Okay I'm going to try to avoid this from becoming a "flame", but it really
upsets me when people (especially breeders) try to pass off as experts on
animal. I have gone to college for 4 years of pre-vet medicine with my
major concentrating solely on the medical knowledge of small animals
(ferrets especially). I have taken numerous courses that go deeply into
nutrition, physiology and anatomy, etc. It's just really bothers me when
people try to undermine my knowledge, when in fact they are not a doctor, an
animal specialist, etc. The health of small animals is my profession and
basically my life. I don't think that many people realize that veterinary
technicians(certified ones, that it) not only have to be in that field for a
minimum of two years, but pass an extremely difficult state boards test
(that goes into details about many things that most veterinarians might need
to look up for the right answer) before getting certified. Not only did I
chose this profession because of my deep love for animals and to help
preserve their health and well-being, but to also pass my knowledge on to
others. And it really offends me when that positive action is belittled,
questioned and undermined. And one of the important things that I have
learned is that it is recommended to keep an animals diet balanced and
constant. This can only be accomplished by feeding the staple diet with one
chosen healthy food. It is also a commonly agreed opinion that Totally
Ferret is one of the best things to feed your kits. It is not even
recommended for older ferrets to be eating any brand of cat food...high
quality kitten food only.
>Here in South Western Ontario, I have been unable to find a supplier of
>Totally Ferret food so have been feeding my two little guys "EUKANUBA
>Chicken and Rice formula for Cats".
>Now as far as I have always understood, the protein and fat content of the
>food should derive as much as possible from meat (chicken) and it's
>by-products. Thus I was shocked to read the analysis of Totally Ferret
First off, I was only try to say that if Totally Ferret is readily available
where you live, please continue to feed it to your ferrets. I do not get
why you were so shocked when comparing the ingredients.
The problem with Eukanuba is that many animals have allergic reactions to
it, cats, dogs and ferrets. Simply because of the chicken liver and fish
meal that is contains. Also most ferrets need a diet with a minimum protein
source of 35%, which Eukanuba does not supply. Eukanuba Chicken and Rice
formula for cats, it just that- food formulated for cats..not ferrets. I do
not understand why their is a problem with recommending Totally Ferret for
ferrets as one of the best diets.Also Eukanuba contains Ethoxaquin, which
has been proven scientifically that it causes cancer, adrenal in dogs, and
many experts believe that it does the same in ferrets. Totally Ferret does
not contain Ethoxaquin.
>Do you like a MEAT and potatoes stew, with lots of vegetables cooked right
>in the stew? Well, I do too, and you know something? The ferrets love it
>also and they do just fine. I also include cooked in the oatmeal, skim
>milk, eggs, peanut butter, bananas, and natural yogurt along with garlic,
>onions, and brewers powdered yeast.
And of course ferrets are going to love a stew with meat and potatoes and
veggies. They would also love to eat raisins and ferretone and
peanut-butter all day long too if they could get away with it. But ferrets
are not like people. They need to eat a diet specially formulated for their
particuar system. I'm sorry if this offends anyone, but I can't just let
this one go. Ferrets should not be fed any type of milk ( including dairy
products like yogurt) - milk comes from cows and it's very hard for a ferret
to digest. Some may think they need the variety but they just plain DO NOT-
not for their staple diet. Giving small amounts of veggies is fine, but
they do not need it as their main course.
>This whole, briefly cooked mix is pulverized to the smallest particle size
>possible in a good quality blender at the highest possible speed "FRAPPE."
Great, feed them mushy food that can easily decay their teeth. That's
another great thing about dry ferret food or kitten food- it's good for
their teeth. Feeding ferrets soft, mushy food is a good way to develop
gingivitis and tartar build-up.
>As a ferret breeder of long-standing (since 1981) my experience with ferret
>nutrition is just not in agreement with your advice. But, please feel free
>to do it your way.
And I am not impressed that you are a ferret breeder. I am more impressed
with those who spend their days making efforts to find homes for hundreds of
homeless fuzzies in shelters. And this is not my way. It is what I have
learned in my animal science education and the many hours that I spend each
day dealing with animals and their health. I am sorry that my article
turned out this kind of response.
You would think that I recommended everyone to let their ferrets go free
outside with the kind of response that I got. No, I was just simply trying
to give knowledgeable advice. Let me please just close with this. High
quality ferret food, like Totally Ferret, is specially formulated for
ferrets. You can compare the ingredients and the nutritional values even,
but you are forgetting one thing. Vitamins and Minerals. Which many kitten
food and cats foods are missing. They have nutrition, yes- formulated for
cats. Iams kitten food is an exception, it contains the right ingredients
for ferrets with the minimum nutritional requirements and is a good source
of vitamins/minerals. It comes down to this. Why feed your ferrets cat
food or other stuff that their bodies simply do not need, when there is a
balanced diet waiting out there for them. If you want the best for your
babies and it's available, why not give them the best?
Jennifer M. Coyer CVT
Fred, Faya and Zero the Fuzzmunchkins
[Posted in FML issue 2122]
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