Message Number: YG5053 | New FHL Archives SearchFrom: Amy Seyler
Date: Sun Jul 1, 2001 7:36pm
Subject: Ferret only eating Meow Mix :P
I would like to get an opinion on those knowledgeable with
nutrition (Bob C, Tom Willard, vets, etc.).
Here's the skinny: my ferret Max has been on duck soup for
probably about the last 4-5 months, and he's been subsisting
on nothing but that. This was due to a bad tooth and major
gingivitis which was taken care of about 2 months ago. But Max
absolutely REFUSED to go back on a kibble diet -- and at 7,
it's hard to argue with him. However, he has absolutely
nothing wrong with him (knock on wood!) so I was looking about
feeding him duck soup 2x/day for the next 1, 2 or even 3
years, which can't be too good on his teeth (or anything
else).
Anyway, I got a number of suggestions from both this list and
the FML, and have tried them all but to no avail. Then I had
an epiphany of sorts -- one of my long-dead rescues, Elektra,
was eating Meow Mix when she came to me, and even after I got
her on a good diet she still considered Meow Mix a great
treat.
Well, wouldn't you know, I bought it this weekend in
desperation, and Max has been chowing ever since. Probably
eats every two hours. But the food is CRAP!
Here's the question: How long can Max be on this food before
it does harm? I plan on gradually sneaking in the good stuff
but he's been so picky and so hyper-alert to good food that it
may take a while. Is it okay to have him eat this for a few
months (he still gets duck soup as a supplement, but half of
what he used to)?
Any responses would be appreciated!
Amy, Dave, Sarah & Paul
(and their gaggle of giggling ferrets)
RIP Ian, Elektra, Claudia & Sidney
Send comments to Pam at pjdutche@email.unc.edu. Please note that this address is only useful for questions about the FHL archive. Questions about ferret health, or those intended for the FHL, should be sent to the Ferret Health List.