From:
twpfi@aol.com
Date: 2001-03-26 12:51:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Digest Number 84/Broccli #18
The question from Mr. Lipinski is why vegetables cannot be digested
by
ferrets. Simply, they lack the enzymes in the small intestines that
will
break down the fibrous and complex carbohydrates. Raw vegetables
also have
antinutritional factors that will block any type of digestive
enzymes.
Cooked ones lack the active enhibitors but still can block some of
the
digestive enzymes.
The other danger with whole fresh, cooked or dried vegetables and
fruit is
the size. Since the ferret usually swallows these whole or chewed
very
little because they are carnivores and cannot grind these vegetables
or fruit
up they pass through the stomach whole.
Sincerely,
DR Tom Willard