Rabbit recovering from stasis - not eating pellets

[EdwardV]

Our dwarf rabbit had another bout with stasis. Took her to the vet. Vet dispensed 3 prescriptions and we have been giving them to her. Noticed that her pellet consumption is down. She is eating a normal amount of hay and veggies. She has been given Oxbow Essentials her entire life and this is the first time she has not wanted them. Can rabbits display food avoidance if they associate food with a bad experience (tummy ache) like dogs and cats? Can anyone recommend another brand of pellets?

 

[JBun]

When a rabbit has a GI slowdown, it's not unusual for them to leave the pellets in preference for hay and veggies. Reason is that it's instinctual for them to turn to the high fiber foods that will help improve their gut motility. Most pellets contain grains and sugars, which slow down the gut. So it's actually better that your rabbit is wanting to eat grass hay(should be free fed) and veggies for now.

https://rabbit.org/sluggish-motility-in-the-gastrointestinal-tract-2/
Once your rabbits digestion improves and food is moving through more normally, your rabbit will likely gradually start eating pellets again. Even though oxbow is considered a good brand, if you want to try something more natural without added grains and sugars, Sherwood adult is a good food. Supreme also has a grain free pellet.

 

[HalaBuns]

One of my bunnies can’t tolerate Oxbow pellets at all, I tried her with them and they gave her an upset stomach and made her gassy. Sherwood is not available in my country, so my vet recommended Zupreem Timothy Naturals.

I have actually moved her off pellets completely now and she’s a much happier bunny, no GI issues and so much more energy.