Small animal malt paste or hairball paste
Pet stores sell malt pastes specifically for rabbits and guinea pigs, containing malt extract, fruit, and beneficial fiber, such as Trixie. The purpose of the paste is to provide natural digestive aid so that ingested hair does not accumulate in the stomach.
The use of malt paste is most important during intensive hair shedding to support the movement of hair through the digestive tract. However, veterinarians recommend giving rabbits hairball paste daily even when active hair shedding is not currently taking place. However, since malt pastes contain natural sugars and fruits, the amounts should be moderate. Too much sugar can disrupt the rabbit's sensitive microflora, which is why it is worth giving the paste only as an additional treat according to the instructions on the package.
What causes hairballs and intestinal blockage?
In a healthy rabbit, ingested hair naturally passes out of the body through the intestines along with the food. Problems arise when the rabbit's intestines slow down or stop moving food. This condition is called GI stasis .
Slow bowel movements can be caused by a lack of fiber in the diet, lack of exercise, pain, stress, and dehydration. When bowel activity slows down, hair and food in the stomach become stuck, dry out, and form a hard mass.
How to prevent hairballs during shedding?
A combination of proper nutrition and care is essential to keep your rabbit's digestive system healthy and prevent hairballs. High-quality dry hay should make up at least 80 percent of your rabbit's daily diet, as the fiber in hay mechanically stimulates the intestines and helps keep the hair moving.
During intensive moulting, the rabbit should be brushed daily to remove loose undercoat before the animal licks it in. Adequate space to move and jump also stimulates bowel function, and the rabbit should have access to fresh water at all times.
From sources
The article is based on the Exotic Mammal Veterinarians Association and Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine's clinical guidelines for exotic animal medicine.
