Puppy Milk Replacer

Homemade Puppy Milk Replacer

Because Every Pup Deserves a Strong Start!

Sometimes, life throws a curveball, and you find yourself stepping in as a surrogate to a tiny, hungry pup. Don't worry—you’ve got this! With the right formula and a little patience, you'll be giving that baby the best possible start. Here’s a tried-and-true puppy milk replacer recipe that’s packed with nutrients to keep your little one growing strong!

Ingredients

  • 10 oz. of canned evaporated milk OR whole goat’s milk
    🐾 Goat’s milk is the top choice! But if you’re in a pinch, evaporated milk works too. Just steer clear of pasteurized cow’s milk—it can upset their tiny tummies!
  • 3 oz. sterilized water (only needed if using evaporated milk)
    🐾 Use pre-boiled, cooled water or baby water to keep things safe and clean.
  • 1 raw egg yolk
    🐾 Extra nutrition for those growing bodies!
  • 1 cup plain yogurt (avoid skim or fat-free if possible)
    🐾 This helps with digestion and gives their gut a healthy boost.
  • 1/2 tsp Karo corn syrup (or homemade simple syrup substitute)
    🐾 Do NOT use honey—it can be dangerous for puppies!
    Simple syrup substitute: Mix 1 cup white sugar with 1/4 cup hot water. Stir until fully dissolved. If needed, add a little more water to help it blend.

Instructions

  1. Mix it up! 🥄
    Add all the ingredients to a blender and mix until smooth. If you’re using a whisk instead, be gentle—you don’t want a frothy milkshake full of bubbles! Bubbles can cause feeding issues.
  2. Warm to body temperature. 🌡️
    Puppies are snug little heaters, and their milk should match their natural body temp—around 101°F. Always test the formula on your wrist before feeding to make sure it’s warm but not hot.
  3. Feed with care. 🍼
    • If bottle-feeding, make sure the nipple opening is just right. When turned upside down, the milk should drip, not stream.
    • If tube-feeding, follow vet-recommended guidelines for placement and amount.
  1. Burp your baby! 🐶
    Just like human infants, puppies need burping after feeding to avoid gas buildup. A few gentle pats on the back should do the trick.
  2. Keep track of growth. 📏
    Use a kitchen scale (preferably one with grams) to weigh the pups daily. A growing pup is a thriving pup! Keep notes on their progress so you can adjust feeding amounts as needed.

Feeding Guidelines

  • Tiny tummies need frequent meals! 🕒 A good rule of thumb is 1 CC per ounce of body weight every 3 hours.
  • Watch for signs of trouble. If milk dribbles out of their nose or mouth, or they struggle to latch, pause and reassess. Aspiration pneumonia is a real risk, so always make sure milk is flowing at a safe rate.

Final Howls of Encouragement!

Bottle-feeding a newborn pup can feel overwhelming, but take heart—you are their lifeline, their guardian, their hero! With love, patience, and the right nutrition, you’ll help that little one grow into a strong, healthy companion. Keep up the great work, and soon, you’ll be rewarded with wagging tails and grateful puppy kisses! 💕🐾