From:
AFERRETVET@cs.com
Date: 2002-01-24 08:21:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] more on omega fatty acids, some
web references
Hi George,
Unfortunately we do not know the exact requirements
of the fatty acids in ferrets, so we have to extrapolate
from what we do know from mink and from cats.
Cats are obligate carnivores also, and their "wild diet"
would be mice, rats, and other small prey just like
a ferret's "wild diet." The problem with a diet that gets
below a 5 to 1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids
is clotting inhibition. A 1 to 1 ratio would likely cause
the animal to have severe clotting deficiencies and
possibly even bleed to death. That is why the recommended
ratio is 5-1 to 10-1.
Rancidity is not usually a problem as most diets use
preservatives (BHA, etc.) and/or vit E (i.e., mixed tocopherols)
to stabilize the fats in the diet.
Hope that clears things up,
Jerry Murray, DVM