What Can I Feed Newborn Puppies if Their Mother Will Not Feed Them?

Every once in a while, the mother of a new litter of puppies may be physically unable to care for her new pups. Whether her milk is unsuitable or she's not producing enough due to age, this lost source of nutrients significantly impacts the puppies' development. To avoid stunting the puppies' growth, proper care and feeding must take place immediately. Creating a nutrient-rich feeding regimen as soon as possible will provide the puppy with the nourishment needed to thrive.

  1. Consult a Veterinarian

    • Consult a veterinarian.

      Immediately consult a veterinarian regarding your newborn puppy's diet. The veterinarian can provide specific formulas and a list of supplies necessary to properly feed the puppy. The vet also can answer any questions you may have regarding administering the feedings and the feeding schedule. Very specific information like how to hold the puppy, the puppy's growth expectations, the types of bottles to be used, the size of the nipples and additional supplements will come from the veterinarian.

    Homemade Formula

    • If the puppy needs to be fed immediately and there is no puppy milk replacement currently available, then a homemade formula may be used in the meantime. Located in the Resources section is a link to one recipe provided by the Leersburg Kennel. However, Pedialyte may be given instead if commercial puppy milk replacement will be obtained within 24 hours.

    Commercial Puppy Milk Replacement

    • Mother's milk is best, but commercial puppy milk replacements are a viable substitute.

      Puppy milk replacement given via a bottle will be a requirement for puppies not getting their mother's milk. It is best to get the bottles and nipples recommended by the veterinarian. Ensure that the formula is mixed completely (no lumps) and allow it to cool before feeding the puppy. Due to the puppy's inability to gain vital nutrients from its mother, its immune system is comprised, making sanitation and sterilization crucial. Bottles, nipples, cloths -- essentially anything to be used on the puppy or its supplies -- needs to be sterilized.

    Vitamins and Nutrients

    • Newborn puppies' systems need lots of vitamins and nutrients.

      The colostrum of the mother and the mother's milk contain vitamins and nutrients that are required for the newborn puppy. These nutrients must be replaced with alternatives. Adding probiotics, yogurt and nutrient-rich pastes to the formula will provide the puppy with much-needed vitamins and strengthen its immune system.

    Feeding the Puppy

    • When feeding a newborn puppy certain rules must be followed at all times. Not only should boiled water be used for the formula, but bottles should be sterilized as well. Although the puppy bottle size may vary according to the puppy's size, most bottles are big enough to hold 2 to 4 ounces of formula. Holes placed in the nipples should be done with a needle that's been heated by a flame. Two holes usually will suffice. Make sure holes are small enough to prevent milk from streaming when the bottle is held upside-down. Pups should be fed while lying on their stomachs only. In the initial feeding, the puppy may not latch on until you've squeezed a bit of formula in their mouth. However, during all subsequent feedings the puppy should latch onto the nipple immediately.