A puppys first food should be colostrum, the rich initial milk that provides antibodies to protect him from the get-go. However, if a newborn puppy is orphaned, or his mother cant provide milk, its up to you. In an emergency, you can put replacement milk together from supermarket items.
The best thing for a newborn puppy is mothers milk. If he cant get it from his own mother, call your vet to see if she has canine colostrum on hand or if she knows of a nursing dog who might be able to accept your puppy. If that doesnt work out, your best bet is commercial puppy milk replacer, available at pet stores or at your vets office. Puppy milk replacer contains all the nutrients a puppy needs. Of course, its quite likely that you discover that your pup is orphaned or needs food in the middle of the night. As an emergency measure, you can put together a temporary, homemade puppy milk replacer.
Parkway Animal Hospital in Cary, North Carolina posts this homemade puppy milk replacer formula on its website, but emphasizes that it should be used only until you can purchase commercial milk replacer. It consists of 1 cup of whole milk, 2 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon salad oil, and 1 drop of a liquid multivitamin if you have it. Mix the ingredients together in a blender. Whether using a commercial or homemade milk replacer, make only enough for a days feeding, throwing out any leftover formula.
The University of Minnesota offers some similar recipes for emergency puppy milk replacer, based on what you might have on hand. In a pinch you can mix together 3 parts evaporated milk—not skim—to 1 part water. The second recipe is identical to Parkway Animal Hospitals, minus the eggs. A third recommendation consists of 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup water, 1 to 2 egg yolks, 2 Tums as a calcium supplement and a teaspoon of vegetable oil. A fourth recipe consists of 1 cup whole milk, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 pinch of salt, 3 egg yolks and 1 drop of liquid infant vitamins. Call your vet to find which of these recipes best suits your puppies, based on age and size.
Once youve mixed up your emergency concoction, you must safely feed the puppy. At 2 weeks old and under, puppies should eat every three to four hours. According to the American Kennel Club, the formula should be fed at body temperature. The best way to do this is by placing the formula container in a pan of warm water. Drop a bit on your hand or wrist to make sure its not too hot. If you dont have a nursing bottle to feed the puppy, use an eyedropper. Hold the puppy gently, keeping him warm. Keep his head up while he lies on his stomach, just as he would when nursing from his mother. If milk comes out his nose, hes sucking too fast. After feeding, hold him upright with his head on your shoulder, gently rubbing his back until he burps.
Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in “Horse News,” “Suburban Classic,” “Hoof Beats,” “Equine Journal” and other publications. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and an Associate of Arts from the American Academy of Dramatics Arts, New York City.
Puppy Milk Recipe #2
Directions for both recipes: Mix the ingredients in a blender, and feed them to your puppy with a bottle.
Remember that before you use a milk replacer (store-bought or homemade), you need to consult your veterinarian to ensure your puppies are getting adequate nutrition.
If the puppy is not thriving after a few days on the goat’s milk formula, add two egg yolks and two dissolved packets of unflavored gelatin. The gelatin helps to build strong bones and teeth. Keep the formula in the refrigerator. Don’t be alarmed if it solidifies. When you warm it up before feeding, it will liquefy again.
There are times when a mother is unable to nurse her pup; whether she isn’t lactating, isn’t present, or has (unfortunately) rejected the puppy. Those are the times when an alternative milk supply is necessary. Luckily, there are options.
When considering puppy milk replacement formulas, vets and breeders recommend well-known brands like Breeder’s Edge, Pet-Lac, Farnam, Nuturall, Just Born, GNC Pets Ultra Mega Premium Milk Replacer, and All Star Universal Milk Replacer. Some are made with goat’s milk (which is easier for puppies to digest), and most are available as either a powder (which you reconstitute with water) or as a canned liquid formula. Pay attention to those that have colostrum added – colostrum is a natural element found in the mother’s milk that helps boost the puppy’s immune system.
The most important consideration when giving milk to a puppy is this: don’t use pasteurized cow’s milk, especially the reduced fat variety. Giving a puppy regular cow’s milk from the grocery store can lead to sinus problems, diarrhea, or tummy aches. Instead, you’ll want to use commercial puppy milk replacement formula or make one yourself.
Another consideration to keep in mind when it comes to giving milk to a puppy is: never feed a puppy a cold or chilled formula. Puppies cannot regulate their body heat by themselves, and it is up to you to keep the ambient temperature warm for them.
How To Make Homemade Puppy Milk
If you’re interested in making homemade puppy milk, you’ll be extremely happy to know that it isn’t hard to make. You probably already have many of the ingredients for this recipe in your kitchen. If not, you can definitely find the ingredients at the local grocery store. Here are two great recipes for making homemade puppy milk.
The first homemade puppy milk recipe requires evaporated milk, water, light corn syrup, and full-fat yogurt. Make sure to avoid using vanilla yogurt because it contains lots of sugars, flavorings, and artificial ingredients that can harm puppies.
Place 10 ounces of the specified milk and 3 ounces of water into a blender. After placing those ingredients in the blender, add 1 cup of full-fat yogurt and ½ teaspoon of light corn syrup. Mix all of these ingredients together, and then pour the mixture into a feeding bottle.
The second homemade puppy milk replacer recipe requires the following ingredients: Fresh goat’s milk, raw egg yolk, full-fat yogurt, light corn syrup, and mayonnaise. Similar to the previous recipe, you shouldn’t use vanilla yogurt in this recipe either.
Place 12 ounces of the specified milk and 1 raw egg yolk into the blender. Next, add 1 cup of full-fat yogurt, 1 teaspoon of light corn syrup, and 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise. Combine all of these ingredients, and then place the mixture in a feeding bottle.
Please note: Before making a homemade puppy milk replacer, be sure to consult with your vet. When you talk with a vet about the right homemade puppy milk for your pup, you’ll be ensuring that your pup receives the nutrients that it needs.
FAQ
How do you make puppy milk at home?
How do you make powdered milk for puppies?
Can you give regular milk to puppies?
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Refrigerate unused reconstituted liquid for up to 24 hours.
- Measure water.
- Mix in JUST BORN ®.
- Stir until smooth.
- Feed at temperature that feels slightly warm on your wrist.
- Refrigerate unused portion.