Dr. Tom Willard from Performance Foods is one of the veterinary nutritionists I have been working with in collecting information to use in compiling a list of treats that are safe for our ferrets. My original concern was in educating the public in regards to the blockage potential of dehydrated fruits, vegetables and nuts, however very quickly after I started asking questions, I saw that the list was going to need to take more than blockage potential into account when choosing a good treat for our ferrets. This is an ongoing project and I am open to any input or questions ferret owners have. It's incredibly important that all of us know what constitutes safe foods and treats for our ferrets; and also what to look for that can be dangerous to them. We MUST read labels! If we can't force the manufacturers to stop making unsafe treats, the next best thing we can do is get the word out to as many people as possible about what is and is not safe to feed them. If there is no market for the 'junk' foods, hopefully manufacturers will eventually remove them from the market. Here is what Dr. Willard says in regards to fiber content in ferrets food and treats: "Ferrets lack a ceacum, the blind pouch between the large and small intestine. This organ is where most of the fiber is digested in monogastric, simple stomach, animals. These include the horse, rabbit and most of the rodents like the guinea pig, etc. Without the ceacum, the ferret cannot digest ANY of the fiber in its food. Ferrets also have no functioning colon, where, in other animals helps break down some of the fiber, as the human, dog and in some degree the cat. The colon of the ferret is basically sterile and cannot break down fiber. 2% to 2.5% fiber should be the maximum of any ferret food or treat. The small amount of fiber helps keep the food in the intestines moving to help in digestion but larger amounts will only cause problems." The ferret treat list continues to be updated and more treats added and classified. If you would like a copy of the current list, please email me at [log in to unmask] . If you know of a treat that isn't listed, email me and let's get it evaluated and placed in the proper category on the list so ferret owners can have this list for easy reference. Consumer education is vital to the health and welfare of our precious little furry ones. jacquie rodgers [Posted in FML issue 5142]