front of the bag of Harrison's Recovery, a hand feeding formula used by vets to nurse sick or injured small animals, including birds, reptiles, and kittens
back of the bag of Harrison's Recovery, a hand feeding formula used by vets to nurse sick or injured small animals, including birds, reptiles, and kittens; with usage instructions

Harrison's Recovery Formula

Regular price $61.00 $0.00
Tax included.

Harrison's Recovery Formula - Premium Hand Feeding Formula for Sick or Injured Animals

Complete nutritional support for sick or injured animals.

  • For animals needing an easily assimilated source of nutrients.
  • For medical and surgical patients that are recovering from pansystemic failure.
  • For nutritional support during the transition phase of a diet change.
  • For animals in which anorexia has slowed gastrointestinal emptying time.
  • Also used as a hand feeding diet for growth from hatching to fledging of small insectivorous birds with an apparent inability to digest cornstarch. In North America, such species include bushtits, wrentits, vireos, wrens & smaller flycatchers, and warblers. New Zealand species may be different.

For tube-feeding of emaciated and/or dehydrated animals with a moderate to excessive loss of body weight. The consistency of the freshly prepared formula (warmed to animal’s body temperature) depends on the degree of dehydration and the general condition of the animal. The formula mixture should be more fluid to nearly watery in significantly dehydrated animals and for the first feedings. At this consistency the formula easily passes through the GI tract and as the hydration of the skin normalises the mixture should be gradually increased to yogurt consistency.

Caution: The correct feeding technique must be used in order to prevent injury to the bird or inhalation of the formula that could result in pneumonia and death. If using a non-metal or flexible tube, be sure that the bird does not damage the tube.

Step 1: Gently feel the crop to determine that it is almost empty before feeding.

Step 2: Mix fresh: 1 part dry formula to 1-3 parts bottled “drinking water” heated to approximately 103°F (39°C). Do not microwave. Allow to cool to lukewarm.

Step 3: Feeding with a tube is probably the most universally successful technique. As one faces the bird, position the tube to enter the oral cavity from the left side of the bird’s beak and direct it toward the right side of the bird’s neck. Deposit the food into the bird’s crop.

Step 4: Feed the bird until the crop is full but not overstuffed and clean the excess formula from the bird’s beak, feathers and enclosure. Repeat as often as needed to maintain or increase the bird’s body weight.

    Mix a fresh batch of Recovery for each feeding. Do not reuse, reheat, or microwave mixed formula.

    Caution: The correct feeding technique must be used in order to prevent injury to the animal or inhalation of the formula, which could result in pneumonia and death. Tube feeding should be done under veterinary supervision.

    Step 1: Mix 1 part dry Recovery (enough for a single feeding) with 2-3 parts warmed (39°C) drinking water or to desired consistency.

    Step 2: Tube feed or spoon feed warmed formula based on veterinary recommendations.

    Step 3: Repeat feeding as necessary to maintain or increase the animal’s body weight. Recovery is a low-fiber formula and is easy to digest; therefore, frequent feedings may be necessary.

    Cats only: For long-term feeding (more than 1 week), add 1 can chicken baby food, divided into equal parts for daily feedings.

    Soy protein isolate, Hi-oleic sunflower oil, Sugar, Calcium carbonate, Potassium chloride, Vitamin supplement (Vitamin A acetate, vitamin D3, dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate, vitamin B12, riboflavin, d-calcium pantothenate, niacin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, d-biotin, thiamine mononitrate, folic acid, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, sodium selenite, calcium carbonate, vegetable oil), Phosphatadyl choline, Di-calcium phosphate, Methionine, Vitamin E.

    Crude protein (min.) 35%, crude fat (min.) 19%, crude fiber (max.) 1%, moisture (max.) 10%.