How to Feed a Teacup Puppy

Teacup puppies may be smaller than other dogs, but their needs are larger. These tiny dogs come in a variety of breeds, such as poodles, Yorkshire terriers and Pomeranians. Since they̵7;re so small -- once full-grown, teacup puppies will weigh no more than 6 or 7 pounds at most -- their bodies are very delicate and their stomachs are small, so they must eat frequently. These puppies also can easily develop low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, so be on the lookout for listlessness and troubles with coordination, which are signs your puppy needs to see the veterinarian right away.

Things You'll Need

  • Heating mat
  • Food
  • Measuring cup, 1/2 cup
  • Shallow bowl
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy a plastic plate to use as a dish. Teacup puppies are too short to be able to easily eat out of bowls. If you prefer, you may also serve food on a paper plate, replacing it with a new plate a few times a day.

    • 2

      Buy a heating mat designed for use with dogs. Lay the mat out in the area where you want to feed the dog. Set the plate on top. It may take the dog a long time to eat, and since teacup puppies get cold easily, placing the plate on a heating pad ensures the dog stays warm while eating.

    • 3

      Ask your veterinarian to recommend a brand and type of food. Dry kibble is generally recommended for dogs, according to the ASPCA, but your teacup dog may not be able to eat hard food until it's a bit older. Your vet may recommend feeding your puppy meat baby food, which is soft and high in calories, both of which are beneficial for your small dog.

    • 4

      Place a 1/2-cup of food on the plate at the beginning of each day, unless your veterinarian recommends a different amount. Arrange the food close to the edge of the plate so the puppy doesn't have to climb onto the plate in order to eat.

    • 5

      Bring the puppy to the food plate. If the dog seems uninterested in eating, put a bit of food on your fingers and hold it up to the dog's mouth.

    • 6

      Check the food every few hours. Scoop more food onto the plate each time to replenish anything the puppy has eaten. If you're serving soft food that requires refrigeration, throw away any leftover food during each check and replace it with food fresh from the refrigerator.