Jeff, another difference with plant proteins is that they are usually
incomplete.  Some animals and people can't make all required proteins and
amino acids from basic amino acids.  These have to be supplied directly by
the diet and in certain ratios compared to other amino acids.  For example,
if amino acid A is used in a 2 to 1 ratio with B, any supply that exceeds
that ratio (3 to 1) is not used.  A source that provides all these aminos
that can't be metabolized is considered complete, as most meats are.  No
plant source provides all for people, and I'd venture the same for ferrets,
since they are carnivores.  Thus, vegetarians (people, not herbivores) have
to eat a mix of plant protein sources to get a complete protein diet.
 
Plant protein isn't bad, it just doesn't fill all the requirements unless a
well crafted mix is used.   Even meats don't match ratios exactly so they
differ in quality.  That is one reason poultry is often used.  Besides being
cheap, it matches the ratios better than any other meat.  Eggs (whites) are
the best source, and this is the basic ingredient of what we use to feed our
sick ferrets.
 
   ( )--(a)
   (@=@=) \     Till next time.......Rudy the ferlosopher
   O__)  \ \___
      \   \
      /\ * )  \
[Posted in FML issue 1499]