When it comes to substituting puppy milk, it’s important to provide a formula that is as close to their mother’s milk as possible. While there are commercially available milk replacers specifically made for puppies, you can also make a homemade milk replacer using ingredients commonly found in your kitchen.
One option for a homemade milk replacer is a mixture of cow’s or goat’s milk, water, egg yolks, vegetable oil, and calcium carbonate if available. The cow’s or goat’s milk serves as the base liquid, providing essential nutrients and proteins. It is important to note that puppies have difficulty digesting lactose, so it’s crucial to dilute the milk with water.
To make the milk replacer, combine 1/2 cup (120 ml) of cow’s or goat’s milk with 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water. This ratio helps to reduce the lactose content and make it easier for the puppies to digest. Next, add 2 to 4 egg yolks to the mixture. Egg yolks are rich in protein and healthy fats, which are essential for the puppies’ growth and development.
To provide additional fat and calories, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. This helps to mimic the higher fat content found in mother’s milk. If you have access to calcium carbonate, you can add 1,000 mg of it to the mixture. Calcium is important for bone development and overall growth.
After combining all the ingredients, it’s crucial to blend them uniformly to ensure a consistent mixture. You can use a blender or whisk to achieve this. Once blended, warm the milk replacer to a temperature of 95-100°F (35-38°C). This temperature is similar to the warmth of a mother dog’s body and will make the milk more appealing to the puppies.
When feeding the homemade milk replacer to the puppies, it’s important to use a bottle or syringe with a small nipple specifically designed for puppies. This will mimic the act of nursing and help them to latch on and feed properly. It’s also essential to feed the puppies small, frequent meals to prevent overfeeding and digestive issues.
Remember, homemade milk replacers should only be used as a temporary substitute until you can find a suitable commercial milk replacer or until the puppies are old enough to transition to solid food. Consulting a veterinarian is always recommended to ensure the puppies are receiving the appropriate nutrition and to address any specific needs or concerns.