From:
Bob C
Date: 2001-11-09 04:13:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Fish
Harriett H. H. asks:
>I read somewhere regarding ferret food that fish should be avoided.
>Why? Please send info.
There is NO reason why fish fit for human consumption can not be fed to
ferrets. Most objections are:
a) based on stories of poor fitch or mink diets made from fish parts
(not the whole fish)
b) based on stories of poor fitch or mink diets of oily fish fed
exclusively to ranched animals that lacked some essential amino and
fatty acids and vitamins (and in excess of others)
c) because a diet of fish intensifies the musky odor natural to ferrets
d) because fish-based foods have a strong, often objectionable odor
e) because fish-based foods result in poops that have a terrible stink, and
f) because of personal prejudice based on a lack of clear, concise
knowledge.
The original stories were true, BUT, the diets were changed as soon as
the damage to the animals was noted (which was unfortunately beyond the
period were medical intervention could help) and are no longer an issue.
(Strange that fish is rejected because of these stories, yet kibbled
foods are strongly supported despite the ferret deaths caused when one
manufacturer misprocessed a batch with an inverse Ca/P ratio, killing
hundreds of ferrets at a single farm). It is also true foods with fish
meal have more odor than those having chicken or beef. There seems to
be some evidence that the fish oils have a minor effect on ferret body
odor, although I haven't personally been bothered by it. In my opinion,
the worst aspect of feeding fish is that the poop does indeed smell
worse. However, since I only periodically feed the food, and I change
the litter boxes daily, the issue is a minor one. Besides, I'm a old
beach bum and sailor, and the smell reminds me of Long Beach, California.
The truth is, fish, especially the fillet, is a good food and can be a
welcome treat or occasional meal (It can be fed exclusively with daily
dollops of Ferretone or Ferretvite). Most of mine love it dried as fish
jerky, or lightly cooked and flaky. The majority of mine enjoy the
occasional canned tuna or sardine snack. All love it in a fish chowder I
like to make for them on icy mornings after an hour romping in the dried
leaves or snow.
Most ferrets reject fish because of olfactory imprinting (the same
reason they reject most unknown foods), so if you desire to feed it to
your ferrets, start young or be prepared for a tough time breaking down
the odor door.
Bob C