Oxbow Critical Care® Herbivore
Oxbow’s Critical Care® Herbivore is a complete “assisted feeding” formula for herbivores that are not eating due to illness or surgery.
Whether an animal’s lack of appetite is a result of illness, post surgical recovery or pain, Oxbow’s Critical Care® Herbivore plays an important nutritional role in the patient’s recovery program.
Note: Inappetence is normally a secondary symptom of an underlying health problem. Due to the likely compromised health of animals that are not eating, Critical Care® Herbivore is to be used under the supervision of a veterinarian and the guidance of Oxbow.
How to Use Oxbow’s Critical Care® Herbivore
Step 1 – Weigh your pet 
The easiest way to do this is with baby scales, or kitchen scales with a container.
Step 2 – Determine the total amount of Critical Care® Herbivore needed for your pet per day based on their weight Will your animal be eating additional foods? A suggested daily ration of 3 tablespoons per kg of body weight per day (small herbivorous mammal) or 1 tablespoon per kg of body weight per day (small herbivorous reptile) is generally appropriate for an animal that is also eating additional foods. Will your animal be eating 100% Critical Care® Herbivore? Refer to the table below for daily ration. Your vet can assist you in determining the correct daily portion for your animal based on total foods being consumed. 
For omnivores: download the Species Feeding Guidelines.
Step 3 – Divide the total daily amount needed into four to six bowls These are your pet’s four to six meals for the day. Only add water to the dry Critical Care® Herbivore when the feeding is due. This will help to keep it fresh. 
Step 4 – Mix the feed If you are using a syringe to feed your pet, add 2 parts water to 1 part Critical Care® Herbivore If you are using a spoon to feed your pet, add 1.5 parts water to 1 part Critical Care® Herbivore 
Step 5 – Load the syringe Remove the plunger of the syringe and spoon the mixture in, then replace the plunger. 
Step 6 – Ensure you can push the mixture through the syringe If the mixture is too thick, add more water. 
Step 7 – Prepare your pet for feeding Wrap your pet in a soft towel so that they are gently restrained and comfortable for the feeding procedure. Have someone assist you if needed. There is a demonstration of how best to wrap the pet in a towel in the video below. 
Step 8 – Feed the pet Introduce the tip of the syringe gently into the side of the mouth. Administer small amounts from the syringe (or from a spoon), pausing after each small amount to allow the pet to swallow. It can help to offer small amounts of water throughout feeding as well. Continue until the full amount of mixture for that meal has been administered. 
