From:
caitlynmaire@earthlink.net
Date: 2002-06-27 19:44:00 UTC
Subject: Re: re: Treats by 8 in 1
Hi,
>
> I'd throw out the 8 in 1 treats--they are just junk food for ferrets.
Sorry, no, I can't possibly agree with such a blanket statement. First,
we have to remember that treats are just that... treats. I give one
when a ferret uses the litter pan (how do you think I have them so well
trained?) or does something else especially good. A couple of small
treats a day (one piece each) won't hurt a ferret. Besides, do you
think, even in nature, animals eat everything that is perfect for them
and nothing else?
Next, 8-in-1 treats are 18% protein, 12% fat, 12% moisture (water), and
4% crude fiber. I wouldn't want a fert to live on them by any means,
but it is certainly better than a raisin. Oh wait, there are raisins in
the can. That means the kibble-like treats have more protein and fat
than the numbers above. If we think dry weight as well (minus the
moisture), you'll see that these numbers aren't horrible.
Next, let's look at ingredients: ground yellow corn, chicken meal, and
poultry by-product meal are the first three. There is grain in any
kibbled food. I don't like that corn is first, but again, this is a
treat. I certainly don't object to the chicken, the animal fat, the
dried eggs, etc...
Bottom line: 8-in-1 Peanut Butter Crunch is not ferret food, and should
not be fed in quantity. Our vet has no objection to it as a treat, and
neither do I. There are many worse so-called ferret treats out there.
If your ferrets enjoy them they are fine in limited amounts.
Oh, and out of nine ferrets, six really like these :) Only one treat
(Brown's Chicken Jerky for Ferrets) is liked by the entire business.
All the best,
Caity