Make the Litter Healthy with the Best Puppy Milk Replacer

What Is Puppy Replacement Milk?

The puppy milk replacers are nutrient-rich formulas made from dried animal milk. Usually, manufacturers use goat and cow milk for production. However, you may also find vegetable-derived alternatives, like soy and almond milk.

Puppy milk replacer contains all the necessary nutrients for better growth and development of replacer. These include:

• Carbohydrates
• Fats
• Proteins
• Micronutrients
• Probiotics and enzymes

Being newborn, canine babies have fast metabolism rates and need energy after every few hours. The high fat and carbohydrate content in the milk replacer provides them with the required energy levels.

Meanwhile, proteins help build their muscle mass and organs. So your weak little pups will gain weight in no time!

The micronutrients refer to the minerals and vitamins included in the composition which differ from product to product. But, the most commonly found ones include calcium and folic acid.

These nutrients enhance the pup’s health and increase survival rates. Also, puppy replacement milk offers probiotics and enzymes. These make the immune system resistant to diseases.

When Does Your Puppy Need Milk Replacer?

In an ideal situation, a puppy doesn’t require replacement milk formulas. The mother’s milk is the best feed for the little canine. And, they would strive well on it alone.

However, that’s an ideal situation. The majority of puppies require milk replacers because of:

Unavailability of mother

The mother dog may not be available to feed the litter in case of any injury or sickness. At times, the mother may also pass away during birth.

Rejection

Giving birth to puppies is both physically and mentally exhausting. And so, at times, the mother dog may reject her litter.

Usually, it occurs because of the mental trauma received at the time of labor. The mother associates the pain with the kids and avoids nursing them.

She may also reject due to the caesarian section. The external involvement may cause her to perceive the pups as someone else’s.

To identify rejection, observe the mother dog’s behavior immediately after birth. She may sit away from the litter and avoid them.

In extreme situations, she may even become angry and harm them. Hence, be vigilant and monitor the litter at all times.

Lack of milk

Some canines do not produce sufficient milk due to stress and illnesses. The puppies do not get full nutrition in this case and yelp frequently.

In any of these cases, providing the replacement milk is mandatory. However, you may also offer it as a supplemental feed. The nutrients will compensate for any lacking and ensure healthy growth.

What Things to Consider in a Puppy Milk Replacer

We hope you might have found the idealistic puppy milk replacement formula in the list above. But, if you haven’t, then do not worry.

There are hundreds of puppy milk replacers available in the market. You need to be vigilant about the one you choose since your fur baby’s life depends on it.

To help, we have brought together the most value-holding factors to determine the perfect pick. Read more to unravel!

Type

Fundamentally, there are two types of puppy milk replacers based on milk sources. These include:

• Animal Milk
  The animal-based milk replacement formulas are not 100% pure. They get slightly altered to improve the nutritional value of the puppies. But, they do contain high protein and fat levels and you may find those in goat and cow milk variants.
• Vegan
  If you do not prefer feeding your pup something from another animal, then vegan milk replacers are suitable for use. They contain milk extracted from plant-based sources, such as almonds and soy. However, they do not provide the best nutrition.

Powder vs. Wet formulas

Other than milk sources, puppy milk replacers also get categorized into powder and wet formulas. Both of these types perform the same in terms of nutrition. The mere difference lies in usability and lifespan.

Wet milk replacers are quite easy-to-use and hassle-free. Simply purchase the formulas and feed them to the babies. You don’t need to prepare or mix them. However, this replacement milk is for short-term use. It’s best to consume within a few hours after opening.

And so, these work well for large litters only. For a few pups, you might end up wasting a lot of money in the form of half-used, spoiled milk boxes.

On the other hand, powdered formulas are not ready-to-use. You must first mix the recommended quantities into the water and create a solution before feeding. It can be a little troublesome since you have to calculate the portions.

Nonetheless, powder milk replacers last longer than wet ones. They come in cans and jars that you can store for months. So, you won’t have to rush to order when your dog gives birth the next time.

Composition

Different manufacturers alter their products using different ingredients. And so, no two dog milk replacers are the same.

When purchasing, evaluate the ingredients listed to ensure your pet is getting only the best. Ideally, the formula must contain:

• 50+ % carbohydrates
• 40% fats
• At least 30% of proteins

The milk replacement formula should also include a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, there must be probiotics and enzymes for immunity.

Other than this, also examine the calorie count stated by the manufacturer. It’s best to opt for the highest count possible as puppies need high energy amounts.

Safety

At times, companies add preservatives and chemical substances to the milk formula. While some of these may be important for longer shelf life, you need to make sure that they aren’t dangerous. Look for certification or approval seals by a reputable organization.

Most reliable manufacturers will maintain transparency regarding the product’s safety. However, if a brand doesn’t, do not purchase the item. Your pup can get diarrhea and digestive tract issues.

How Much Milk Replacer Should a Puppy Get?

The feed requirements of puppies change quite rapidly. You may begin by feeding multiple times a day to occasional meals in a matter of days.

Generally, a newborn pup will consume milk after every two to four hours. It means you will be feeding them four to five times a day.
To calculate the amount, you must follow the instructions stated on the puppy milk replacer packet accurately. Do not feed according to your preferences.

Ideally, you should create a dilute solution that is 180ml per kg of the pup’s body weight. Distribute the total quantity into the number of meals you provide in the day.

For up to two weeks, this meal pattern will continue. And then, the milk requirement will begin to decrease. You may introduce semi-solid food in four weeks.