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]