On the FHL there have been two people who asked about a new concept
(hypothesis? tested?) presented at a very recent vet conference saying
that fat intake should be reduced when insulinoma is present.  There
also was a poster whose ferret was doing badly with insulinoma on a home
made high protein diet and the vet suggested adding kibble with the
result that the ferret rapidly has better blood glucose control and is
much improved in health and quality of life.  Finally, someone asked
about fat utilization.  All were questions/posts that needed expert
input.
 
I asked Dr. Willard the questions because he holds a Ph.D. in Animal
Nutrition/Biochemistry, a M.S. in Animal Science/Statistics, and a B.S.
in Agriculture Technical Engineering and Animal Science.
 
AA is Amino Acids.
 
So, since this may also help someone here and I have his permission to
send it on:
 
At 4:16 PM -0600 05/19/2003, Tom Willard wrote:
Sukie, there again, not much info is available on ferrets.  I do believe
the ratio of energy to protein should be reduced at least some.  However,
in practical dry diets it is more difficult than that.  As one reduces
the fat the protein must rise or the carbohydrates must go up.  Given the
fact we are trying to reduce the soluble carbohydrates increasing the
proteins is the only logical solution.  Protein quality is very important
at this time because just increasing the protein level in the diet is not
the answer.  We need to have a very high biological value (BV) protein,
one high in essential AA, which are easily metabolized.  The idea is
to reduce the glyconeogenic AA (those which produce glycogen when
metabolized) that further helps to manage the circulating glycogen.  I
believe Totally Ferret, with its high chicken, egg and liver protein
and low carbohydrate level (approximately 20% or less) meets this high
BV, and is the best food for normal feeding as well as managing most
insulinomas in ferrets.
[Posted in FML issue 4154]