Suddenly Picky Eater Addicted to Pellets

[HarrietLouise]

Need some advice or suggestions for my sweet, sassy 9-year old lop who is something of a marvel-miracle house rabbit. She is a special needs rabbit, medically fragile, and a deeply loved elderbun. She has survived many health conditions (chronic respiratory infections) and suffers from terrible dental issues (she has her teeth filed every 4-7 weeks five or take). She has always been terrible about eating hay, very good about eating her greens (kale, parsley, mint, dandelions, leaf lettuces and spring mixes) and has always had a generally good appetite.  Two weeks ago, her dental issues started acting up, and were compounded by a severe sneezing episode. As it was Thanksgiving week her in the states, my exotics vet was unavailable to do her dental until this past Thursday. As a result, for a week she pretty much was “wined and dined” on Emeraid rescue food and her pellets. Flash forward to this weekend, and my sweet, spoiled bun is refusing her greens and quite adamant about eating pellets. I believe this is my fault and I now have to wean her off her delicious drug of choice and get her back on the greens. I’m still keeping up with the Emeraid rescue food (just not as big of a serving) to maintain her weight. However, she isn’t transitioning back quickly enough. Does anyone have any suggestions? I’ve tried hiding pellets in the greens, but she forages them out and doesn’t eat the greens. I also tried sprinkling pellet dust on the greens, to which she charged at me quite unhappily! Any suggestions for a quick change back to her healthy greens is greatly appreciated!!

[DanaNM]

I wonder if her teeth are still bothering her a bit from her dental?  Give her history, I wouldn’t force the issue too much and keep giving her recovery food as needed to keep her food intake up. I would double check with the vet, but since the rescue food is formulated to be 100% of the diet, I think it would be better for her to get more recovery food to make up for the lack of greens and hay, rather than tons of extra pellets. Does she eat the recovery food willingly?

If you can access it, you might offer some fresh grass.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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