On Jul 9, 2008, at 4:00 AM, Arlena wrote:
>Has anyone had experience in giving the Fruit2O Hydration bottled
>water to your Fuzzy-Butts?
>
>This bottled water contains Electrolytes and B-Vitamins, with less
>than three percent Sodium. It is Strawberry and Tangerine flavored.

I wouldn't.

Fruit2O contains the artificial sweetener, SPLENDA. While SPLENDA seems
to be the least harmful of the artificial sweeteners, the research only
says it is not harmful to humans when consumed in moderation. It is
essentially a non-digestible chemical. We go to such great lengths to
avoid non-digestible substances in our ferts' diet; I don't see adding
some just to get a questionably sweet flavor (to me it is slightly
sweet, but then has a horrible bitter aftertaste.)

From the fruit2O website:
>SPLENDA Brand Sweetener, or sucralose, is not digested, absorbed or
>metabolized for energy, and thus is a zero-calorie sweetener. The
>FDA has approved use of sucralose in foods and beverages based on
>scientific studies demonstrating its safety for human consumption.
>Sucralose can be safely enjoyed by the general population when
>consumed in moderation.

In general, unusual chemical substances place a burden on the liver.
I don't know if sucralose does or not, but I am fairly certain that
no one has ever studied what the safe dose might be for a ferret. I
don't want to experiment on my kids. If you are really worried about
electrolytes, you might try "SmartWater" -- or a good brand of plain
old spring water.

-Claire

[Posted in FML 6027]