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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2014 18:17:32 GMT -5
Just got an email from Wysong advertising an "Exciting update to our Epigen line!" Before I start on it though, it was just a few weeks ago that I had emailed them, and suggested a minor change; suggesting that they increase the protein amount, increase the fat to around 22 - 23% and lower the fiber content... Well it seems they took my advice, except for the Fat! First, the old ingredients... Ingredients:
Organic Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols as a source of Vitamin E), Chicken Giblets, Gelatin (source of collagen and proteoglycans), Apple (source of soluble fiber), Beet Pulp (source of prebiotics), Plums (antioxidant source), Inulin (prebiotic), Blueberries (antioxidant source), Tomato (source of lutein), Taurine (amino acid), Oregano Extract (antioxidant source), Sage Extract (antioxidant source), Rosemary Extract (antioxidant source), Probiotic Microorganisms (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus lactis), Ascorbic Acid, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement |
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (Min).....................60.0%
Crude Fat (Min)..........................20.0%
Crude Fiber (Max).......................3.5%
Moisture (Max)...........................11.0%
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 They have reduced Fiber content by 0.5%... Reduced Fat by 2% Increased Protein by 2% Reduced Moisture by 1% Now include 0.2% Taurine in the "guaranteed analysis"; where as the original did not list what percentage this was included. Last but not least, the first SIX ingredients have changed! moredooks.herobo.com/search.php?chart=ferretwww.ferret.com/item/wysong-ferret-epigen-90-ferret-food/650430/Original: Organic Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Giblets, Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat, Gelatin New and "Exciting Change!": Chicken Meal, Organic Chicken, Meat Protein Isolate, Chicken Fat, Gelatin, Natural Flavor. Frankly, I have no idea what Meat Protein Isolate is, and I know that "Natural flavor" is just another way of saying "artificial flavoring added!" Not sure how this stuff rates amongst the fuzzies opinions, but I intend to buy up a couple extra bags of the original while its still available, just so we have them on hand! |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2014 18:46:00 GMT -5
Awww man, I hate to see that. I was about to order some, hmmmmm.....
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2014 19:16:51 GMT -5
Awww man, I hate to see that. I was about to order some, hmmmmm..... Well Ferret.com still has the original forumla and ingredients listed on their product page... We also just ordered a new bag last week, and got the original... so either they still have the original in stock and just haven't gotten a new stock yet from Wysong with the new formula; or they have it and have not updated their product page. Either way, you can bet they're going to sell out pretty fast! I intend to order a couple extra bags just so we have them on hand.... but if they ship us the new forumla, well, I'm not too sure about it yet..and I may, or may not send it back to them. I mean ok sure more protein is good, less fiber is good... but to my understanding, it is the FAT and the Taurine, where the Ferret gets most of its "energy" from, and so hence I had wanted to see MORE Fat content. Not sure how this change might rate them on Moredooks now, but it could probably give the crown back to Evo, who currently sits ranked at the #2 slot on Moredooks' food chart, and interestingly the Evo has less protein but MORE Fat and less Fiber! I'm also not sure about that change in the first 6 ingredients... but what I DO know is, Serenity can definetely smell a difference between kibbles and treats, and she WILL stick her nose up at anything she doesn't like the smell of. It took me months to get her just to accept Orijen Cat and Kitten mixed in with our Wysong. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2014 19:41:16 GMT -5
That's only fair, Princesses are entitled right?  |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2014 19:47:59 GMT -5
That's only fair, Princesses are entitled right? Princess?! Hah! Serenity is a Queen! ..and when it comes to foods and treats she doesn't like, gives me this smilie! ->  So as much as I am not sure I like this new formula, I am also still curious as to whether she'll eat it or if she'll smell/sense anything different with it. |
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Post by Sherry on Feb 26, 2014 0:03:54 GMT -5
Given this is a kibble not a clue. But find fuzzie reactions hilarious all the same  |
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Post by Thérèse on Feb 26, 2014 8:22:16 GMT -5
She'll know. Also I believe pet food co.s have something like 6mo to change packaging if they change formula, so even if it is the old packaging it may not be the old formula (but I may be wrong on that)
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Post by msav on Feb 26, 2014 9:16:17 GMT -5
I am going to order a bag this weekend since it is free shipping, That way if they don't like it I still have 3 bags to mix with it to transition them to the new formula. It hopefully will be temporary as I have plans to switch them all to raw. Hopefully I will only have to buy one more case and then I won't have to buy anymore.
In the past Wysong has always changed their labels right along with the product. They are really good about that.
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Post by katt on Feb 26, 2014 11:17:05 GMT -5
First ingredient changed from Organic Chicken to Chicken Meal. Fantastic move.  So glad I don't feed kibble! |
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Post by msav on Feb 26, 2014 11:38:33 GMT -5
Looks like wysong is going along the same line as all other manufacturers in the pet food industry. It is no longer what is best for the pet it is about Maximizing profits. I thought Wysong was different. I wonder what changed at this company. CEO, company Acquisition, etc.
Just got to get my last three on raw. Then goodbye to kibble
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Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2014 16:02:41 GMT -5
I thuought Wysong was different too...
Another thing I noticed, just now actually... they changed the Bag Size!
It was a 3.3lb bag, and now its a 5lb bag! Interesting, because when I emailed them my suggestion awhile back, I also suggested that too! Told them a 5lb bag option would be awesome, and they responded back with "well our market research tells us the 3.3lb bag is the best size to use, and we also have too much customer feedback that the 3.3lb bag is right for them!"
Uh huh...
I'm kinda disappointed in them now to be honest.
I just ordered another 2 bags of the original formula off petsupplies.com though, just so I have them when I need them. I'm sure those 'net order sites will still have the original in stock for a little while, but I just didn't want to risk it.
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Post by katt on Feb 26, 2014 17:36:36 GMT -5
This is a perfect example btw, of why if you do feed kibble (to any animal) it is best to offer a mix of a few types of kibble. Then if there is a sudden formula change, they run out of stock, etc, you have backup kibbles the animal will eat and is used to so you can continue to feed those while you gradually introduce the new formula/kibble. This is especially true in ferrets and cats who imprint on their food and will starve themselves rather than try something new half the time. Cats in particular HAVE to eat or they get fatty liver disease. And of course an insulinomic ferret needs food every few hours.
This isn't directed at anyone, just a general educational statement.
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Post by msav on Feb 26, 2014 17:58:22 GMT -5
I keep 4 bags in the freezer, for this reason. I rotate them out with every order. That way I always have some to either get me by or mix to transition. There have been several times I ordered from wysong and they were on a 2 week backorder.
I could not find a food I deemed suitable to mix with epigen 90. I used to use evo, but with the issues they had I stopped. I also always have wysong Artetype 1 that I feed.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2014 18:21:15 GMT -5
This is a perfect example btw, of why if you do feed kibble (to any animal) it is best to offer a mix of a few types of kibble. Then if there is a sudden formula change, they run out of stock, etc, you have backup kibbles the animal will eat and is used to so you can continue to feed those while you gradually introduce the new formula/kibble. This is especially true in ferrets and cats who imprint on their food and will starve themselves rather than try something new half the time. Cats in particular HAVE to eat or they get fatty liver disease. And of course an insulinomic ferret needs food every few hours. This isn't directed at anyone, just a general educational statement. Yes, very glad I got them BOTH to accept the Orijen, we have plenty of it available still and I know a local store that sells it for less then the Web order places. I may see if I can get a Sampler bag of the new Regional Red to try out as well.. just for a little extra variety. I keep 4 bags in the freezer, for this reason. I rotate them out with every order. That way I always have some to either get me by or mix to transition. There have been several times I ordered from wysong and they were on a 2 week backorder. I could not find a food I deemed suitable to mix with epigen 90. I used to use evo, but with the issues they had I stopped. I also always have wysong Artetype 1 that I feed. Hey I'm trying to get ours to try out the Archtype 1 also... but you know, Wysong changed the formula on that one too recently? Check it out here -- holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/14097/wysong-archtype-1-forumla-change |
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Post by msav on Feb 26, 2014 19:54:24 GMT -5
Mine all took to the new chicken formula of the archetype 1 without a hitch. I have not tried the other flavors yet though.
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