Here's a question I have never seen discussed on the list, but
popped into my little brain yesterday.  I was looking at the ingredients of
the 8-in-1 ferret food yesterday, and noticed it has a 7% ash content, and
a .1% magnesium content.  I then checked the Iams kitten food, and found it
has equivalent values.  In an adult cat food, this would be considered
absurdly high, and could possibly present a risk of urinary tract infection
or stones.  Can ferrets really take such high amounts?  Or is it something
that just comes along with the high protein content?
 
        I also noticed that the 8-in-1 has a 15% fat content, as opposed to
22% in kitten food.  I would think this would be good for adult ferrets,
since the fat content would be easier on an aging liver.  Or dot hey need
more fat?
 
        Finally - any comments on the amount of sugar that was noted by
another reader?  I have to admit that one escaped me.  I did get a 2 lb.
bag of the 8-in-1 food to see if Slinky would like it.  I gave him a piece
on its own - he took it right away - and then mixed some in his bowl.
 
        Also - a comment to Melanie about whether it is right to get a
ferret despite your insane schedule - have you thought about getting 2?
That way, when you weren't around, they would have each other to play with.
 Also, I think it would be important to take a fair amount of time with
them at first - at least to bond with them and train them properly - before
they can be left unattended for a long time.  I don;t think I would get
just one with no other pet in the house - the poor thing might be terribly
bored some of the time.  As much as everyone on the list loves ferrets, I
think we would all admit they are certainly more demanding of time
committments than most pets.  Hope that helps.
 
Thanks for responses on the food issue -
 
Mason, Slinky, and Leila (the cat - "Raisin juice?   Its coated with raisin
juice?  Oh the indignity - he's a carnivore for christ sake...").
[Posted in FML issue 1147]