From:
sukiec@optonline.net
Date: 2004-03-25 18:53:47 UTC
Subject: Re: Carbohydrates
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <3814481.1080240827739.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
Having just spoken with a veterinary nutritionist a few days ago, partly on this topic, I actually know a little bit about this.
Yes, ferrets can to some extent break down carbohydrates (and even some plant proteins if well processed though those are much harder and may possibly be rough on the digestive tract -- just think of how humans can have trouble digesting corn kernals or large pieces of aspargus stalk or onion and we are made for it so you know that ferrets have real trouble with plant proteins).
Remember that the brain and other organs need a reasonable blood sugar level. This is why insulinoma can cause seizures, why some ferrets with insulinoma who have been tried on high protein diets go against the norm for early insulinoma and need some carbohydrates, and why adding dietary sugar in the end stages of insulinoma when the medications no longer hold a ferret can at times get as long as a few extra months of quality life.
A lot is not known in relation to ferret nutrition, but if you process the entire cadaver of a mouse or other possible prey species you will encounter some carbohydrates and sugars, just not at the levels in some ferret foods and cat foods.
Making kibbles has several problems involved, but there are newer technologies: starches with larger molecules available, new equipment which can process with less starch, etc. which now make it possible for some to simulate the nutrient profiles of prey species.
Remember, too, that the body itself needs some things it can't digest well to give the intestine something to push against.
Hope that helps!