How to Feed Orphaned Puppies

Have an orphaned puppy? You'll need to step in as nursemaid using the following guidelines.

Things You'll Need

  • Baby Bottle Nipples
  • Baby Bottles
  • Dog Beds
  • Dog Blankets
  • Dog Dishes
  • Dog Food
  • Dog Pillows
  • Dog Toys
  • Doghouses And Doors
  • Formula For Puppies
  • Cotton Swabs
  • Scales
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a bottle and nipple made for nursing puppies or a human preemie nipple bottle (a nipple for premature infants).

    • 2

      Buy commercially prepared formulas for feeding orphaned puppies. Avoid using goat's milk.

    • 3

      Measure out the appropriate amount of milk for the puppy for one day: A 1-week-old puppy needs 13 mL of milk per 100g of body weight, a 2-week-old needs 17mL milk per 100g body weight, a 3-week-old needs 20mL milk per 100g body weight, a 4-week-old needs 22mL milk per 100g body weight.

    • 4

      Divide the above daily dosage by 4, and feed this amount to the puppy four times a day.

    • 5

      Warm the milk.

    • 6

      Invert the bottle to let the milk ooze out slowly before inserting into the puppy's mouth.

    • 7

      Avoid feeding the puppy while she's on her back. It's acceptable for the pup to slightly elevate her front paws while feeding.

    • 8

      Check that the puppy's abdomen is enlarged but not overextended after feeding. Puppies should gain 2 to 4 g per day per kg of anticipated adult dog weight.

    • 9

      Weigh the puppy daily.

    • 10

      Encourage a 3-week-old puppy to eat solid food.