See my previous postings on rice and corn.  Corn per se is neither good nor
bad regarding a ferrets if it is less than 10% by weight of the diet and
the diet is a tested and proven ferret food which contains 85% quality
animal protein.  If you are not sure ask the manufacturer.  The protein
required for most active ferrets without physiological problems is 35 to
37% and a fat level of 20 to 24%.  The fiber should be less than 2% and the
carbohydrates less than 25%.  This will leave a moisture of approximately
of 10% and ash of 6 to 8%.  At least 85% of the protein (85% of the 35 to
37%) should be from quality animal protein sources such as chicken by
product meal, chicken by products, eggs, liver, chicken or poultry.  Corn,
rice, barley, potatoes, etc., are carbohydrates and if less than 25% of
the diets generally is not of concern.  I realize that many people do not
understand how to calculate this but if in doubt ask the manufacturer to
tell you the proportion of each of the six major categories, protein, fat,
fiber, ash, moisture and carbohydrates.  The protein and fat source should
be the main source of concentration if these other categories are in the
above proportion.  Stay away from cat foods and even ferret foods that
list soy flour, corn gluten meal (this is not the same as corn it is a
concentrated form of corn protein which ferrets cannot digest efficiently.
Concentrate on the level of animal protein and not the carbohydrate level
if it is a quality food.
 
DR Tom Willard
[Posted in FML issue 3411]