How much should I feed a newborn puppy when hand-feeding?

Bringing a new puppy into your life is an exciting adventure, but it comes with the responsibility of ensuring its healthy growth. If, for any reason, the mother dog is unable to nurse her puppies, you may need to step in and hand-feed them. This process requires careful attention to the amount of milk they consume.

Puppies are born with a natural instinct to nurse, but when this isn't possible, artificial feeding becomes essential. Newborn puppies should be fed every two to three hours, around the clock. This frequency is crucial because their tiny bodies burn energy quickly and they have small stomachs that cannot hold large amounts of milk at once.

When selecting a milk replacement, it's important to choose one specifically formulated for puppies. These formulas contain the necessary nutrients that puppies need for proper development. Cow's milk or human baby formula are not suitable substitutes as they lack the right balance of nutrients and can cause digestive upset in puppies.

To feed your puppy, you will need a feeding bottle designed for newborns. These bottles have smaller nipples that allow the puppies to suckle comfortably. Before feeding, it's essential to prepare the bottle by warming the milk to about body temperature. This can be done by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water. Test the temperature on your wrist to ensure it's not too hot.

When it comes to the amount of milk, a general guideline is to feed puppies approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) of milk per ounce of body weight per day. This amount should be divided evenly throughout their feeding schedule. For example, a 1-ounce puppy would need about 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk spread out over the day. As the puppies grow, their milk consumption will increase.

During feeding, hold the puppy in an upright position to prevent milk from entering its lungs. Gently squeeze the bottle to release milk, and allow the puppy to suckle at its own pace. If the puppy is having difficulty, you may need to gently massage its back to stimulate a suckling reflex.

Monitoring the puppies' weight is important to ensure they are getting enough nutrition. Puppies should gain weight steadily each day. If you notice that a puppy is not gaining weight or seems listless, it may not be getting enough milk or could be experiencing health issues. In such cases, consult with a veterinarian for guidance.

Hygiene is crucial when hand-feeding puppies. Always wash your hands before handling the puppies or preparing their milk. Clean the feeding bottles after each use to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

As the puppies grow, you can start introducing them to solid food at around three to four weeks of age. Begin by mixing a small amount of puppy food with warm water to create a gruel-like consistency. Gradually increase the amount of solid food and decrease the frequency of milk feedings as the puppies transition to their new diet.

Hand-feeding puppies is a rewarding experience that requires patience and dedication. By following these guidelines and paying close attention to their nutritional needs, you can help ensure that your puppies grow up healthy and strong. Remember, regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their development and address any potential health issues.