the food both in the shelter and at home as well.
 
So, Jim and others do not be so quick to jump on facts which you have not
experienced.  As a responsible parent to your ferret you OWE THEM the
knowledge and wisdom of ferreting out the facts on proper nutrition so they
can lead longer and healthier lives.  It is YOUR responsibility and you will
ultimately bear the weight of your decisions.
 
Happy ferreting!
[AW]
[Posted in FML issue 1698]