RE: Yummy FOod and Stuff For years ferrets nutritional needs have been considered to be somewhere between mink and cats. Though ferrets may look like mink in body form, that is where the similarity stops. Ferrets require between 34-38% protein and 20-24% fat during growth, pregnancy, lactation and until approx 4 years of age. They can eat lower protein and lower fat foods, like premium cat foods, but require higher levels of food intake since they eat to meet their energy requirements. Ferrets do not generally like fishey or pelleted foods like MFFF. They need cruncy food to help clean their teeth and keep their gurms healthy. TF is a 36% protein, 22% fat ferret food and is extruded, not pelleted. It is a crunchy, dry food, developed, tested and proven on pet ferrets. Cat and kitten foods generally do OK but may need some fat supplementation because they are not specifically designed for the ferret or their nutritional needs. [Posted in FML issue 0852]