Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2011 20:59:34 GMT -5
mustelidmusk
Holistic Ferret Mentor
*****
option for IBD/food allergy ferrets
« Thread Started on Jan 5, 2009, 1:16am »
I'm always checking out food options for ferrets since everybody has different requirements/needs.
All human grade stuff....
This stuff is added to raw meat (that has no bones) to make a complete cat diet (includes taurine). You also add fish oil, etc. The meat type can vary which is GREAT for food-allergy babies (you can use turkey, buffalo, lamb, etc).
This stuff may be an easy way to feed a raw home-prepared, complete diet to food allergy/IBD ferts. you can provide variety by changing meat types without having to deal with bone sources. (it's really hard to feed bone when you cannot use chicken /game hen/quial, etc..) plus, the psyllium adds a bit of bulk, which helps IBD babies.
Here's the Link:
www.felineinstincts.com/
-Jennifer
Heather
Administrator
*****
Re: option for IBD/food allergy ferrets
« Reply #1 on Jan 6, 2009, 12:59am »
It's my understanding that one should take care using psyllium for carnivores. Psyllium, works great for humans but that's because we can remember to drink more. Carnivores maintain their bodies next to dehydration, psyllium requires large amounts of fluid otherwise it has a tendency toward causing blockages, and other bowel related problems. Just what I've read. This is an excerp out of an article...it's for humans but my concern would be that you cannot force a ferret to drink water
**psyllium husk powder can cause complications in people with preexisting bowel problems or previous bowel operations. The psyllium powder can swell and cause blockages within the intestines or bowels. Those who have had prior surgery may be at risk for creating a blockage causing a kink that rips open the surgery scar. These risks occur far more frequently in those who fail to drink the recommended dosage of water, but the risk may well outweigh the benefit.**
I know that on the raw list that I moderate for we often advice people to avoid feeding phyllium to cats (except on a short term quick fix) and I would seriously consider alternative options to this herb. Just a thought and I certainly don't want to create any trouble.
ciao
mustelidmusk
Holistic Ferret Mentor
*****
Re: option for IBD/food allergy ferrets
« Reply #2 on Jan 6, 2009, 9:34am »
Heather,
That's GREAT INFO that I was unaware of....it's actually used in quite a few commercial diets and raw diet recipes.
I assume the amount used is very limited in these diets, but it's definitely something to be aware of, and as Heather posted, perhaps avoid all together.
If you do choose to use products containing psyllium, you should probably feed a soupier mix that has had time to fully hydrate the psyllium before feeding. Also, let the product sit over night in the fridge in a soupy form to prevent any additional swelling after the stuff is eaten.
Thanks Heather, for bringig this up!
-Jennifer
pear2apple
Guest
Re: option for IBD/food allergy ferrets
« Reply #3 on Feb 17, 2009, 9:37pm »
Hmmm I have not heard of this stuff yet but I did read about the psyllium in one place being a problem and somewhere else it was ok. Not sure which to believe as they were both reputable sources. However with precautions I think this is something to think about for IBD fuzzies. Thanks!
Holistic Ferret Mentor
*****
option for IBD/food allergy ferrets
« Thread Started on Jan 5, 2009, 1:16am »
I'm always checking out food options for ferrets since everybody has different requirements/needs.
All human grade stuff....
This stuff is added to raw meat (that has no bones) to make a complete cat diet (includes taurine). You also add fish oil, etc. The meat type can vary which is GREAT for food-allergy babies (you can use turkey, buffalo, lamb, etc).
This stuff may be an easy way to feed a raw home-prepared, complete diet to food allergy/IBD ferts. you can provide variety by changing meat types without having to deal with bone sources. (it's really hard to feed bone when you cannot use chicken /game hen/quial, etc..) plus, the psyllium adds a bit of bulk, which helps IBD babies.
Here's the Link:
www.felineinstincts.com/
-Jennifer
Heather
Administrator
*****
Re: option for IBD/food allergy ferrets
« Reply #1 on Jan 6, 2009, 12:59am »
It's my understanding that one should take care using psyllium for carnivores. Psyllium, works great for humans but that's because we can remember to drink more. Carnivores maintain their bodies next to dehydration, psyllium requires large amounts of fluid otherwise it has a tendency toward causing blockages, and other bowel related problems. Just what I've read. This is an excerp out of an article...it's for humans but my concern would be that you cannot force a ferret to drink water
**psyllium husk powder can cause complications in people with preexisting bowel problems or previous bowel operations. The psyllium powder can swell and cause blockages within the intestines or bowels. Those who have had prior surgery may be at risk for creating a blockage causing a kink that rips open the surgery scar. These risks occur far more frequently in those who fail to drink the recommended dosage of water, but the risk may well outweigh the benefit.**
I know that on the raw list that I moderate for we often advice people to avoid feeding phyllium to cats (except on a short term quick fix) and I would seriously consider alternative options to this herb. Just a thought and I certainly don't want to create any trouble.
ciao
mustelidmusk
Holistic Ferret Mentor
*****
Re: option for IBD/food allergy ferrets
« Reply #2 on Jan 6, 2009, 9:34am »
Heather,
That's GREAT INFO that I was unaware of....it's actually used in quite a few commercial diets and raw diet recipes.
I assume the amount used is very limited in these diets, but it's definitely something to be aware of, and as Heather posted, perhaps avoid all together.
If you do choose to use products containing psyllium, you should probably feed a soupier mix that has had time to fully hydrate the psyllium before feeding. Also, let the product sit over night in the fridge in a soupy form to prevent any additional swelling after the stuff is eaten.
Thanks Heather, for bringig this up!
-Jennifer
pear2apple
Guest
Re: option for IBD/food allergy ferrets
« Reply #3 on Feb 17, 2009, 9:37pm »
Hmmm I have not heard of this stuff yet but I did read about the psyllium in one place being a problem and somewhere else it was ok. Not sure which to believe as they were both reputable sources. However with precautions I think this is something to think about for IBD fuzzies. Thanks!