[FML QUESTION]: "Since starch isn't a good binding agent to use could the companies use something else?" Sure they could, but the binding properties are not all they are after. What they want is a cheap way to make the food resistant to spoilage, have little odor, and possess a color and texture HUMANS favor. If you used a protein binder, it would hold the mixture together, but wouldn't have the same spoilage and odor properties. Nor would it be as cheap. [FML QUESTION]: "...still be kibbled food without the starch or with much smaller levels than now?" "Could they been made and be edible without added binding ingredients?" Technically, a kibbled food is a biscuit, which requires a large amount of starch binder (50%+) to cook to the final form. Pelleted foods are also bound with high amounts of starches. Some are also extruded; others are simply compressed into their final shape. Pelleted foods generally are softer, have a higher moisture content and more odor. Sure, they could be made; you could have a wide range of food products, ranging from wet canned foods to freeze-dried chunks. BUT, no starches? Then no kibbles. Kibble requires starch binders. You people with ferrets having insulinoma should consider this. IF kibble is 50% starches, and 50% of the consumed starch is converted into sugar, THEN for every ten pound bag of food the ferret eats, it could consume 2.5 pounds of sugar. And you worry about a little honey.... [FML QUESTION]: "I wonder if a high animal content (mixed parts to not miss important nutrients) could be bound-up with the same protein gelatin used in Cheweasels?" I like that sort of idea. Maybe something like spam, but not salted? Sure it could be done, but think of the cost! I stopped feeding my tuna cat food to my cat because it isn't much cheaper than human canned tuna AND I can be sure efforts are taken to protect dolphins (not guaranteed with pet foods). High quality pet food shouldn't exceed the cost of similar human products, BUT, it would be tremendously more expensive than kibble. [FML COMMENT]: "Bob C's 'opening shot ' put down on the vegetarian question leaves a bad taste in my mouth about our treatment of our fellow ferret-lovers." "I'd like to suggest he 'stick a sock in it', but appreciate that anyone living with 16 ferrets can't find a sock before the foot is firmly in the mouth." (Bob's sarcastic response): So let me get this straight.....I can't make a joke regarding something said by an anonymous person that puts down an IDEA, but you are allowed to make fun of someone and mention names to put down a PERSON? Interesting. You don't throw stones at sinners, do you? (Bob's smart ass response): Actually, I'm technically "A Royal Pain In The Ass." I gained that title following one of my numerous craniorectal impactions, but can't be sure; I'm still in the dark. As the reigning FML smart ass, I AM in the position of offering advice to those who wish to insult others. First, you need a comment with a biting edge to it. "The foot is firmly in the mouth" is just plain wussy. Try something like, "your head was stuck up your ass and your joke stunk..." Second, mentioning yourself in an insult leaves you open for fast retorts. For example, you said "leaves a bad taste in my mouth," which gives a smart ass a retort with obvious sexual or excretory innuendo. Last, you need to insult someone who cares. Insulting someone who doesn't is like making love to a shadow; it's just not very fulfilling. Not saying *I* don't care; your comments brought me to tears and I have learned a valuable life lesson. Honest. (Bob's wussy new age response): Thank you for the attitude readjustment. I'm so ugly! Hold me!! <sob> (Bob's explanatory response): I use humor for several reasons, the least of which is because *I* think I'm funny. I think the 11th commandment is "Thou shalt laugh" and it is perhaps the only one I haven't broken. Humor sort of takes the "hurt" off some comments. You're not one of those humorless stiff people who always take remarks too seriously, are you? Come on; you know as well as I do that if a joke doesn't have some bite to it, its just not funny. Good humor requires that split second thought, "Serious?" The best humor ALWAYS offends somebody. Since I offended you, it must have been a pretty good joke. Thanks!! I'll try to be more offensive in the future! I PROMISE!! <snicker> Bob C and 16 Mo' Purposefully Politically Incorrect Pranksters [Posted in FML issue 3012]