More commonly used:  Biaxin, Amoxi and Carafate
or the older
Flagyl/metronidazole, Amoxi, and bismuth
---
 
8 in 1 has some very good products and those are certainly NOT under
fire.
 
The products which are under discussion are things like products with
chunks of dried fruit or veggies (blockages), high raisin content
(kidney failure), and those with loads of sugar (possible connections to
pancreatic ailments and certainly dental woes).  8 in 1 makes some of
those; so do some other manufacturers.
 
Basically, the efforts to ultimately stop production of such questionable
products while encouraging the same companies to produce healthy
alternatives.  These efforts are designed to best protect as many FERRETS
as possible (since those are the focus of attention and love here).
 
This hard work is being tackled in a multi-prong approach which began
when the vet representative of PetSmart indicated (and acted upon) his
strong desire to sell the best and safest products for ferrets.  Seeing
his actions some other stores have emulated this progress, and in one
case, Ferret Depot, has perhaps for now surpassed the inspiration.
 
Other retail establishments are not sure of their place in such efforts
and how to best pursue them.
 
So, what we have is some very real success with several stores, including
large ones, and some mutually respectful disagreement (among the
principals) in relation to some stores.
 
At least there is something on which everyone is strongly agreed, and
that is that with the guidance of the IFC (which recently held the highly
praised symposium in St.  Louis, and which serves the ferret community in
so many other ways) PetSmart and the Ferret Depot have made great strides
in relation to what products are now recognized as best sold versus which
products are recognized as best no longer purchased once existing stock
has been sold, and the vet of Petco is trying to influence his company to
follow these marvelously pro-ferret actions.  That is progress for which
everyone has expressed gratitude!
[Posted in FML issue 4889]