Assist Feeding
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Supplemental Feeding for Herbivores
When small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas will not eat
on their own, it becomes the responsibility of the caregiver. This can be
challenging, but doesn’t have to be impossible.
When do I need to assist feed?
How do I feed?
Relax. Be Patient. Stay Calm.
Often it is not the food that deters the animal from eating, but the
procedure of restraint and “force feeding.” The best thing that a caregiver
can do when needing to syringe feed an animal is to remain calm and
relaxed. Slow and deliberate movements with frequent breaks will
decrease the stress to the animal and the caregiver.
Procedure Tips
Most rabbits are more comfortable on the floor. Get on the floor with them
instead of trying the procedure on a slippery table where they might not
feel comfortable. Dehydration often occurs in animals that are ill and not
eating. By offering a syringe of water first, the mouth is moistened and the
animal is more receptive to food.
Getting the Animal Back on Feed
Unless there are several health problems, the goal to assist feeding is to
get the animal back on its regular diet as soon as possible. Sometimes this
is easier said than done. Animals sometimes become accustomed to eating
Critical Care (or any other food suggested by your veterinarian) and need
to be encouraged to return to their normal diet. The appetizing aroma
encourages palatability. If you are feeding Critical Care (or similar product),
the dry powder can be sprinkled on the animal’s food which can stimulate
the senses and prompt the animal to begin eating on its own. Spritzing
hay with warm water and sprinkling the dry powder on top is a good way
to encourage small herbivores to start consuming the fiber they need.
When Do You Stop Assist Feeding?
When the animal is consistently eating normal food and has reached
optimum body weight and condition.
When small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas will not eat
on their own, it becomes the responsibility of the caregiver. This can be
challenging, but doesn’t have to be impossible.
When do I need to assist feed?
- To stabilize GI stasis patients
- In post-surgical treatment
- For anorexia
- After incisor or molar trimming
- Geriatric care
- Stress induced inappetance
How do I feed?
- Through a syringe
- “Dough” balls
- Spoon feed
- Offer on a plate
- Tube feeding
Relax. Be Patient. Stay Calm.
Often it is not the food that deters the animal from eating, but the
procedure of restraint and “force feeding.” The best thing that a caregiver
can do when needing to syringe feed an animal is to remain calm and
relaxed. Slow and deliberate movements with frequent breaks will
decrease the stress to the animal and the caregiver.
Procedure Tips
- Take a deep breath.
- Get on the floor.
- Give a syringe of water prior to food.
- Stroke or massage the animal.
Most rabbits are more comfortable on the floor. Get on the floor with them
instead of trying the procedure on a slippery table where they might not
feel comfortable. Dehydration often occurs in animals that are ill and not
eating. By offering a syringe of water first, the mouth is moistened and the
animal is more receptive to food.
Getting the Animal Back on Feed
Unless there are several health problems, the goal to assist feeding is to
get the animal back on its regular diet as soon as possible. Sometimes this
is easier said than done. Animals sometimes become accustomed to eating
Critical Care (or any other food suggested by your veterinarian) and need
to be encouraged to return to their normal diet. The appetizing aroma
encourages palatability. If you are feeding Critical Care (or similar product),
the dry powder can be sprinkled on the animal’s food which can stimulate
the senses and prompt the animal to begin eating on its own. Spritzing
hay with warm water and sprinkling the dry powder on top is a good way
to encourage small herbivores to start consuming the fiber they need.
When Do You Stop Assist Feeding?
When the animal is consistently eating normal food and has reached
optimum body weight and condition.