Twenty-something day old puppies: how to feed them properly.

Feeding a Puppies: The First Few Weeks

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with play, cuddles, and learning. Puppies, especially those under twenty days old, require special attention and a careful feeding routine to ensure they grow up healthy and strong.

Puppies rely on their mother's milk for the first few weeks of life for complete nutrition. If the mother is unavailable, you'll need to step in with a milk replacement formula. It's crucial to choose a formula that's specifically designed for puppies, as it contains the necessary nutrients for their growth.

Frequency and Amount

For puppies under three weeks old, feed them every two to three hours around the clock. This may seem like a lot, but remember, their tiny stomachs can't hold very much at a time. A general rule of thumb is to feed them about one to two tablespoons of formula per pound of body weight per day, divided into the feedings.

Feeding Method

You can feed your puppy using a bottle or a syringe. If you're using a bottle, make sure the nipple is the right size for a small puppy's mouth and that the formula flows easily when the bottle is inverted. If the flow is too slow, the puppy may become frustrated; if it's too fast, they may choke or ingest air, which can cause gas or colic.

Temperature