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Post by eclipso on Mar 27, 2021 13:21:27 GMT -5
Hello, I have been reading about minerals in ferrets and I came across clay as a supplement. Many animals eat clay in the wild to help with digestive issues and detoxification. I did some more research and found that a clay called zeolite, specifically one called Clinoptilolite can help with a lot of issues when animals eat it. What would the dose be, and is this safe for ferrets? Link to more information here: selfhacked.com/blog/zeolite-benefits/Thank you
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Post by Charlie on Mar 28, 2021 11:00:47 GMT -5
Where would you even find this stuff? It seems too good to be true. There is very limited clinical studies on it. Personally, I wouldn't take the chance especially if you don't know if the stuff you get is pure or not and could be more toxic then good.
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Post by caitmonster on Mar 28, 2021 12:31:03 GMT -5
Considering the dangers of dehydration/potential intestinal blockage from clay's inherent fluid-absorbing abilities, and the fact that it doesn't discriminate between vital nutrients and detrimental ones, I would not recommend its usage in small animals like ferrets.
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Post by Corvidophile on Mar 28, 2021 14:17:09 GMT -5
I’ve heard of bentonite clay being used in raw cat foods that come as little wet pellets, as an anti caking agent. Clay does have its uses, specifically as an emergency absorber of poisons, but it’s not a miracle worker and I wouldn’t give it regularly.
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Post by Sherry Stone on Apr 1, 2021 22:44:35 GMT -5
Depending on the issue, small amounts of bentonite or montmomorillonite clay in foods can help. My IBD boy benefited greatly from it. But under normal circumstances there is literally no need for it.
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Post by eclipso on Apr 8, 2021 12:48:29 GMT -5
What about vitamins that come from plants or veggies, can they absorb vitamins if it comes from plants? I'm thinking of getting a multivitamin for emergency situations like when the ferret doesn't want to eat, but it costs quite a bit of money. The multivitamin gets the vitamins naturally, it's not synthetic.
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Post by unclejoe on Apr 8, 2021 16:08:31 GMT -5
there are several "ferret specific" vitamin supplements out there, but I wouldn't spend the money. A balanced diet is just that and should not require supplements. In case of lack of appetite, a vet visit is needed. There are meat based foods such as a/d, carnivore care, etc that can be mixed with water and syringe fed in cases of illness, but hopefully you won't have to deal with that anytime soon.
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Post by Sherry Stone on Apr 8, 2021 18:37:06 GMT -5
What about vitamins that come from plants or veggies, can they absorb vitamins if it comes from plants? I'm thinking of getting a multivitamin for emergency situations like when the ferret doesn't want to eat, but it costs quite a bit of money. The multivitamin gets the vitamins naturally, it's not synthetic. Honestly not worth the money or the time. A balanced raw diet is pretty much all they need really. Some animal oil supplements for coat(as well as nail trims) can help, but that's it. The only plant supplements I would use are for medical reasons, and then it isn't so much that they actually digest it, but as the medical supplement passes into the blood stream it can lend an "assist". Things like Bach's rescue remedy dabbed on the nose, rubbed into an ear flap helps reduce immediate stressors. Colloidal silver helps heal injuries when dabbed on. Reishi mushroom can help boost a weakened immune system. CBD oil(THC free ONLY) can help with arthritic pain, and potentially help reduce tumour size. Most supplements on the market would only give what they are already getting from a proper diet. The exceptions I listed are generally used for sick/unhealthy/injured ferrets.
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