From:
Junassicpark@aol.com
Date: 2003-02-13 17:28:20 UTC
Subject: Ferrets and Fruits/Vegetables
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <76FA8C40.7B76A12A.2B33CBD6@aol.com>
Below are excerpts from two of probably the most renowned ferret references available. I am confused and would like clarification of ferrets and fruits/vegetables. Some people interpret one or both of these excerpts to mean that ferrets get NO nutrition from fruits and vegetables. From what I know of fruits and vegetables, they can be high in fiber but are not 100% fiber and they have other nutritional properties, too, such as vitamins and minerals. My question is: Is it true ferrets get NO nutrition from fruits and vegetables? I can understand that ferrets are not able to process fiber, but does that also mean that they are not able derive ANY nutrition from fruits and vegetables? Does it make a difference in ferret digestion if a fruit or vegetable is processed in some way, such as to put in ferret kibble, as opposed to being whole/unprocessed?
>From Ferret Central:
âThe key ingredients in any food for ferrets are fat and protein, specifically animal protein, since ferrets' short digestive cycles prevent them from getting enough nutrition from vegetable proteins. Chicken, turkey, beef, and lamb are all fine; most ferrets don't like fish, and it may make their litter pan smell worse. The food needs to have 30-35% protein and 15-20% fat, and animal protein should be the first ingredient and at least two or three of the next few.â
>From Ferrets for Dummies:
âFuzzies arenât built to digest fiber. If you were to take a peak at the insides of a ferret (not advised), youâd see that his large intestine is short and tubular and that the ferret lacks a cecum. The cecum is the gut cavity â the place where fiber is digested. Too much fiber in your ferretâs belly leads to extra-squishy or mucousy poops.â
Thank you!