|
|
Post by joclyn on Mar 14, 2011 19:18:31 GMT -5
there's no way to start a thread in that section, so, putting it here...
i wouldn't use flax seed or anything else that is similar - like crushed egg shells - due to the irritation to the stomach & intestines that results. if ulcers are present, using something hard like that is likely to cause the ulcer to start bleeding. i experienced that with simba with the crushed eggshells and the flax seed would be even harder to finely powder...
pumpkin or other squash are sufficient to slow down the process so that the nutrients have time to be absorbed and they're not overly harsh on the system.
another one to use is banana - it is soothing on the stomach and it seems that the potassium in it is actually partly absorbed.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2011 20:05:26 GMT -5
I believe that, as long as the eggshell is ground fine enough (like a powder), it will not irritate the stomach or intestines. There is ground flax, but it also comes in a oil - which shouldn't cause any irritation issues. But like the eggshells, if ground fine with a grinder, pestle, it shouldn't be an issue either,
I wouldn't really recommend banana. The glycemic load for a banana is 4 times higher than that of pumpkin. It is a fruit and as a rule, fruit shouldn't be given to ferrets.
Just my thoughts on the subject.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Mar 14, 2011 20:10:05 GMT -5
That's interesting on the crushed eggshell, Joclyn. I'm wondering if powdered would have the same effect. The same with the powdered flax, rather than the whole seed(which I *think* is what you are referring to?). I don't know that I'd use the oil for flax seed, since the idea is to have the flax absorb extra fluid in the bowel, as well as soothing it.
As for the banana, I'd not do that myself. One of the reasons I got them onto a raw/whole prey diet to begin with is to avoid things like fruit along with the sugars in them.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2011 20:21:15 GMT -5
The oil shouldn't work any different than the seed - it should absorb extra fluid in the bowel just the same.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2011 20:26:05 GMT -5
But like the eggshells, if ground fine with a grinder, pestle, it shouldn't be an issue either, I wouldn't really recommend banana. The glycemic load for a banana is 4 times higher than that of pumpkin. It is a fruit and as a rule, fruit shouldn't be given to ferrets. Just my thoughts on the subject. I agree with Jackie. Fruit and ferrets to me is a huge no-no - I see "insulinoma" in bright lights in my mind. Reminds me of being on other forums that were not natural-diet inclined and seeing posts from people who thought guinea pig food and dried bananas were great for their ferret. *cringe* |
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Mar 14, 2011 20:27:58 GMT -5
Really? I thought that moisture already being added to the powdered seed would reduce the efficacy of it? Now you know why I say I'm always learning  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2011 20:32:40 GMT -5
Just so we're on the same page, I'm talking about the oil you buy at a health store. Not adding water to the powdered seed.
I believe (correct me if I'm wrong anyone) that the oil is hygroscopic (water attracting) and can absorb 8 times its weight in water.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Mar 14, 2011 21:41:05 GMT -5
Not a clue about where you'd get the oil ;D I was referring to adding a pinch of the powder to the food |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2011 21:51:33 GMT -5
Not a clue about where you'd get the oil ;D I was referring to adding a pinch of the powder to the food Jackie's right, I can find Flax Seed Oil sold in bottles much like fish oil is, at my local Whole Foods Market and several smaller natural food stores. They might even sell it at vitamin stores, I don't know. I've found flax seeds help with my complexion and are supposed to be good for women's health (regulation, etc.) plus many other benefits. I trust the person who runs this business and she has some really valid info - www.bubbleandbee.com/flaxseeds.html I may move to oil though, or get a coffee grinder for grinding the seeds (cheapest option) and eggshell into powder, because whole flax seeds are a little difficult for me to....erm, process. Kinda off-topic, sorry, but it's interesting stuff. |
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Mar 14, 2011 21:58:27 GMT -5
Well, given that I don't have to worry about ONE of the above topics(I'm in my 50's ;D ), I'll check with my local health food store. I can pick up pretty much every thing else there, don't know why they wouldn't have the oil!
But as Heather pointed out in another thread- you really have to watch fuzzums closely, since many will react to the flax with severly increased itchies.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2011 22:44:34 GMT -5
I personally feel I will stick to wild alaskan salmon oil mixed with cold-pressed, organic extra virgin olive oil, and maybe things like squash or pumpkin. Flax is for me, LOL. Just because you're in your 50s, by the way, doesn't mean you won't benefit. There are cancer-prevention properties in flax seed oil. I'm also a big fan of unrefined, virgin Coconut Oil. That link to Bubble and Bee I posted above is actually an article discussing the health benefits of taking flax seeds/oil. Pretty impressive.  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2011 22:47:34 GMT -5
I definitely agree with Sherry. - be careful using these supplements.
|
|
