From:
ferretsonly@hotmail.com
Date: 2003-04-12 03:52:23 UTC
Subject: RE: Hypoallergenic Diet
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <30014246.1050119543919.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Karen,
Please, please ask your vet about the FELINE z/d. The canine z/d simply does not provide a proper diet for ferrets.
While the canine z/d does have a tiny bit a taurine, it is less than 0.08% (that is the lowest analysis that is mentioned on the web page). Taurine doesn't even make it onto the list so it's less than that! In addition, the protein level is only 17% and the fats are 12.5%.
The feline z/d diet provides .21% taurine, 36.3% protein, and 14.7% fat - a little low on fat but nothing like the canine formula! The proteins and taurine are MUCH better.
Remember that you can feed a dog a vegetarian diet but that same diet will lead to severe health problems in a cat. The ferret diet requirements are closer to cats than dogs. For instance, the lack of taurine can lead to heart problems.
Here's the web page for the Hill's z/d: http://www.hillspet.com/owner/owner_prescription_diet.jsp
I've used the feline z/d for several years now and most of my ferrets love it! Waltham also makes some foods that many ferrets love. Their feline page is at:
http://www.vetdiet.com/en/produkte/prod_k1.html
-Carla