I have expirimented with several different food combos.  I have 6 ferrets
who will not touch the ferret chows available, (4 of these are seniors who
are very picky eaters to begin with) and 2 that will eat anything you put in
front of them...well almost.
 
I am currently using Purina Pro Plan Growth for the 6 picky fuzzies.  They
really like it, and it is actually a good formula for seniors who are less
active and need less fat and protien.  Their coats are very soft, although
it does tend to yellow the coat of the albino.  I don't show her, so it's no
big deal.  I don't seem to have much of a tarter problem with it.  The one
Senior (Miss Grace) has won Best In Show- Senior Class at two shows in a row
now, so I guess that says something as well.  If you have a Sam's Club near
you, they sell this labeled as EXCEED, for about 1/3 the price of it in the
pet stores.
 
My whole male, Gabriel, eats what I call ferret power growth formula.  <GGG>
It's a combination of equal parts Totally Ferret and Innova Feline (which if
you read the label is not appropriate for felines, but quite perfect for
ferrets.  As it is made in CA, I wonder.............)  His coat is like
satin, his weight is wonderful, and he really seems to love the stuff.  It
is probably NOT a good formula for an older ferret, or an overweight ferret.
I do have one ferret who fits this catagory.  He is a rescue, overweight to
the point that when he first came to us he couldn't walk- just dragged his
rear end behind him.  I've been feeding him the Pro Plan and he is slowly
loosing weight- which has a direct impact on his mobility.  He was actually
doing a weasel war dance the other day!  He does love the TF and Innova, but
I give him this one peice at a time as a treat.  :-)
 
For the record, I have tried Kay-Tee and 8 & 1 as well as Iams Kitten, and
my ferrets wouldn't touch the stuff.  To be fair, one of my girls would pick
up the pieces of 8&1 and carry them around, but wouldn't eat it.  I refuse
to purchase anything associated with MF, so I have never tried their food.
I don't see how it could possibly top Innova, which I think is the best
thing on the market these days.  Innova is made by Natura Pet Products,
408-261-0770.  It has no artificial preservatives, real meat, not
by-product, and veggies, milk, eggs, all sorts of good stuff.  36% protien,
20% fat, good stuff!
 
-Mrs. Duck
[Posted in FML issue 1765]