Post by powerwoman on Feb 11, 2019 0:45:47 GMT -5
Sorry for long post-- After dealing with recurring digestive issues over a long time, I'm going to try switching my ferret over to FDR. As a student I'm not psyched about the cost (thank god I've only got the one), but hopefully it'll be offset at least a little by fewer visits to the vet.
I was just wondering if anyone had any general advice (a bunch of people/threads on the site have already been helpful), either for switching him over (he's super picky), or favorite brands/types? He's got a sensitive stomach obviously, but we're not 100% sure what he's sensitive to. Vet mentioned chicken was a common culprit, so I'm starting him off with lamb and a bit of rabbit and avoiding poultry for the time being. Not sure if there should be more variety long term, though, or the best way to buy (I know it'll be expensive no matter what, but I'd like to save where I can), etc.
I was worried about how this might affect his teeth-- he's had plaques and some gingivitis since I got him, I brush regularly with a gel to try to keep it under control. Is there any sort of dental chew, or supplement that might go well with the new, softer diet? I've seen a lot of people talk about bones but I have serious doubts I'll ever be able to convince him to eat one.
I was also concerned about taurine, there's some in the rabbit but the lamb patties I've ordered don't have any-- not sure how much a ferret needs, or if anyone could point me towards a supplement they've used?
Finally, I'm a bit unclear on portion sizes-- I know it should be abt 2 meals, with some dry pieces out for snacks in-between, but I'm not sure how big each meal should be. He's a (probably) 3.5yo male, and he weighs about 2.5 pounds (though he's a little chubbier now than in summer).
Thanks all, I appreciate it!
I was just wondering if anyone had any general advice (a bunch of people/threads on the site have already been helpful), either for switching him over (he's super picky), or favorite brands/types? He's got a sensitive stomach obviously, but we're not 100% sure what he's sensitive to. Vet mentioned chicken was a common culprit, so I'm starting him off with lamb and a bit of rabbit and avoiding poultry for the time being. Not sure if there should be more variety long term, though, or the best way to buy (I know it'll be expensive no matter what, but I'd like to save where I can), etc.
I was worried about how this might affect his teeth-- he's had plaques and some gingivitis since I got him, I brush regularly with a gel to try to keep it under control. Is there any sort of dental chew, or supplement that might go well with the new, softer diet? I've seen a lot of people talk about bones but I have serious doubts I'll ever be able to convince him to eat one.
I was also concerned about taurine, there's some in the rabbit but the lamb patties I've ordered don't have any-- not sure how much a ferret needs, or if anyone could point me towards a supplement they've used?
Finally, I'm a bit unclear on portion sizes-- I know it should be abt 2 meals, with some dry pieces out for snacks in-between, but I'm not sure how big each meal should be. He's a (probably) 3.5yo male, and he weighs about 2.5 pounds (though he's a little chubbier now than in summer).
Thanks all, I appreciate it!
