How to Make Puppy Milk Replacer at Home

When puppies are born, the first days and weeks of their life are the most critical, especially when their nutritional needs have to be addressed right away. Oftentimes, their mother will handle it through the usual process of feeding them through their mother’s milk. However, there are situations where puppies might not get those essential nutrients, hydration, and immunity needs met.

This guide will focus on how to make puppy replacement milk at home. While this might be a temporary solution in emergencies, you’ll have a good idea of what to do if you are dealing with orphaned puppies or puppies who might not be getting enough. After the end of this guide, you’ll have a step-by-step way on how to make safe and nutritious puppy milk formula so they get the nutrients they need and more. 

Why Puppies Need a Milk Replacer

Puppy milk replacers are known to mimic the nutrition that is found in the milk of mother dogs. As such, they are rich in numerous vitamins, minerals, fats, and other nutrients. For example, proteins and fats are critical for growth and energy, while the antibodies (found in colostrum) are great for immune support, especially against diseases that can affect newborn puppies. However, natural nursing may not be an option in the event of situations such as rejection, abandonment, or illness. 

For this reason, knowing how to make puppy replacement milk at home is necessary. You can provide a puppy with the most vital nutrients they need to thrive throughout their puppy stages. Commercial puppy formulas are available, but if you don’t have any on hand, a homemade solution is sufficient. While it may be a temporary solution until you get your hands on such a formula, you’ll be playing a huge role in ensuring the puppies you take care of are getting those nutrients and growing properly. 

When to Use a Homemade Puppy Milk Replacer

Homemade milk replacers are mostly used for temporary purposes. As such, we highly recommend that you consider professionally formulated products. Still, you can use a homemade puppy milk replacer for the time being. As for when it can be used, here are the following situations:

• If the mother is not producing milk due to stress or illness
• The puppy is rejected or orphaned
• The commercial formula is currently unavailable
• You need an emergency feeding option as soon as possible

It is crucial to consult with your vet before using homemade formulas on puppies. This could be because a puppy may have very low birth weight or underlying conditions. If in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask a vet what steps need to be taken.

What Ingredients Should Be Avoided in DIY Puppy Milk?

Knowing how to make puppy replacement milk is key when you know the right ingredients. However, some ingredients should be avoided altogether. These include the following:

• Cow Milk: This is too low in the necessary fat and proteins. Plus, its high content of lactose can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: High sugar content, which makes it unsuitable for puppies.
• Plant-Based Milk (Almond, Soy, or Oat): Lacks essential nutrients that puppies need for development.
• Raw Eggs: This may increase the risk of salmonella, and it has a lack of biotin.

If you wish to create a safe homemade puppy formula, use ingredients that are as close to the nutritional profile of canine milk as possible. 

How to Make Puppy Replacement Milk: 3 Recipes To Use

We will be taking a look at three different recipes that can be used in common emergencies. These are recommended by breeders and rescue organizations that deal with orphaned puppies regularly. Here’s a look at the following recipes:

Recipe 1: Evaporated Milk Formula

This is considered one of the most common emergency puppy formulas. Here’s what it includes:

Ingredients:

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 egg yolk (cooked or pasteurized)
• 1 teaspoon corn syrup (optional)
• 1 tablespoon plain full-fat yogurt (unsweetened)
• 1 cup boiled, cooled water

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients until the texture is smooth
2. Warm gently in a bowl of hot water (do not use the microwave)
3. Make sure the formula is at body temperature (95 to 100 degrees F) using a syringe or a puppy nursing bottle

Store the leftover formula in a sealed container. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Recipe 2: Goat Milk-Based Puppy Formula

Goat milk can be an excellent alternative to cow’s milk because it’s easy to digest and contains plenty of essential nutrients. Let’s take a look at how to put this together:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole goat milk (not raw milk)
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
• 1 teaspoon of mayo or coconut oil (as a fat source)
• 1 drop of infant liquid vitamins (optional; without iron)

Instructions:

1. Blend ingredients thoroughly until the texture is smooth and creamy
2. Warm to body temperature
3. Use a puppy feeding bottle or syringe for feeding

Goat milk has the nutritional density that is found in a mother’s milk. Not to mention, it’s got plenty of fat and protein. 

Recipe 3: Whole Milk with Gelatin (Digestive Support Formula)

For the best digestive support possible, gelatin is an excellent inclusion with whole milk. This can only be used if the puppy you’re caring for might have issues with digesting the other options. The recipe is as follows:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk (or goat milk)
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
• 2 tablespoons plain full-fat yogurt
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of Karo syrup

Instructions: 

1. Dissolve gelatin in warm milk
2. Mix the other ingredients until smooth
3. Serve at 95 to 100 degrees (F)

What Feeding Schedule Is Suitable for Puppies?

After learning how to make puppy replacement milk, it’s important to know when and how to feed them. Of course, newborn puppies will need frequent feeding, especially overnight. The timing will be every 2 to 3 hours. Here is the schedule to follow:

Pro tips:

• Use a special baby bottle designed for puppies to prevent aspiration issues.
• Keep the puppy's belly down while feeding. Never put them on their backs.
• Warm the formula at temperatures between 95 to 100 degrees (F) before feeding. Test on your wrist and make sure there’s a comfortable warmth. Never serve if it is hot, as it can lead to burns.
• Burp puppies gently after feeding.

Best Tips for Using Homemade Formula

Puppies can grow healthy and strong, even if you are using a DIY milk replacer or formula. Here are some tips to follow so you can ensure the best results:

• Monitor Weight Daily: Use a kitchen scale to weigh the puppies. They should gain at least 5 to 10 percent of their birth weight each day.
• Keep Them Warm: Because puppies cannot regulate their body temperature, you’ll want to use a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Alternatively, you can use a heating pad on the low setting.
• Practice Sanitation: Always sterilize bottles and nipples after each feeding. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after use.
• Watch for Dehydration: Look out for symptoms such as poor skin elasticity, lethargy, or dry gums. If you are unsure if such symptoms may exist, contact your veterinarian immediately.

When Should Puppies Transition to Solid Foods?

Puppies will usually wean off their mothers at around the 3rd or 4th week of life. As this happens, consider using a puppy mush that mixes puppy food soaked in a DIY puppy milk replacer. Here’s how to put it together:

• Mix canned puppy food or soft kibble with a small amount of homemade puppy milk replacer.
• Offer it in a shallow dish
• Over time, gradually reduce the amount of milk. This will easily help puppies get used to eating solid foods more confidently.

Keep in mind that messy eating is normal for puppies. It’s important to make sure you monitor them while they eat as well, in case of any additional issues. Puppies are learning to eat, so expect to clean up after they are finished.

Under the Weather Has You Covered from Pups to Seniors

We hope now that you have a go-to recipe for puppy milk replacer. Feeding puppies that may not be getting regular nutrients through their mother’s milk can be a task that you can achieve with ease. You can easily make emergency formulas and have a proper way to feed puppies whenever necessary. When it comes to taking care of them beyond their critical first few weeks, you can also consider dietary and supplementary options from Under the Weather that can help them thrive and live their best life from their puppy years and beyond. Check out what’s available today.