A one-week-old white puppy should be fed as follows.

Welcome to the world, little white puppy! Your new family member is just a week old, and it's a time filled with excitement and responsibility. Feeding a newborn puppy requires special attention to ensure it grows up healthy and strong. Here's how to go about nurturing your white furball.

Understanding Newborn Puppies

At one week old, your puppy is completely dependent on you. They can't regulate their own body temperature, so make sure they stay warm. Newborn puppies also can't see or hear very well, which makes them extra reliant on their mother—or you, if you're taking over the feeding duties.

Milk is Key

For the first few weeks, your puppy's diet should consist solely of milk. If the mother is available and able to nurse, that's the best option. Mother's milk provides all the necessary nutrients and antibodies to help the puppy grow and fight off infections. If the mother isn't around or if there are issues with nursing, you'll need to step in with a milk replacement formula designed specifically for puppies.

Feeding Schedule

Puppies need to eat frequently since their tiny stomachs can't hold much. Plan on feeding your white puppy every two to three hours around the clock. Yes, that means overnight feedings, too. Use a small, clean bottle with a nipple designed for puppies to feed them. Make sure the milk replacement is warm, but not hot, and always test it on your wrist before feeding to ensure it's at a safe temperature.

Amounts to Feed

Follow the instructions on the milk replacement formula for how much to feed your puppy. Generally, newborn puppies will consume about 1 to 1.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight per day, divided into those frequent feedings. Keep an eye on your puppy's weight and adjust the amounts as needed.

Hygiene and Cleanliness

After each feeding, it's important to stimulate your puppy to go to the bathroom. Newborns can't do this on their own, so gently rub their lower abdomen and genital area with a warm, damp cloth or a soft tissue. This mimics the mother's natural licking and helps the puppy to eliminate.

Monitoring Health

Keep a close watch on your puppy's health. They should be gaining weight steadily. If you notice any signs of illness, such as lethargy, diarrhea, or not eating, contact your veterinarian immediately. Newborn puppies can decline rapidly if they're not feeling well.

Transition to Solids

Around three to four weeks of age, you can start introducing your puppy to solid foods. Begin by moistening puppy kibble with the milk replacement formula to make a gruel-like consistency. As your puppy gets used to this new texture, gradually decrease the amount of formula and increase the kibble.

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