Fox Valley vs. Esbilac--link?

[PBluejay2]

The rehabber I foster for has switched from Esbilac to Fox Valley for squirrel formula. I know people have had success with each, but does anyone have any solid info on which is actually better? I've raised babies on each with success but want to give them every chance possible. If a good link already exists discussing the advantages/disadvantages of both, please direct me. Thank you--Jack

[thundersquirrel]

i believe esbilac has more fat, in general. fox valley will produce leaner squirrels. while both are successful, my mother and i (and the org. we volunteer for) prefer to feed esbilac; the extra fattiness, we believe, makes up for the squirrels' injuries or lack of a squirrel mom.

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

I have used both. I switched from Fox Valley to Esbilac because my squirrels always got diarrhea when they were on 2:1 Fox Valley milk. It was so bad they had to go back down to 3:1 and stay there. I have only used Esbilac on 4 squirrels so far (I was using Zoologic 33/40 and had some issues with diarrhea with that as well), but none of them have gotten diarrhea from it and before that every single one of my squirrels had diarrhea at one time or another. So, I like the Esbilac better. They do seem to grow faster on the Esbilac as well (probably because they don't have diarrhea).

[island rehabber]

I have never tried Fox Valley so I don't speak from experience. However, the diarrhea issue with Fox Valley has come up in conversation more than once when I am with other rehabbers, so I think I'll stay away for the time being. Also, it's nice for disorganized types like me to be able to run to a PetSmart at 9pm and grab an emergency can of Esbilac -- can't do that if they've started on Fox Valley and you run out. :dono

[Gabe]

I tried Fox Valley when it first came out and had squirrels with white poop. When I called them they said that they were still tweaking the formula and had left out an enzyme that aids in digestion. I haven't used it since.
On the plus side, the researcher that has helped Fox Valley to formulate it is a former employee from Pet Ag.

[Critter_Queen]

I use both. Mainly Esbilac, but I keep Fox Valley on hand for cases where I can't seem to get the stools to stabilize on Esbilac. I've had a few squirrels that were unable to tollerate the Esbilac and used FV as the diet for them. I've also had one squirrel that couldn't tollerate the FV.

To be honest, I have no idea what the differences are. But I get healthy, average sized squirrels with either one. Just don't forget to add a fat source to both once eyes are open...neither one contains enough fat for weaning juveniles. :thumbsup