>From: "JEFF JOHNSTON, EPIDEMIOLOGY" <[log in to unmask]> >BUT, what is it about plant protein that's less acceptable for ferrets? That's a really excellent question. Probably a vet will give a better answer for this, but here are some theories: 1. Plant proteins have different ratios of amino acids. Legumes and nuts may be extra rich in some amino acids that ferrets don't need, or lack some that ferrets do need. Or, more simply, their balance is better for bunnies than ferrets. 2. They need more saturated fat and cholesterol than is available in plant protein packages. 3. The cellulose and other materials that go along with plants inhibit digestion of the proteins. 4. There's a trypsin inhibitor in many of these, and the ferrets bellies can't deal with it. (Though this affects people the same as ferrets, that's why you don't eat raw dried beans, etc. I don't know if peanuts have it) 5. Ferrets love peanut butter, and everyone knows that anything that tastes that good has to be bad for you. Personally, I'm leaning toward numbers one and three out of my list. Ferrets are true carnivores. I'd be surprised if they had even a vestigial appendix (I honestly don't know). I'm thinking they can't handle vegetable fiber at all, and that animal protein has a more balanced ratio of amino acids. FWIW, Catherine Mortimer says, "Split pea soup is good for ferrets if you mix in a little Murphy's Oil Soap." [Posted in FML issue 1499]