Although not exclusive to ferret food, this article and the AAFC website listed below provide great information about how commercial pet food in general (which does include ferret food) is made (manufacturing process), explains package labeling (pet food standards & ingredient requirements), AND provides the names and contact information of pet food companies and the appropriate persons to contact at these companies. DISCLAIMER: This article was published in 2007 but I've found the information to still be correct and applicable. http://www.bornfreeusa.org/facts.php?more=1&p=359 And here's the official webpage of AAFC - The Association of American Feed Control - which provides information on the many facets of pet food from starting a pet food business to ingredients and labeling requirements, how to determine calorie content in the food, organic requirements, marketing guidelines, and other related links. http://www.petfood.aafco.org/Home.aspx I currently don't have ferrets but do have two young dogs and in my quest to ensure their daily nutritional needs were being met from commercial pet food (dry kibble mainly), I began searching for nutritional guidelines for dogs but was shocked to find that such little information existed on this subject! So here's I'm asking myself: 1. How can I know if my dogs are getting the RDA (recommended daily allowances) of protein, carbs, fats, and vitamins and minerals when these figures haven't even been clearly established? 2. How can I know if the commercial food I'm feeding them is meeting their needs (even IF I knew how much of these different components they need)? Mind you, I'm a very conscience label reader and am careful to read and understand the nutritional labeling and guaranteed analysis information on commercial pet food products but TRUST ME - that information doesn't tell you much when you realize what it is you REALLY need to know (the specifics for each pet's breed, metabolic weight, minimal caloric intake requirement, etc.) So even though all of the information provided many not completely apply specifically to ferrets, is very detailed at times, and can be a bit tricky to understand, I think it can still be helpful to ferret owners (who may also be owners of other animal breeds). Jennifer (and her ridiculously beautiful but neurotic canines, Sadie & Pepper) Our purpose in life is to find our gift, perfect it, and give it back to others Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog the world will change forever [Posted in FML 7806]