From:
"Danee DeVore"
Date: 2010-10-30 03:51:42 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Gluten
To: <ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com>
Ben wrote:
> How well can ferrets tolerate gluten?
Kitten pellets do contain cereals like wheat. Could that cause indigestion
in some ferrets?
I just wonder. <
The ferret's digestive tract was not made to properly digest plant material,
especially grains. In other species, grains and particularly gluten, is
known to be a major food allergy item. From my own experience, I have
discovered that what I initially thought was a chicken allergy turned out
instead to be an allergy to grains. By switching to a grain free kibble, I
was able to correct the problem.
Also, grains and other plant materials contain protein. Grains are
particularly high in protein, compared to other plants. Therefore, some of
the protein in kibbles is coming from the plant materials, and not from and
animal based source, which ferrets need to thrive.
Fortunately, at least in the US, there are now a number of grain free
kibbles on the market. Some are specifically made for ferrets, but others
are made primarily for cats. However, the ingredients of these food, and
their nutrient levels are OK for ferrets. Here are links to some of those
foods. Anyone who is interested in knowing the grain free kibbles I am
aware of may write me privately for a list.
Danee DeVore
ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know!
For more information visit:
<http://www.ferretadv.com> http://www.ferretadv.com
ADV - Find out how you can help:
http://help4adv.terrabox.com/
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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