Emergency Puppy Formula: Best Homemade Recipe for Newborn Puppies

Without a doubt, a puppy's best nutrition comes from its mother's milk. But circumstances can arise when breastfeeding isn't possible - perhaps due to the death of the mother, rejection of her litter, or the risk of disease transmission through milk. If you find yourself in this situation, don't panic! You can make a homemade emergency puppy milk substitute until you find a commercial alternative or a wet nurse.

In this article, we'll give you an easy recipe for a homemade puppy formula, also known as a puppy milk replacer. Widely used by breeders and veterinarians, this recipe ensures that your puppies receive the essential nutrients they need to thrive.

However, it is important to note that feeding orphaned puppies is a challenge and survival is not guaranteed. Even if you use the best DIY puppy milk, your puppies will still need your constant care and attention.

If you are willing to make the effort, feeding your orphaned puppies a homemade puppy milk replacer can be a rewarding experience. It is a chance to save lives and give these precious puppies a second chance at life.

Why Puppies Need Emergency Milk Formula

If you come across orphaned puppies, or if your dog has given birth but can't or won't nurse them, it's important to do everything you can to ensure their survival. In such cases, you'll need an alternative feeding method - artificial lactation.

Fortunately, there are special puppy milks on the market, available in both liquid and dehydrated forms.¹ These milks are carefully formulated to mimic natural mother's milk. Known as formula milk, they are an excellent substitute when dogs cannot nurse naturally.

But if you don't have access to commercial puppy formula, don't worry. You can make a homemade puppy formula from simple ingredients until you can get the commercial product.

Homemade Emergency Puppy Formula Recipe (Vet-Approved)

The amounts of ingredients we give you are enough to feed an entire litter, so you will get quite a bit. If you have only one puppy or a very small litter, divide the amounts. It is not convenient to store the milk for many days; it is better to go every day and use fresh.

For this emergency puppy formula recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:

 

• Milk:
  • Goat's milk is the preferred choice for its nutrients and digestibility.
  • If goat's milk is not available, choose lactose-free cow's milk to avoid digestive problems.
  • The recommended amount is 1100 grams.
• Mineral Water:
  • Add 350 ml of sparkling water to the mix.
• Sweetener:
  • Use 2 teaspoons high fructose corn syrup. If unavailable, substitute honey.
• Greek Yogurt:
  • Choose plain Greek yogurt with at least 10% fat and no added sugar or sweeteners.
  • The amount should be between 800 and 900 grams.
• Egg Yolks:
  • Add 4 raw egg yolks for extra nutrients.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Mix the sweetener and egg yolks:
   • Mix the corn syrup or honey with the egg yolks until well incorporated.
2. Add the Greek yogurt:
   • Next, add the Greek yogurt to the mixture and mix thoroughly. Make sure there are no lumps, as they may clog the jar.
3. Add Liquid Ingredients:
   • While continuing to stir, add the following liquid ingredients:
     • Milk
     • Water
4. Final Step:
   • Once everything is well mixed, your nutritious puppy milk replacer is ready to use! 
     

Remember to follow these steps carefully to provide the best nutrition for your little furry friends!

• Timing: Prepare this milk at least a half hour before feeding your puppies.
• Gentle mixing: Be careful not to over stir. If you stir too vigorously, air bubbles may form in the mixture, which dogs should not ingest.
• Rest: Allow the mixture to stand for a while. During this time, the bubbles will naturally disappear, and your puppy's milk replacer is ready to serve!

Storage and Feeding Guidelines

This milk must be kept cold, in the refrigerator, and can last up to 3 days, although fresher is better. That's why it's important to reduce the amount if you have few puppies or if they're a very small breed.

To avoid contamination from contact with other foods and to prevent bacterial growth, store this emergency puppy formula in clean, tightly sealed plastic or glass bottles. Glass is even better. Take out the one you are going to use and remember to put the rest back in the refrigerator.

This milk formula is high in calories and is ideal for feeding newborn puppies because they need extra fat to start growing. It is a close substitute for colostrum, the first mother's milk they receive at birth.

It is a formula widely used by breeders and veterinarians, so its suitability is guaranteed. However, it is possible that a dog may not feel well and not be able to digest it. In this case, you should stop feeding it immediately.

Remember that this homemade puppy formula recipe is for emergencies and should only be given until you can get a special puppy formula or find a wet nurse. Always rely on the advice and supervision of your veterinarian when caring for a bitch and her puppies before, during, and after delivery. You'll have to work hard to help them survive!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using regular cow’s milk (due to lactose intolerance).
• Not maintaining proper hygiene during preparation.
• Overfeeding or underfeeding the puppies.
• Not consulting a vet for proper guidance.

FAQ

• Can I use cow's milk for puppies?
  • No, regular cow's milk contains lactose, which can cause digestive issues in puppies.² Lactose-free cow's milk is an option if goat's milk is unavailable.
• How often should I feed a newborn puppy?
  • Newborn puppies should be fed every 2-3 hours around the clock for the first week. Gradually increase the time between feedings as they grow.
• What’s the best emergency formula for orphaned puppies?
  • The best emergency puppy formula is one that closely mimics a mother's milk. A mixture of goat milk, greek yogurt, egg yolks and water is a good emergency mix. However, commercial puppy formula is prefered.

Feeding Chart Example

For more puppy care tips, check out our related guides on Homemade Milk Replacer Recipes for Puppies.